Analysis of safety practices by automobile mechanics at siwdo

Alexander Decker
Alexander DeckerEditor in chief à International Institute for Science, Technology and Education
Industrial Engineering Letters                                                                         www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

   Analysis of Safety Practices by Automobile Mechanics at SIWDO
                              KOKOMPE
                                           FESTUS MOTEY
                                         MSc ENGINEERING
                             HEAD, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
                                      CAPE COAST POLYTECHNIC
                                            P.O.BOX AD 50
                                             CAPE COAST
                                          CENTRAL REGION
                                         festusmot@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Education on occupational safety is geared towards ensuring that injuries on workers during the performance of their
duties are either eliminated or reduced to the barest minimum. Thus the Automobile Mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe
must be educated on implementation and improvement of mandatory job safety, standard, shop regulation and
accident prevention.

Furthermore, they must use tools according to manufactured specifications; locate the devices and hazardous
substances safely. Siwdo Kokompe was chosen because of the large cluster of automobile artisans there. Qualitative
and Quantitative data was obtained using interviews for twenty three mechanics which represents 99% of the
mechanics. This research reveals conclusively that there must be intensive education on the use of safety wears, fire
extinguishers and ventilated rooms and also on the non-usage of faulty equipments/tools. Conclusively there is the
need for education on safety and some tools.
Keywords: Automobile Mechanics; Safety; Tools; Injuries; Servicing

INTRODUCTION
Industrial safety in general is the concern of the well being of workers in the course of performing their duties. Also
in Ghana, lack of interest in industrial safety has resulted to industrial disasters. The automobile mechanics at Siwdo
Kokompe must be made aware that observing regulations at their shops will prevent accidents and therefore shop
safety, personal safety as well as emergency procedures is very important regardless of experience. Throwing more
light and documenting safety conditions at Siwdo Kokompe will ensure continuous improvement in availability and
non-usage of safety gargets.

Further more, occupational safety will be ensured and disasters reduced drastically for the automobile mechanics at
Siwdo if mandatory job safety standards are implemented and continuously improved. Thus the right tools must be
used, instructions properly followed and mandatory use of safety gargets. There have not being massive as well as
intensive education of any form on safety practices for these mechanics. Fatigue and lack of time management are
some of the factors responsible for accidents and injuries as well as low productivity. No or poor maintenances of
tools and equipment may also result in accidents and injuries. The common injuries are cuts, wounds, burns among
others.

REVIEWED LITERATURE
History and location of Siwdo-Kokompe in Cape Coast
Automobile artisans working on all aspects of automobile were formally located at the present day Ewim Nurses Flat
at Kotokoraba in the Central Business Centre of Cape Coast in the Central Regional Capital. At that time, the area
has seen springing up of cluster of workshops for craftsmen who do various types of repairs and services on
automobile. At this location there were shops selling everything on automobiles. These craftsmen or artisans are
automobile electricians, sprayers, vulcanizes, welders (gas and arch) and mechanics.

These workers were relocated in the year 1968 to present and premised at Siwdo Kokompe to pave way for the
construction of the Ewim Nurses Flat. The Siwdo Kokompe cluster of craftmen is located between the Adisadel

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Vol.3, No.2, 2013

Estates and the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium, thus on the right side of the John Mensah Sarbah dual carriage road
when going to the stadium from the Pedu Junction. Finally, a little over 40 shops were found at Siwdo Kokompe but
now close to 200 shops can be seen at the place including machine shops, wind screen repair shops upholstery shops,
blacksmith shops and iron casting shops.

Light and heavy duty automobile mechanics as well as specialized automobile mechanics were also located at Siwdo
Kokompe. The specialized mechanics include automatic gear box specialist, carburetor specialist among others. On
the average, about 300 vehicles visit Siwdo Kokompe on daily basis for all types of repairs. The activities at Siwdo
Kokompe is said to be the main factor for the pollution of the Fosu Lagoon. These activities are welding, spraying,
automobiles electrical works, automobiles mechanical works, fabricating, vulcanizing, blacksmithing among others.

Automobile Mechanic Practices at Siwdo Kokompe in Cape Coast
Mechanically, the automobile consist of many different parts that work together to provide motion. The basic
components of the automobile are engine, chassis, drive train and body. Servicing of automobiles at Siwdo-
Kokompe involves the function of effective regular maintenance. The mechanical maintenance practices involves the
care and up keeping of the mechanical parts according to schedules. These procedures or activities are oil and filter
changing belt and hoses replacement, tune-ups, lubrication among others. The repairs are re-fixing of new parts,
bolts, nuts among others.

Safety Practices that must be done at Siwdo Kokompe by the Automobile Mechanics
The common elements or factors of safety to be noted and practices by the mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe are:
    i)       Shop layouts and proper location of safety devices
    ii)      Proper usage and safe handling of the following:
             a. Power Tools
             b. Compressed Air
             c. Hydraulic Jacks and Hoist
             d. Jack Stands
             e. Chain Hoists and Cranes
             f. Exhaust Gases from running Engines
             g. Equipment Defects and Misuse
             h. Fire Prevention
             i. Fire Extinguishers
             j. Special Precautions.

Shop Layout and Location of Safety Devices
The Automobile Mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe must have proper layout of their shops. Thus the layout must show
assignable areas or locations of work, equipment and tools, work benches, lifts, hoists, offices and restricted storage
rooms. The floors must be marked with coloured paint lines indicating dangerous areas, emergency areas among
others. Also there must be instructional as well as special signs for warnings and operations of specialized trained
equipment. These signs and markings must show the locations of all types of existing fire extinguishers and their
usage, telephones, first aid kits among others. There must also be warning signs on walls for avoidable hazards and
no horse plays.

Hand Tools
These mechanics use tools such as screw drivers, hammers and wrenches which are also known as hand tools. Thus
they are operated by the power of the hand. These are commonly used tools so they must be carefully handled.

These mechanics must keep their hands clean, clear and dry before using such tools otherwise when the tools shift
and fall on moving or non-moving parts they can fly and cause injuries. Usage of wrong, broken and bent tools can
cause damage to parts, the tools themselves and human.




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Power Tools
These mechanics use tools which make use of power from external sources such as electrical power, compressed air
and hydraulic pressure as a result they are called power tools. As such their operation must not be careless and safety
glasses or face shield must be used. Operational instructions of these tools must be properly followed. They must be
checked for good conditions and protective covers must be provided for safety where necessary. Protective covers or
safe guards must cover moving parts and keep all hands as well as loose clothing away from moving parts. When
these tools are not in use, the mechanics must turn them off and disconnect the source of power.
Compressed Air
Some tools are powered by air under pressure directed through hoses. Such an air is referred to as compressed air.
When these mechanics are using these tools they must wear safety glasses or face shield since the compressed air
may blow dirt, metal pieces or glass particles into their eyes resulting into injuries. Also they must check all
connections, nozzle looseness and they must not use the air for any form of cleaning.

