Pits trap flammable vapor
Fuel, paints, and solvents can all give off flammable vapors that are heavier than air. Like water, these vapors tend to flow down and accumulate in places like vehicle inspection pits, increasing the risk of explosion and polluting the breathable air.
Use air tools instead of electric tools
Unless bulkier and more expensive explosion-protected power tools are available in your workshop, the only safe power tools to use in an inspection pit are the air-powered type which will not cause sparks that could ignite flammable gases.
Don’t take a hand lamp down a pit
Even low voltage hand lamps can still set off an explosion, so, where possible use an explosion-protected lamp that will not break even if it is dropped two meters. Lighting units in an inspection pit should be sealed behind toughened glass or polycarbonate and set into the pit walls so that falling objects will not damage them.
Pits are very easy to fall into
Many people have been injured falling into pits, even when they have been working in or near the pit for a long time. When there is no vehicle over the pit, you should fence it or place boards over the top to stop people from accidentally stumbling into it. If you have to leave a pit unguarded, do so for the shortest possible time, leave the pit lights on so that it is more likely to be noticed, and restrict general access to that work area.
Source: CDX Global
