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The Inquiries Service at CCOHS answers questions on the health or safety concerns people have about the work they do.

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Road Service

When providing road side service, what should I remember about supplying fuel?
What are some safety tips for priming a carburetor?
What should I know about towing another vehicle?
What are some items to inspect on the tow vehicle?


When providing road side service, what should I remember about supplying fuel?

  • Label containers as required by regulations.
  • Carry fuel in a labelled, approved portable container fitted with a tight cap and a pouring spout.
  • Maintain contact between the container and the filler opening when refueling a vehicle.
  • Use separate containers for handling gasoline and diesel fuels.
What are some safety tips for priming a carburetor?

  • Pour a small amount of fuel or starter liquid into the carburetor air intake with the engine stopped. (Use a small container that holds around 2 oz. or 60 mL - do not use a regular size fuel container.) Replace the air cleaner and lower the hood.
  • Do not spill gasoline on hot engine parts.
  • Have a fire extinguisher (Class B for flammable liquids) handy in case there is a fire.
  • Stand back while the engine is being started to avoid risk of burns. Repeat procedure if necessary.
  • Do not try to start a stalled vehicle while pouring the fuel into the carburetor. This may cause a flashback and ignite the fuel in the container.
What should I know about towing another vehicle?

  • Check the type of transmission on the vehicle and follow the manufacturer's instructions for towing front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Tow rather than push a vehicle whenever possible.
  • Use ample warning lights around the pick-up area. Avoid use of flares in case of fuel leaks.
  • Turn on disabled vehicle flashers and, if available, place the tow extension stop/turn signals on a visible place on the vehicle being towed.
  • Outfit service trucks with emergency equipment, warning signal devices, and wheel chocks.
  • Equip service trucks with a properly rated fire extinguisher.
  • Post the maximum hoisting capacity of towing unit on the winch mast. Do not remove or paint over information on the manufacturer's data plate.
  • Operate hoist controls away from the winch drum, travelling cables, and sheaves.
  • Wear sturdy gloves to prevent cuts from cables and sharp objects.
  • Do not straddle the tow cable.
  • Do not work under a vehicle suspended by a tow truck. Place jack stands or blocking under the frame.
What are some items to inspect on the tow vehicle?

Inspect weekly:

  • control mechanisms for poor adjustment or excessive wear
  • safety devices for poor adjustment and proper operation
  • hooks for cracks or excessive deformation

Inspect monthly:

  • structural parts for deformities, cracks, or corrosion
  • sheaves and drums for cracks or wear
  • pins, bearings, shafts, gears, and locking devices for cracks or distortion
  • cables for excessive wear, corrosion, broken strands, severe kinking and improperly applied, cracked, or corroded cable connections

Refer to OSH Answers Garages - Tire Precautions for information on changing tires, and Garages - Batteries for information on charging and boosting batteries.

Document last updated on December 14, 1999

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