Hydraulic Jacks and Hoist
Some of the Automobile Mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe use the hydraulic jacks to permanently support automobiles
at heights relative to normal human heights. Most of them use jacks to raise the automobiles before working under.
Caution must be taken by them with respect to the jack and hoist manufacturers instructions before using them. Also
they must close all doors, boots, trunk lids and apply the appropriate gears and brakes. Nobody must be in the vehicle
before jacking or hoisting. Nobody must be under an automobile before they do jacking hoisting and appropriate
locking devices must be applied just after jacking or hoisting. They must also use jack stands or safety stands as extra
support after jacking or hoisting.

Chain Hoist and Cranes
These mechanics service many engines whiles they are running at different speeds resulting in emission of dangerous
gases. They must provide exhaust emission system for enclosing shops since most of them operate in enclosed shops
which are not ventilated and they must also direct the exhaust outside these shops. They must also put gears in
appropriate positions. All the above instructions are necessary because these engines emit exhaust forms that contain
carbon monoxide and other poisonous fumes that are very harmful to humans. When handling harmful chemicals
such as acids, paints and hot liquids which can cause damage to clothing, skin, and eyes, these mechanics must wear
safety glasses or face shields, gloves and long sleeves, overalls or coats or shop aprons.

Equipment Safety
These mechanics must make sure that fans, belts, pulleys, grinders, chains and other energy transmission devices are
properly covered with guards. All electrical connections must be properly insulated to prevent fire and electrocution.

Fire Prevention and Fire Extinguishers
These mechanics are to keep liquids funnels, solvents, paints and other combustibles in fire proof containers which
must also be kept in restricted rooms or areas. These rooms or areas must be marked “no smoking “ or “no fire” since
the combustibles may explode or ignite easily. These fire proof containers must not be breakable containers and
evaporation must not occur from them. The mechanics must clean off any spilled combustibles from the floor with
dry rags and dry them outside the shops where there is no naked fire. They must provide all types of fire
extinguishers at many locations and every worker must be educated on the use of such extinguishers.

Special Precautions
Before testing vehicles, they must test the breaks first. They the mechanics must make sure that nobody, tools and
equipment are under the automobile. They must put on safety belts and drive at appropriate speeds.
Safety Precautions to be done during Servicing by the Automobile Mechanics
These mechanics must properly raise supports and secure the tires on the ground properly before changing engine
oils and oil filters in order to prevent the automobiles from moving. Hot oil drained may cause injuries in contact
with the skin, so face shields, gloves and overalls must be put on. In order to prevent burns from signs such as hot
manifolds, pipes and mufflers, writing signs such as keep off, “danger” or “hot surfaces” must be placed at such
surfaces . The mechanics must stop the practice of opening radiator caps when coolants are hot since the hot pressure

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Industrial Engineering Letters                                                                        www.iiste.org
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Vol.3, No.2, 2013

coolant can gush and splash out to cause burns. They must not wear loose dresses and jewelry since they can enter
moving parts to cause injuries.

Ethylene glycol in anti-freeze is poisonous and inflammable so the mechanics must be careful when handling
antifreeze fluids. Fans driven by electric motors are automatic in starting, so the mechanics must switch off the
source of power or disconnect them before working on them or around them. When checking leakages as well as
working on fuel system servicing of automobiles, these mechanics must make sure the shops are well ventilated.
They must also make sure that appropriate fire extinguishers are available and naked fire is not around them, further
more, they must wear face shields, rubber gloves and appropriate overalls. All the above protective wears must be
put on by these mechanics when hammering. Since batteries contain harmful sulfuric acid, electrolyte, the
automobile mechanics working around them must wear face shields or protective goggles, rubber gloves, overalls
and must keep enough fresh water near them to clean off any acid spillage on them. They must not wear jewelries to
avoid electrocution or explosion whenever there is contact with battery terminals. They must not fill the batteries to
avoid electrolyte spillage and must remove or disconnect the ground terminal of the battery. To prevent breathing of
fumes or particles, they must wear nose mask or any nose/ breathing protection devices. They must not touch high
energy cables, keep hands as well as arms away from moving belts and pulleys. They must remove and replace
electrical units when no power sources are connected to the circuits whiles all switches are put in off position. When
servicing emission control systems, they must not wear long sleeves, watches and jewelries. These mechanics must
allow the exhaust system to cool completely before any of services are done on them.

During inspections, they must move their hands and fingers slowly around the edges and use shop rays when lifting
or moving parts. They must be properly educated on power mechanics before their usage in order to avoid injuries.
And loose parts must be firmly supported. Safety goggles or face shield must be worn before working under
vehicles. There is asbestos fibers in the clutch and break assembly systems which is dangerous to human health.
These mechanics must use special vacuum dealers to remove dust from the assemblies so that no asbestos fibers get
to the atmosphere to be breathed to cause health hazard. The servicing areas of clutch assembly must be well
ventilated and breathing mask must be worn before such services are done. Before the servicing, the automobile must
be raised and supported by jack stands or hoists. During testing nobody must stand in front or behind the automobile.
Also before servicing automatic transmissions, the automobile temperature must cool down completely, disconnect
the ground terminal before doing this servicing as well as servicing of axles. When these mechanics are servicing
differential and driving axles, they must be careful to avoid cuts by sharp objects.

Whiles servicing suspension systems, they must keep their hands and fingers away from parts since the parts can
move any time and may cause servicing injuries. When they are working around or on engines fan assembly, they
must remove the ground terminal of the battery. They must replace any damage parts of the steering but they must
not straighten or connect any such parts. The mechanics must allow the vehicles to cool down completely before
working on or around the steering system since hot parts and fluids can cause accidents and burns. All testing after
servicing can cause accidents so the mechanics must do them carefully. For servicing of alignment, they must work
carefully since they work in light areas around the wheel. They must tighten fasteners in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations. They must mark fires appropriately and all balancing attachments must be
securely tightened as well as safety guards properly fixed. They must wear safety goggles or face shields before
replacing rotor and also clean all rotors properly before training.

