Auto Repair Checklist Template – Free PDF Form

Flammable and hazardous liquids are stored in containers that are either approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation or by the State Fire Marshall, or listed and labeled by the National Registration and Testing Laboratory (UL-listed).

Bungs are closed.

Containers, tanks, and flammables cabinets are labeled with the name of the material they hold (for example, waste oil) and the type of hazard they present (e.g., flammable).

Flammables are stored in an area (such as an air-tight metal cabinet, metal cabinet vented to the outside, or flammables storage room) approved by the local fire department.

Waste storage area is labeled and limits of area are marked.

Flammable liquids are grounded and bonded during transfer, and grounded during storage.

There are no leaks or excessive spillage in chemical or waste storage areas, including around solvent sinks, pumps, pipes, hoses, couplings, fittings, and valves.

Drums of materials and wastes stored outside of the building have secondary containment (e.g., berms). Otherwise, drums are empty and clean.

Building has two-hour firewalls (two walls of sheetrock or masonry) between repair garage and attached structures.

Fire doors are equipped with automatic closures.

All openings in walls and ceilings are sealed.

A 40BC fire extinguisher is available, with 10BC extinguishers positioned every 50 feet. (Additional extinguishers may be necessary if the building is made of combustible materials.)

Employees have been trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

Signs are posted over each extinguisher.

Aisles and emergency exits are clear, and exit signs are posted over doors.

Smoking is prohibited where the repair work is done and allowed only in designated areas.

Electrical receptacles have no open grounds or reverse polarity.

Circuits are labeled and the circuit box is closed. Access to the circuit box is clear within 5-10 feet.

Electrical outlets have cover plates. No wires are frayed, damaged, or taped off.

Wiring is enclosed in Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) or rigid metal pipe.

There is adequate central ventilation and adequate local ventilation for carbon monoxide from tailpipe exhaust systems.

Lighting is adequate.

Floor drains are connected to the sewer (with approval from sewer authority) or equipped with an approved oil-water separator or tight tank.

There are no cracks in the floor that would allow leakage.

Floors are made of noncombustible material, free of oil and grease, and sealed.

Underground storage tank and aboveground storage tanks are permitted by appropriate state agency or local fire department (as required).

Waste oil furnaces are permitted by appropriate state agency or local fire department (as required).

There are no illegal furnaces or space heaters in use.

Lifts have operable safety locks, and are tested and serviced monthly.

Electrical cords are intact and have grounding prongs.

Light bulbs are teflon-coated (rough service).

The shop has written contingency plans for fire prevention, emergencies, and spill control.

Spill control materials are available on site.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are available for all toxic chemicals.

No food is consumed in the shop area.

Eyewash and showers providing 15 minutes of continuous flush are available in areas where acids and bases are used.

Employees are trained in chemical hazard, safety, and emergency preparedness.

Drained waste fluids such as waste oil, antifreeze, and solvents are stored in separate drums or tanks.

Waste oil is removed by a licensed transporter or burned on-site in an approved heater.

Oil filters are punctured and hot drained over waste oil drum for the required amount of time, and then recycled or disposed properly.

Oily shop rags are placed in sealed, labeled metal containers and are managed properly.

Oily absorbents are disposed according to state regulations.

Solvent parts cleaner is closed.

A licensed transporter picks up and recycles solvents or disposes solvents as hazardous waste.

Parts cleaner is labeled with material name and hazard type.

If a flammable solvent is used, the parts cleaner has a fusible link that locks shut in the case of fire.

Parts cleaner is registered with the state environmental agency (if required).

Welding/cutting is permitted by the local fire department.

Compressed gas cylinders are firmly installed by chaining to a portable dolly or to the wall in an upright position.

Fire extinguishers are available in the welding/cutting area.

Employees wear protective clothing and welding helmets with shields.

Flammables are not used or stored nearby.

Machinery is grounded.

Local ventilation is adequate.

Employees wear safety glasses with side shields.

Equipment is bolted into the floor.

Pullies on the grinder are covered with a safety guard.

The grinding wheel offset is no greater than 1/8 inch.

Shop uses HEPA filtered vacuum system or a wet method of grinding to prevent asbestos exposure.

Refrigerant recovery machines are licensed by U.S. EPA.

Refrigerant recovery operators are certified by U.S. EPA.

Antifreeze is labeled and recycled or disposed properly.

If radiator repair includes brazing, procedures are in place to control and monitor lead.

Batteries are stored in a single layer on pallets or shelving with an impermeable base, and are properly recycled.

Tires stored outside are covered and properly disposed.

Section C: Deficiencies and Recommended Actions. Use this section to note areas where the shop is out of compliance, and to provide information about how to correct deficiencies or any other comments.

The requirements listed here are based on federal environmental and health and safety regulations, as well as nationally recognized fire code. While the checklist includes the primary concerns of regulatory inspections, it is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of compliance requirements.