Required PPE for Auto Mechanics and Manufacturers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanics are more likely to experience minor and fatal injuries than the average worker. PPE for auto mechanics can prevent these injuries and enhance the safety of an automotive-related work environment. Keep reading to learn more about automotive safety, injuries, PPE, and sustainably using protective materials.

What PPE Do Car Manufacturers and Mechanics Require?

Car manufacturers and mechanics work with hazardous chemicals and heavy-duty equipment, so they require specific personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent injuries. The most common shop injuries include:

  • Sprains and strained muscles from repetitive motions
  • Eye injuries from hazardous chemicals
  • Chemical burns
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Hand tool-related injuries
  • System malfunction injuries

Many accidents happen in the automotive industry because of malfunctioning equipment and human error. PPE helps protect auto shop workers from potential injuries or safety hazards. Let’s break down what types of PPE are necessary for both mechanics and manufacturers:

PPE for Auto Mechanics

OSHA has regulations for mechanic shops that help keep employees safe. OSHA’s PPE regulations require the use of appropriate PPE, including:

  • Aprons
  • Coveralls
  • Coats
  • Pants
  • Hats
  • Hoods
  • Gloves
  • Knee pads for working on cars
  • Sleeves (Kevlar or mesh)
  • Chemical protective suits
  • Safety glasses
  • Foam pads

PPE for Car Manufacturers

Car manufacturers work with a lot of large machines. If those machines aren’t properly guarded, they could fall over or leak oil, causing a trip hazard. Because of these potential safety hazards, car manufacturers must use PPE to keep them safe from injuries, including:

  • Nitrile-dipped, cut-resistant gloves
  • Kevlar sleeves
  • Maintenance gloves
  • Knit gloves
  • Industrial absorbent mats to prevent slips

How To Cut PPE Costs and Increase Sustainability

PPE is necessary to protect automotive workers—but it’s also expensive and unsustainable. A lot of PPE for auto mechanics are disposable or single-use, including:

Luckily, there are ways to combat the high prices of PPE while reusing materials.

PPE Laundering Programs

A lot of PPE for auto mechanics can be laundered and reused. Instead of throwing away dirty protective gear, send it to a professional PPE launderer and get it sent back to you as good as new. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Gather all of your dirty PPE from your auto shop or manufacturer. Place the equipment in an industrial drum sent to you by your laundering partner.
  2. Your launderer separates and sorts your PPE by type to ensure each kind is properly treated.
  3. PPE is cleaned with industrial, non-hazardous chemicals and treated with care.
  4. PPE runs through a metal detector to ensure no sharp objects or materials are in it.
  5. Any metal particles are removed from PPE.
  6. PPE is checked for quality and damage (tears, chemical burns, etc.)
  7. Your laundering partner pairs your PPE, repackages it, and sends it back to you.
  8. The launderer generates a PPE processing report that shows laundered vs. scrap per PPE type.

With a program like this in place, your PPE lasts longer and saves your automotive business money on PPE.

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PPE Laundering Benefits

Reusable PPE is sturdier and higher quality than disposable PPE for auto mechanics. Washable PPE is thicker and made with better materials. Laundering your PPE ensures your automotive business is fully stocked with durable PPE for your employees.

Minimal Liquid Discharge Programs

A minimal liquid discharge program is excellent for auto mechanic PPE and cleaning supplies. With this program, any oils or liquids are professionally extracted from your PPE, tags, and oil-absorbent mats. The extracted waste is recycled and repurposed, so you’re creating less waste while keeping your equipment in great condition.

Want Access to PPE Laundering Services?

Don’t waste your money on poorly made, single-use PPE. Instead, partner with Closed Loop Recycling, an industry-leading professional PPE launderer, to reuse your high-quality eco-friendly PPE for auto mechanics.

Our laundering process has helped businesses reuse nearly two million pounds of PPE that would’ve otherwise ended up in a landfill. Our PPE recycling program saves our customers 80% of the costs of PPE because they don’t have to repurchase single-use equipment constantly.

Contact us today to learn more about our PPE laundering services and how they benefit your automotive business.