Safety Wear
All the work involved in the profession of automobile mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe in Cape Coast leads to handling
dangerous and hazardous substances. These are sharp and heavy metals, oils, chemicals among others. Therefore
there is the need for these mechanics to wear properly manufactured safety wears to protect them against all these
dangers of cuts and burns resulting from the handling of such materials. These protective wears include:
     a) Safety Boots
     b) Overalls and Aprons
     c) Hand Gloves
     d) Safety Glasses or Face Shields

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    e)   Earplugs and Filter or Mask Respirators:

Safety Boots
These are recommended boots for automobile mechanics. They have steel tipped front end which protect the toes
from hot sparks or falling objects. The soles under are made of tough rubber which prevent shipping when the floor
is oily and electrical shocks when live wires and stepped on. The top and sides of these boots which covers the steel
at the tip is made of hard leather which is liquid proof. Due the fact that automobiles mechanic practices require the
handling of heavy objects, these boots are needed for feet protection.

Overalls and Aprons
These protective clothing are normally made of natural thick fiber or cotton. They do not have loose long sleeves and
protect the human body against radiations from hot fluids (hot radiator water and hot lubrication oils), sulphuric
acids from batteries and other hazardous substances.

Hand Gloves
These are made up of leather or rubber that is tough and liquid proof. The leather or rubber is resistant to chemical
corrosion. The lining of these gloves are rubber in order to protect their hands against sharp cuts, corrosion, burns,
toxics, contaminations and other injuries. They are tough unpenetrative resistant transparent plastics. Pure glasses
are not recommended since they crack and damage the eyes if they are hit by flying objects. These devices have
either supporting metal or plastic frames. These devices protect the eyes of these mechanics from the damage of
grinding practices, dust, filing metal practices, scratches, pressured fluids and corrosion.

Earplugs and Filter or Mask Respirators
Earplugs or mufflers are recommended and specially manufactured devices that protect the ears of the automobile
mechanic against loss of hearing, noise and pollutants. Example is the silicon ear plug. These mechanics must wear
respiratory safety devices to protect them against breathing of toxic exhaust fumes, asbestos, dusty chemicals and
tiny metal practices that cause respiratory illness.

METHODOLOGY
This research was done at Siwdo Kokompe because it is largest clutter of artisans (automobile mechanics) in the
Cape Coast metropolis in particular and Central Region as a whole. As a result, collection of qualitative and
quantitative data for analysis to substantiate this conclusions or claims makes it possible for the research to see the
light of the days. The methodology adopted for the research was the quantitative approach since substantive analysis,
conclusions and recommendation must be made to signify that there is the need for intensive safety education for
these automobile mechanics. Therefore, this data collection and analysis was the most efficient means of making this
research a reality, definitely the target group for this research was the automobile mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe.
This method involves the use of structured questionnaires and interviews. In all, 23 questionnaires were administered
representing 98% of these mechanics.




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Table 1A: Automobile Mechanics Shops at Siwdo Kokompe and Corresponding Names of

Shop Masters

SHOP NAME                                            SHOP MASTER’S NAME
.KYESO NYAME                                         DANIEL INKOOM
OBENG BOAT VENTURES                                  MASTER OBENG
SHALOM FITTING                                       HARISON ATULINYAH
OBEN FITTING SHOP                                    MR. OBEN
YESU ADOM FITTING SHOP                               MASTER SOLO
OFIR NYAME FITTING                                   JOSEPH ESSIEN
EKOW ACKOW FITTING SHOP                              EKOW ACRON
OPPONG FITTING SHOP                                  MASTER OPPONG
TONY MOTORS                                          ANTHONY ACKONGOODE
BONNY FITTING SHOP                                   GEORGE BONNY
OPPONG DANKWA FITTING SHOP                           OPPONG DANKWA
ABU FITTING SHOP                                     MASTER ABU
MASTER KWAME FITTING SHOP                            MASTER KWAME
DABI WO BE KAE ME                                    MASTER KOFI
NII FITTING SHOP                                     MASTER NII
AMEEN FITTING SHOP                                   AMEEN ALHASAN
RANSFORD FITTING SHOP                                MASTER RANSFORD
GYE NYAME MOTORS                                     PHILIP WIREDU
KWEKU BADU FITTING SHOP                              KWEKU BADU
CHRISTIAN MOTORS                                     MASTER CHRISTIAN
MAWULI FITTING                                       MASTER MAWULI

IF GOD IS FOR US NO ONE IS AGAINST US                MASTER PEE

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Table 1B: Right Tools Analysis

QUESTION                       RESPONSE                   FREQUENCY         PERCENTAGE

                              EXCELLENT                        2                9.09
RELATIVE
                              VERY GOOD                        18              81.82
ANALYSIS OF
                                    POOR                       0                 0
THE RIGHT
                                    BAD                        0                 O
TOOLS
                                    GOOD                       2                9.09

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



Figure 1B: Right Tools

 90
                            81.82
 80

 70

 60

 50
                                                                             FREQUENCY
 40                                                                          PERCENTAGE

 30
                       18
 20
              9.09                         9.09
 10
          2                            2              0    0        0   0
  0
       EXCELLENT     VERY GOOD        GOOD            POOR          BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)


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Industrial Engineering Letters                                             www.iiste.org
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Table 2: Helment and Guards Covering Moving Parts Analysis


QUESTION                     RESPONSE                FREQUENCY   PERCENTAGE


ANALYSIS AND                EXCELLENT                    0           0

USES OF THE                 VERY GOOD                    6          13.64

HELMENT AND                     GOOD                    15          34.09

GUARDS                          POOR                    20          45.45

COVERING
                                 BAD                     3          6.82
PARTS.

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Figure 2: Helment and Guards Covering Moving Parts




  50
                                                      45.45
  45

  40
                                         34.09
  35

  30

  25                                                                              FREQENCY
                                                 20                               PRECENTAGE
  20
                                    15
  15                       13.64

  10                                                               6.82
                       6
    5                                                          3
           0   0
    0
        EXCELLENT   VERY GOOD       GOOD         POOR             BAD



Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)

Table 3: Fire Warning Signs

QUESTION                      RESPONSE                  FREQUENCY         PERCENTAGE

                              EXCELLENT                       0               O

ANALYSIS OF                   VERY GOOD                       1              4.55

FIRE WEARING                       GOOD                       4              18.18

SIGNS                              POOR                       17             77.27

                                   BAD                        0               0

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)


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 90

 80                                                            77.27

 70

 60

 50
                                                                                        FREQUENCY
 40                                                                                     PERCENTAGE

 30
                                              18.18       17
 20

 10                           4.55        4
          0    0          1                                            0    0
  0
        EXECELLENT      VERY GOOD         GOOD            POOR         BAD

