Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
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INTRODUCTION TO ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
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Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 1.1.1.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.1.LI.3
Theme: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
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Welcome, students! Today, we are beginning our journey into the fascinating world of engine technology. Before we can touch any engine or tool, we must first master the most important skill of any good technician: Safety. In Ghana, from the busy workshops at Kokompe or Magazine to the roadside "fitter", working safely protects the technician, the customer, and the valuable vehicle itself. An accident can cause serious injury, damage a customer's car, and ruin a business's reputation. This lesson will equip you with the fundamental safety knowledge to work confidently and professionally in any automotive environment.
This topic is built around the core principle that prevention is better than cure. We will break down safety into four critical areas. Area 1: Workshop Safety (The Environment)
This is about keeping the entire workspace safe for everyone. A clean and organised workshop is a safe workshop. Good Housekeeping: Oil and Fluid Spills: Engine oil, coolant, or brake fluid on the floor is a major slip hazard. Spills must be cleaned immediately using sand, sawdust, or a special absorbent material. Tool Management: Tools should never be left lying on the floor. After use, they should be cleaned and returned to their proper place in a toolbox or on a tool board. Clear Walkways: All paths and walkways in the workshop must be kept clear of parts, tools, and rubbish to prevent trips and falls. Ventilation: Engine exhaust contains poisonous gases like Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is colourless, odourless, and deadly. Rule: Never run an engine in a closed garage or a poorly ventilated space. The workshop doors must be open, or an exhaust extraction system must be used. Fire Safety: The workshop contains many flammable materials: petrol, diesel, oils, and cleaning solvents. Prevention: Store flammable liquids in approved, sealed containers away from heat sources. No smoking, welding, or grinding near fuel sources. Fix any electrical faults immediately. Preparation: Every workshop must have the correct type of fire extinguishers (e.g., Class B for fuel/oil fires, Class C for electrical fires) in easily accessible locations. Everyone should know how to use one. Area 2: Personal Safety (Protecting Yourself)
This is about protecting your own body from harm. The main tool for this is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). What is PPE? Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. Essential PPE for Engine Work: Safety Goggles/Glasses: Protects your eyes from splashing fluids (battery acid, coolant, oil) and flying debris when grinding or cutting. This is non-negotiable. Gloves: Mechanic's Gloves (Nitrile/Latex): Protects hands from oils, grease, and chemicals which can cause skin irritation. Heavy-Duty Gloves (Leather): Protects from cuts, scrapes, and burns when handling hot or sharp engine parts. Safety Boots/Shoes: Must be steel-toed to protect feet from falling tools or heavy parts. They should also have non-slip soles to prevent falls on oily surfaces. Overalls/Coveralls: Protects your regular clothes from dirt and grease. Importantly, they should be well-fitting. Loose, baggy clothing can get caught in moving engine parts like belts and fans. Other Personal Safety Rules: No Jewellery: Remove rings, bracelets, and necklaces. They can get caught in moving parts or cause a short circuit if they touch a battery terminal. Tie Back Long Hair: Long hair must be tied back securely to prevent it from getting caught in belts or the cooling fan. Area 3: Vehicle Safety (Protecting the Car)
While working, you must also protect the customer's vehicle from damage. Securing the Vehicle: On the Ground: Always apply the handbrake (parking brake) and put the vehicle in "Park" (automatic) or in gear (manual). Chock the wheels to prevent rolling. Lifting the Vehicle: Park on a flat, solid surface. Never on soft ground or a slope. Place the jack under the vehicle's designated lifting point (check the owner's manual or vehicle frame). Lift the vehicle to the desired height. CRITICAL STEP: Immediately place jack stands under a strong part of the vehicle's frame to support its weight. Slowly lower the jack until the vehicle's weight is resting securely on the jack stands. NEVER work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Jacks can fail. Jack stands are for support. Preventing Damage: Fender Covers: Use soft covers on the vehicle's fenders (wings) to prevent scratches from tools, buttons, or belts. Disconnect the Battery: Before working on electrical components or the fuel system, disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal first. This prevents accidental starting and electrical shorts that could damage the vehicle's computer (ECU). Area 4: Customer Safety (Professional Responsibility)