Figure 3: Fire Warning Signs

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




Table 4: Restricted Areas or Rooms Analysis

QUESTION                      RESPONSE                 FREQUENCY           PERCENTAGE

                              EXCELLENT                    0                     0

ANALYSIS OF                   VERY GOOD                    4                    18.18

RESTRICTED                      GOOD                       13                   59.09

AREAS OR ROOMS                  POOR                       5                    22.73

                                 BAD                       0                     0

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



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Figure 4: Restricted Areas or Rooms

 70

                                          59.09
 60


 50


 40
                                                                             FREQUENCY
 30                                                                          PERCENTAGE
                                                       22.73
 20                        18.18
                                     13
 10
                       4                           5
          0   0                                                     0   0
  0
       EXCELLENT     VERY GOOD       GOOD          POOR             BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



Table 5: Faulty Equipment Analysis

QUESTION                      RESPONSE                 FREQUENCY            PERCENTAGE

                             EXCELLENT                         0                 0
ANALYSIS AND
                             VERY GOOD                         1                4.55
USAGE OF
                                   GOOD                        6               27.27
FAULTY
                                   POOR                        12              54.55
EQUIPMENT
                                   BAD                         3               13.66

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Figure 5: Faulty Equipment

 60


 50


 40


 30                                                            FREQUENCY
                                                               PERCENTAGE

 20


 10


  0
       EXCELLENT     VERY GOOD       GOOD         POOR   BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Table 6: Well Ventilate Rooms Analysis

QUESTION                       RESPONSE               FREQUENCY                 PERCENTAGE

                            EXCELLENT                          0                     0
ANALYSIS OF
                            VERY GOOD                          0                     0
WELL
                                 GOOD                          6                   27.27
VENTILATED
                                 POOR                          13                  59.09
ROOMS
                                 BAD                           3                   13.66

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



Figure 6: Well Ventilated Rooms

 70

                                                       59.09
 60


 50


 40
                                                                                 FREQUENCY
 30                                      27.27                                   PERCENTAGE


 20
                                                  13                    13.66

 10                                  6
                                                                    3
          0   0        0   0
  0
       EXCELLENT     VERY GOOD       GOOD         POOR              BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Table 7: Equipment/Tools Cleaning Analysis

QUESTION                      RESPONSE                 FREQUENCY          PERCENTAGE

EFFECTIVE                    EXCELLENT                         0               0

CLEANING OF                  VERY GOOD                         6             27.27

EQUIPMENT/                         GOOD                        13            59.09

TOOLS BEFORE                       POOR                        0             13.66

USING.                             BAD                         0               0

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



Figure 7: Equipment / Tools Cleaning

 70

                                          59.09
 60


 50


 40
                                                                           FREQUENCY
 30                        27.27                                           PERCENTAGE


 20
                                     13                13.66

 10                    6
                                                   3
          0   0                                                       0
  0
       EXCELLENT     VERY GOOD       GOOD          POOR             BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Table 8: Goggles and Ear Plug usage Analysis

QUESTION                     RESPONSE                  FREQUENCY                PERCENTAGE

                            EXCELLENT                           0                    0
ANALYSIS AND
                            VERY GOOD                           2                   4.55
USAGE OF
                                  GOOD                          10                 22.73
GOGGLES AND
                                  POOR                          30                 68.18
EAR PLUG.
                                  BAD                           2                   4.55

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



Figure 8: Goggles and Ear Plug usage Analysis

 80

                                                        68.18
 70

 60

 50

 40                                                                              FREQUENCY
                                                   30                            PRECENTAGE
 30
                                          22.73
 20
                                     10
 10                        4.55                                          4.55
                       2                                             2
          0   0
  0
       EXCELLENT     VERY GOOD       GOOD          POOR              BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Table 9: Gloves and Safety Boots usage Analysis

QUESTION                     RESPONSE                 FREQUENCY             PERCENTAGE

                            EXCELLENT                          0                 0
ANALYSIS AND
                            VERY GOOD                          3                6.82
USAGE OF
                                  GOOD                         26              59.01
GLOVES AND
                                  POOR                         12              27.27
SAFETY BOOTS
                                  BAD                          3                 0

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



Figure 9: Gloves and Safety Boots usage Analysis

 70

                                          59.1
 60


 50


 40
                                                                             FREQUENCY
 30                                  26                27.27                 PERCENTAGE


 20
                                                  12
 10                        6.82
                       3                                            3
          0   0                                                         0
  0
       EXCELLCENT    VERY GOOD       GOOD         POOR              BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)




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Table 10: Fire Extinguishers Analysis

QUESTION                           RESPONSE                     FREQUENCY                  PERCENTAGE

                                  EXCELLENT                             0                            0

ANALYSIS AND                      VERY GOOD                             0                            0

USAGE OF FIRE                          GOOD                             9                          40.91

EXTINGUISHERS                          POOR                             12                         45.55

                                          BAD                           1                          4.55

Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)



Figure 10: Fire Extinguishers

  50
                                                     45.55
  45
                                          40.91
  40

  35

  30

  25                                                                                           FREQUENCY
                                                                                               PERCENTAGE
  20

  15                                               12
                                      9
  10
                                                                     4.55
   5
           0   0        0   0                                    1
   0
        EXCELLENT VERY GOOD          GOOD          POOR           BAD


Source: Author’s Field Work (2012)


DISCUSSION
Initially the survey focuses on the right tools because the use of wrong tools contributes significantly to the causes of
injuries (burns and cuts). But the results of the survey reveal that 51.85% of the tools used are the correct ones.


                                                           17
Industrial Engineering Letters                                                                        www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

According to the survey the use of helmet and guards covering moving parts have 45.45% poor condition and
43.09% good. Fire warnings signs gave 77.27% poor and 18.18% good. Restricted areas or rooms have 59.09%
good and 22.73% poor. The availability of faulty equipment saw 54.55% good and 27.27 poor. The survey shows
that there is 59.09% good and 27.27% for equipment/tools cleaning. Referring to goggles and ear plugs, the survey
indicated that there was 68.18% for poor and 22.73% good. The author’s field survey work shows that gloves and
safety boots saw 59.01% poor and 40.91% good.

CONCLUSIONS
This research can firmly conclude that the conditions that the right tools were used were very good for almost all the
automobile mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe in Cape Coast. The wearing of helmets and safety guards are poor and
slightly good with no excellent. Conclusively, the condition of fire warning signs were largely poor with only a small
goodness provision of restricted areas or rooms was averagely good and fairly poor. Half of the faulty equipments
were in poor conditions, whiles a fair number of them were also good and bad. More than half of the well ventilated
rooms are not ventilated and only a small fraction is in relatively good condition. The practice of cleaning
equipment/tools before using is good and very good for greater proportion of these mechanics with only small
fraction doing this properly. The wearing of protective goggles and ear plug was in the category of poor and bad for
most of them with relatively smaller number of them are very good and good in the using of gloves and safety boots.
This practice is poor and bad. Conclusively, the use of fire extinguishers was poor and bad.

RECOMMENDATIONS
As a result of information gathered and conclusion arrived at during this research, the following recommendations
are made below:
Education must be intensified on the following:
                  a. The continuous usage of the right tools
                  b. Immediate and serious improvement in use of helmet and covering guards for moving parts
                  c. Provision of fire warnings signs, restricted areas or rooms an well ventilated rooms
                  d. Avoiding the use of faulty equipment and proper cleaning of equipment/tools before usage
                  e. Wearing of goggles, earplugs, gloves and safety boots
                  f. Proper usage of fire extinguishers
                  g. First aid and victims handing
                  h. Insuring of people, equipment and machines
                  i. Fire handing and prevention.

REFERENCES
Michael Fitzpatrick. Machining and CNC Technology
Cape Coast Polytechnic Students hand book (Tertiary) 2009 and 2010
Paul Dempsey. Trouble Shoot and repair a small Gas Turbine.
Williams J. Dekryger, Robert T. Kovacik and Saverio G. Bono. Auto Mechanics: Theory and Service
Barry Wellington and Alan Asmus. Diesel Engines and Fuel System




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Analysis of safety practices by automobile mechanics at siwdo

  • 1. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Analysis of Safety Practices by Automobile Mechanics at SIWDO KOKOMPE FESTUS MOTEY MSc ENGINEERING HEAD, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAPE COAST POLYTECHNIC P.O.BOX AD 50 CAPE COAST CENTRAL REGION festusmot@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Education on occupational safety is geared towards ensuring that injuries on workers during the performance of their duties are either eliminated or reduced to the barest minimum. Thus the Automobile Mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe must be educated on implementation and improvement of mandatory job safety, standard, shop regulation and accident prevention. Furthermore, they must use tools according to manufactured specifications; locate the devices and hazardous substances safely. Siwdo Kokompe was chosen because of the large cluster of automobile artisans there. Qualitative and Quantitative data was obtained using interviews for twenty three mechanics which represents 99% of the mechanics. This research reveals conclusively that there must be intensive education on the use of safety wears, fire extinguishers and ventilated rooms and also on the non-usage of faulty equipments/tools. Conclusively there is the need for education on safety and some tools. Keywords: Automobile Mechanics; Safety; Tools; Injuries; Servicing INTRODUCTION Industrial safety in general is the concern of the well being of workers in the course of performing their duties. Also in Ghana, lack of interest in industrial safety has resulted to industrial disasters. The automobile mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe must be made aware that observing regulations at their shops will prevent accidents and therefore shop safety, personal safety as well as emergency procedures is very important regardless of experience. Throwing more light and documenting safety conditions at Siwdo Kokompe will ensure continuous improvement in availability and non-usage of safety gargets. Further more, occupational safety will be ensured and disasters reduced drastically for the automobile mechanics at Siwdo if mandatory job safety standards are implemented and continuously improved. Thus the right tools must be used, instructions properly followed and mandatory use of safety gargets. There have not being massive as well as intensive education of any form on safety practices for these mechanics. Fatigue and lack of time management are some of the factors responsible for accidents and injuries as well as low productivity. No or poor maintenances of tools and equipment may also result in accidents and injuries. The common injuries are cuts, wounds, burns among others. REVIEWED LITERATURE History and location of Siwdo-Kokompe in Cape Coast Automobile artisans working on all aspects of automobile were formally located at the present day Ewim Nurses Flat at Kotokoraba in the Central Business Centre of Cape Coast in the Central Regional Capital. At that time, the area has seen springing up of cluster of workshops for craftsmen who do various types of repairs and services on automobile. At this location there were shops selling everything on automobiles. These craftsmen or artisans are automobile electricians, sprayers, vulcanizes, welders (gas and arch) and mechanics. These workers were relocated in the year 1968 to present and premised at Siwdo Kokompe to pave way for the construction of the Ewim Nurses Flat. The Siwdo Kokompe cluster of craftmen is located between the Adisadel 1
  • 2. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Estates and the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium, thus on the right side of the John Mensah Sarbah dual carriage road when going to the stadium from the Pedu Junction. Finally, a little over 40 shops were found at Siwdo Kokompe but now close to 200 shops can be seen at the place including machine shops, wind screen repair shops upholstery shops, blacksmith shops and iron casting shops. Light and heavy duty automobile mechanics as well as specialized automobile mechanics were also located at Siwdo Kokompe. The specialized mechanics include automatic gear box specialist, carburetor specialist among others. On the average, about 300 vehicles visit Siwdo Kokompe on daily basis for all types of repairs. The activities at Siwdo Kokompe is said to be the main factor for the pollution of the Fosu Lagoon. These activities are welding, spraying, automobiles electrical works, automobiles mechanical works, fabricating, vulcanizing, blacksmithing among others. Automobile Mechanic Practices at Siwdo Kokompe in Cape Coast Mechanically, the automobile consist of many different parts that work together to provide motion. The basic components of the automobile are engine, chassis, drive train and body. Servicing of automobiles at Siwdo- Kokompe involves the function of effective regular maintenance. The mechanical maintenance practices involves the care and up keeping of the mechanical parts according to schedules. These procedures or activities are oil and filter changing belt and hoses replacement, tune-ups, lubrication among others. The repairs are re-fixing of new parts, bolts, nuts among others. Safety Practices that must be done at Siwdo Kokompe by the Automobile Mechanics The common elements or factors of safety to be noted and practices by the mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe are: i) Shop layouts and proper location of safety devices ii) Proper usage and safe handling of the following: a. Power Tools b. Compressed Air c. Hydraulic Jacks and Hoist d. Jack Stands e. Chain Hoists and Cranes f. Exhaust Gases from running Engines g. Equipment Defects and Misuse h. Fire Prevention i. Fire Extinguishers j. Special Precautions. Shop Layout and Location of Safety Devices The Automobile Mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe must have proper layout of their shops. Thus the layout must show assignable areas or locations of work, equipment and tools, work benches, lifts, hoists, offices and restricted storage rooms. The floors must be marked with coloured paint lines indicating dangerous areas, emergency areas among others. Also there must be instructional as well as special signs for warnings and operations of specialized trained equipment. These signs and markings must show the locations of all types of existing fire extinguishers and their usage, telephones, first aid kits among others. There must also be warning signs on walls for avoidable hazards and no horse plays. Hand Tools These mechanics use tools such as screw drivers, hammers and wrenches which are also known as hand tools. Thus they are operated by the power of the hand. These are commonly used tools so they must be carefully handled. These mechanics must keep their hands clean, clear and dry before using such tools otherwise when the tools shift and fall on moving or non-moving parts they can fly and cause injuries. Usage of wrong, broken and bent tools can cause damage to parts, the tools themselves and human. 2
  • 3. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Power Tools These mechanics use tools which make use of power from external sources such as electrical power, compressed air and hydraulic pressure as a result they are called power tools. As such their operation must not be careless and safety glasses or face shield must be used. Operational instructions of these tools must be properly followed. They must be checked for good conditions and protective covers must be provided for safety where necessary. Protective covers or safe guards must cover moving parts and keep all hands as well as loose clothing away from moving parts. When these tools are not in use, the mechanics must turn them off and disconnect the source of power. Compressed Air Some tools are powered by air under pressure directed through hoses. Such an air is referred to as compressed air. When these mechanics are using these tools they must wear safety glasses or face shield since the compressed air may blow dirt, metal pieces or glass particles into their eyes resulting into injuries. Also they must check all connections, nozzle looseness and they must not use the air for any form of cleaning. Hydraulic Jacks and Hoist Some of the Automobile Mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe use the hydraulic jacks to permanently support automobiles at heights relative to normal human heights. Most of them use jacks to raise the automobiles before working under. Caution must be taken by them with respect to the jack and hoist manufacturers instructions before using them. Also they must close all doors, boots, trunk lids and apply the appropriate gears and brakes. Nobody must be in the vehicle before jacking or hoisting. Nobody must be under an automobile before they do jacking hoisting and appropriate locking devices must be applied just after jacking or hoisting. They must also use jack stands or safety stands as extra support after jacking or hoisting. Chain Hoist and Cranes These mechanics service many engines whiles they are running at different speeds resulting in emission of dangerous gases. They must provide exhaust emission system for enclosing shops since most of them operate in enclosed shops which are not ventilated and they must also direct the exhaust outside these shops. They must also put gears in appropriate positions. All the above instructions are necessary because these engines emit exhaust forms that contain carbon monoxide and other poisonous fumes that are very harmful to humans. When handling harmful chemicals such as acids, paints and hot liquids which can cause damage to clothing, skin, and eyes, these mechanics must wear safety glasses or face shields, gloves and long sleeves, overalls or coats or shop aprons. Equipment Safety These mechanics must make sure that fans, belts, pulleys, grinders, chains and other energy transmission devices are properly covered with guards. All electrical connections must be properly insulated to prevent fire and electrocution. Fire Prevention and Fire Extinguishers These mechanics are to keep liquids funnels, solvents, paints and other combustibles in fire proof containers which must also be kept in restricted rooms or areas. These rooms or areas must be marked “no smoking “ or “no fire” since the combustibles may explode or ignite easily. These fire proof containers must not be breakable containers and evaporation must not occur from them. The mechanics must clean off any spilled combustibles from the floor with dry rags and dry them outside the shops where there is no naked fire. They must provide all types of fire extinguishers at many locations and every worker must be educated on the use of such extinguishers. Special Precautions Before testing vehicles, they must test the breaks first. They the mechanics must make sure that nobody, tools and equipment are under the automobile. They must put on safety belts and drive at appropriate speeds. Safety Precautions to be done during Servicing by the Automobile Mechanics These mechanics must properly raise supports and secure the tires on the ground properly before changing engine oils and oil filters in order to prevent the automobiles from moving. Hot oil drained may cause injuries in contact with the skin, so face shields, gloves and overalls must be put on. In order to prevent burns from signs such as hot manifolds, pipes and mufflers, writing signs such as keep off, “danger” or “hot surfaces” must be placed at such surfaces . The mechanics must stop the practice of opening radiator caps when coolants are hot since the hot pressure 3
  • 4. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 coolant can gush and splash out to cause burns. They must not wear loose dresses and jewelry since they can enter moving parts to cause injuries. Ethylene glycol in anti-freeze is poisonous and inflammable so the mechanics must be careful when handling antifreeze fluids. Fans driven by electric motors are automatic in starting, so the mechanics must switch off the source of power or disconnect them before working on them or around them. When checking leakages as well as working on fuel system servicing of automobiles, these mechanics must make sure the shops are well ventilated. They must also make sure that appropriate fire extinguishers are available and naked fire is not around them, further more, they must wear face shields, rubber gloves and appropriate overalls. All the above protective wears must be put on by these mechanics when hammering. Since batteries contain harmful sulfuric acid, electrolyte, the automobile mechanics working around them must wear face shields or protective goggles, rubber gloves, overalls and must keep enough fresh water near them to clean off any acid spillage on them. They must not wear jewelries to avoid electrocution or explosion whenever there is contact with battery terminals. They must not fill the batteries to avoid electrolyte spillage and must remove or disconnect the ground terminal of the battery. To prevent breathing of fumes or particles, they must wear nose mask or any nose/ breathing protection devices. They must not touch high energy cables, keep hands as well as arms away from moving belts and pulleys. They must remove and replace electrical units when no power sources are connected to the circuits whiles all switches are put in off position. When servicing emission control systems, they must not wear long sleeves, watches and jewelries. These mechanics must allow the exhaust system to cool completely before any of services are done on them. During inspections, they must move their hands and fingers slowly around the edges and use shop rays when lifting or moving parts. They must be properly educated on power mechanics before their usage in order to avoid injuries. And loose parts must be firmly supported. Safety goggles or face shield must be worn before working under vehicles. There is asbestos fibers in the clutch and break assembly systems which is dangerous to human health. These mechanics must use special vacuum dealers to remove dust from the assemblies so that no asbestos fibers get to the atmosphere to be breathed to cause health hazard. The servicing areas of clutch assembly must be well ventilated and breathing mask must be worn before such services are done. Before the servicing, the automobile must be raised and supported by jack stands or hoists. During testing nobody must stand in front or behind the automobile. Also before servicing automatic transmissions, the automobile temperature must cool down completely, disconnect the ground terminal before doing this servicing as well as servicing of axles. When these mechanics are servicing differential and driving axles, they must be careful to avoid cuts by sharp objects. Whiles servicing suspension systems, they must keep their hands and fingers away from parts since the parts can move any time and may cause servicing injuries. When they are working around or on engines fan assembly, they must remove the ground terminal of the battery. They must replace any damage parts of the steering but they must not straighten or connect any such parts. The mechanics must allow the vehicles to cool down completely before working on or around the steering system since hot parts and fluids can cause accidents and burns. All testing after servicing can cause accidents so the mechanics must do them carefully. For servicing of alignment, they must work carefully since they work in light areas around the wheel. They must tighten fasteners in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. They must mark fires appropriately and all balancing attachments must be securely tightened as well as safety guards properly fixed. They must wear safety goggles or face shields before replacing rotor and also clean all rotors properly before training. Safety Wear All the work involved in the profession of automobile mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe in Cape Coast leads to handling dangerous and hazardous substances. These are sharp and heavy metals, oils, chemicals among others. Therefore there is the need for these mechanics to wear properly manufactured safety wears to protect them against all these dangers of cuts and burns resulting from the handling of such materials. These protective wears include: a) Safety Boots b) Overalls and Aprons c) Hand Gloves d) Safety Glasses or Face Shields 4
  • 5. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 e) Earplugs and Filter or Mask Respirators: Safety Boots These are recommended boots for automobile mechanics. They have steel tipped front end which protect the toes from hot sparks or falling objects. The soles under are made of tough rubber which prevent shipping when the floor is oily and electrical shocks when live wires and stepped on. The top and sides of these boots which covers the steel at the tip is made of hard leather which is liquid proof. Due the fact that automobiles mechanic practices require the handling of heavy objects, these boots are needed for feet protection. Overalls and Aprons These protective clothing are normally made of natural thick fiber or cotton. They do not have loose long sleeves and protect the human body against radiations from hot fluids (hot radiator water and hot lubrication oils), sulphuric acids from batteries and other hazardous substances. Hand Gloves These are made up of leather or rubber that is tough and liquid proof. The leather or rubber is resistant to chemical corrosion. The lining of these gloves are rubber in order to protect their hands against sharp cuts, corrosion, burns, toxics, contaminations and other injuries. They are tough unpenetrative resistant transparent plastics. Pure glasses are not recommended since they crack and damage the eyes if they are hit by flying objects. These devices have either supporting metal or plastic frames. These devices protect the eyes of these mechanics from the damage of grinding practices, dust, filing metal practices, scratches, pressured fluids and corrosion. Earplugs and Filter or Mask Respirators Earplugs or mufflers are recommended and specially manufactured devices that protect the ears of the automobile mechanic against loss of hearing, noise and pollutants. Example is the silicon ear plug. These mechanics must wear respiratory safety devices to protect them against breathing of toxic exhaust fumes, asbestos, dusty chemicals and tiny metal practices that cause respiratory illness. METHODOLOGY This research was done at Siwdo Kokompe because it is largest clutter of artisans (automobile mechanics) in the Cape Coast metropolis in particular and Central Region as a whole. As a result, collection of qualitative and quantitative data for analysis to substantiate this conclusions or claims makes it possible for the research to see the light of the days. The methodology adopted for the research was the quantitative approach since substantive analysis, conclusions and recommendation must be made to signify that there is the need for intensive safety education for these automobile mechanics. Therefore, this data collection and analysis was the most efficient means of making this research a reality, definitely the target group for this research was the automobile mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe. This method involves the use of structured questionnaires and interviews. In all, 23 questionnaires were administered representing 98% of these mechanics. 5
  • 6. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 1A: Automobile Mechanics Shops at Siwdo Kokompe and Corresponding Names of Shop Masters SHOP NAME SHOP MASTER’S NAME .KYESO NYAME DANIEL INKOOM OBENG BOAT VENTURES MASTER OBENG SHALOM FITTING HARISON ATULINYAH OBEN FITTING SHOP MR. OBEN YESU ADOM FITTING SHOP MASTER SOLO OFIR NYAME FITTING JOSEPH ESSIEN EKOW ACKOW FITTING SHOP EKOW ACRON OPPONG FITTING SHOP MASTER OPPONG TONY MOTORS ANTHONY ACKONGOODE BONNY FITTING SHOP GEORGE BONNY OPPONG DANKWA FITTING SHOP OPPONG DANKWA ABU FITTING SHOP MASTER ABU MASTER KWAME FITTING SHOP MASTER KWAME DABI WO BE KAE ME MASTER KOFI NII FITTING SHOP MASTER NII AMEEN FITTING SHOP AMEEN ALHASAN RANSFORD FITTING SHOP MASTER RANSFORD GYE NYAME MOTORS PHILIP WIREDU KWEKU BADU FITTING SHOP KWEKU BADU CHRISTIAN MOTORS MASTER CHRISTIAN MAWULI FITTING MASTER MAWULI IF GOD IS FOR US NO ONE IS AGAINST US MASTER PEE Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 6
  • 7. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 1B: Right Tools Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 2 9.09 RELATIVE VERY GOOD 18 81.82 ANALYSIS OF POOR 0 0 THE RIGHT BAD 0 O TOOLS GOOD 2 9.09 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Figure 1B: Right Tools 90 81.82 80 70 60 50 FREQUENCY 40 PERCENTAGE 30 18 20 9.09 9.09 10 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 7
  • 8. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 2: Helment and Guards Covering Moving Parts Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE ANALYSIS AND EXCELLENT 0 0 USES OF THE VERY GOOD 6 13.64 HELMENT AND GOOD 15 34.09 GUARDS POOR 20 45.45 COVERING BAD 3 6.82 PARTS. Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 8
  • 9. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 2: Helment and Guards Covering Moving Parts 50 45.45 45 40 34.09 35 30 25 FREQENCY 20 PRECENTAGE 20 15 15 13.64 10 6.82 6 5 3 0 0 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Table 3: Fire Warning Signs QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 0 O ANALYSIS OF VERY GOOD 1 4.55 FIRE WEARING GOOD 4 18.18 SIGNS POOR 17 77.27 BAD 0 0 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 9
  • 10. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 90 80 77.27 70 60 50 FREQUENCY 40 PERCENTAGE 30 18.18 17 20 10 4.55 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 EXECELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Figure 3: Fire Warning Signs Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Table 4: Restricted Areas or Rooms Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 0 0 ANALYSIS OF VERY GOOD 4 18.18 RESTRICTED GOOD 13 59.09 AREAS OR ROOMS POOR 5 22.73 BAD 0 0 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 10
  • 11. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 4: Restricted Areas or Rooms 70 59.09 60 50 40 FREQUENCY 30 PERCENTAGE 22.73 20 18.18 13 10 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Table 5: Faulty Equipment Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 0 0 ANALYSIS AND VERY GOOD 1 4.55 USAGE OF GOOD 6 27.27 FAULTY POOR 12 54.55 EQUIPMENT BAD 3 13.66 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 11
  • 12. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 5: Faulty Equipment 60 50 40 30 FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE 20 10 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 12
  • 13. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 6: Well Ventilate Rooms Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 0 0 ANALYSIS OF VERY GOOD 0 0 WELL GOOD 6 27.27 VENTILATED POOR 13 59.09 ROOMS BAD 3 13.66 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Figure 6: Well Ventilated Rooms 70 59.09 60 50 40 FREQUENCY 30 27.27 PERCENTAGE 20 13 13.66 10 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 13
  • 14. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 7: Equipment/Tools Cleaning Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EFFECTIVE EXCELLENT 0 0 CLEANING OF VERY GOOD 6 27.27 EQUIPMENT/ GOOD 13 59.09 TOOLS BEFORE POOR 0 13.66 USING. BAD 0 0 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Figure 7: Equipment / Tools Cleaning 70 59.09 60 50 40 FREQUENCY 30 27.27 PERCENTAGE 20 13 13.66 10 6 3 0 0 0 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 14
  • 15. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 8: Goggles and Ear Plug usage Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 0 0 ANALYSIS AND VERY GOOD 2 4.55 USAGE OF GOOD 10 22.73 GOGGLES AND POOR 30 68.18 EAR PLUG. BAD 2 4.55 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Figure 8: Goggles and Ear Plug usage Analysis 80 68.18 70 60 50 40 FREQUENCY 30 PRECENTAGE 30 22.73 20 10 10 4.55 4.55 2 2 0 0 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 15
  • 16. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 9: Gloves and Safety Boots usage Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 0 0 ANALYSIS AND VERY GOOD 3 6.82 USAGE OF GOOD 26 59.01 GLOVES AND POOR 12 27.27 SAFETY BOOTS BAD 3 0 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Figure 9: Gloves and Safety Boots usage Analysis 70 59.1 60 50 40 FREQUENCY 30 26 27.27 PERCENTAGE 20 12 10 6.82 3 3 0 0 0 0 EXCELLCENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) 16
  • 17. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 10: Fire Extinguishers Analysis QUESTION RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE EXCELLENT 0 0 ANALYSIS AND VERY GOOD 0 0 USAGE OF FIRE GOOD 9 40.91 EXTINGUISHERS POOR 12 45.55 BAD 1 4.55 Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) Figure 10: Fire Extinguishers 50 45.55 45 40.91 40 35 30 25 FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE 20 15 12 9 10 4.55 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD POOR BAD Source: Author’s Field Work (2012) DISCUSSION Initially the survey focuses on the right tools because the use of wrong tools contributes significantly to the causes of injuries (burns and cuts). But the results of the survey reveal that 51.85% of the tools used are the correct ones. 17
  • 18. Industrial Engineering Letters www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-6096 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0581 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 According to the survey the use of helmet and guards covering moving parts have 45.45% poor condition and 43.09% good. Fire warnings signs gave 77.27% poor and 18.18% good. Restricted areas or rooms have 59.09% good and 22.73% poor. The availability of faulty equipment saw 54.55% good and 27.27 poor. The survey shows that there is 59.09% good and 27.27% for equipment/tools cleaning. Referring to goggles and ear plugs, the survey indicated that there was 68.18% for poor and 22.73% good. The author’s field survey work shows that gloves and safety boots saw 59.01% poor and 40.91% good. CONCLUSIONS This research can firmly conclude that the conditions that the right tools were used were very good for almost all the automobile mechanics at Siwdo Kokompe in Cape Coast. The wearing of helmets and safety guards are poor and slightly good with no excellent. Conclusively, the condition of fire warning signs were largely poor with only a small goodness provision of restricted areas or rooms was averagely good and fairly poor. Half of the faulty equipments were in poor conditions, whiles a fair number of them were also good and bad. More than half of the well ventilated rooms are not ventilated and only a small fraction is in relatively good condition. The practice of cleaning equipment/tools before using is good and very good for greater proportion of these mechanics with only small fraction doing this properly. The wearing of protective goggles and ear plug was in the category of poor and bad for most of them with relatively smaller number of them are very good and good in the using of gloves and safety boots. This practice is poor and bad. Conclusively, the use of fire extinguishers was poor and bad. RECOMMENDATIONS As a result of information gathered and conclusion arrived at during this research, the following recommendations are made below: Education must be intensified on the following: a. The continuous usage of the right tools b. Immediate and serious improvement in use of helmet and covering guards for moving parts c. Provision of fire warnings signs, restricted areas or rooms an well ventilated rooms d. Avoiding the use of faulty equipment and proper cleaning of equipment/tools before usage e. Wearing of goggles, earplugs, gloves and safety boots f. Proper usage of fire extinguishers g. First aid and victims handing h. Insuring of people, equipment and machines i. Fire handing and prevention. REFERENCES Michael Fitzpatrick. Machining and CNC Technology Cape Coast Polytechnic Students hand book (Tertiary) 2009 and 2010 Paul Dempsey. Trouble Shoot and repair a small Gas Turbine. Williams J. Dekryger, Robert T. Kovacik and Saverio G. Bono. Auto Mechanics: Theory and Service Barry Wellington and Alan Asmus. Diesel Engines and Fuel System 18
  • 19. This academic article was published by The International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE). The IISTE is a pioneer in the Open Access Publishing service based in the U.S. and Europe. The aim of the institute is Accelerating Global Knowledge Sharing. More information about the publisher can be found in the IISTE’s homepage: http://www.iiste.org CALL FOR PAPERS The IISTE is currently hosting more than 30 peer-reviewed academic journals and collaborating with academic institutions around the world. There’s no deadline for submission. Prospective authors of IISTE journals can find the submission instruction on the following page: http://www.iiste.org/Journals/ The IISTE editorial team promises to the review and publish all the qualified submissions in a fast manner. All the journals articles are available online to the readers all over the world without financial, legal, or technical barriers other than those inseparable from gaining access to the internet itself. Printed version of the journals is also available upon request of readers and authors. IISTE Knowledge Sharing Partners EBSCO, Index Copernicus, Ulrich's Periodicals Directory, JournalTOCS, PKP Open Archives Harvester, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Elektronische Zeitschriftenbibliothek EZB, Open J-Gate, OCLC WorldCat, Universe Digtial Library , NewJour, Google Scholar