Oil Change Pit Safety Covers: Protecting Your Pits

Maintenance is a critical aspect of dealership operations, and one of the most frequent maintenance tasks is the oil change. This task requires getting underneath the vehicle.

One of the most common ways to do that is by using a pit. This allows the mechanic to access the belly of the vehicle without having to use an expensive lift or lay on the ground with only jacks supporting the vehicle.

But what happens when the car is not covering the pit?

In this blog, we’ll explore how dealerships can improve safety and efficiency through high-quality oil change pit covers.

The Safety Challenge of Open Oil Change Pits

Oil change pits are an integral part of many dealership service departments. They provide easy and direct access to the underside of vehicles, enabling mechanics to perform oil changes and other maintenance tasks efficiently. Unlike vehicle lifts, which can be expensive and require significant space, pits offer a cost-effective and space-efficient solution. However, these pits come with their own set of risks, primarily the danger of leaving the pit uncovered.

An open oil change pit is a safety hazard. When a vehicle is not over the pit, it presents a risk of falls and injuries to anyone walking in the service area. The question then arises: how do you keep the pit covered in a way that is both safe and practical?

The Solution: High-Quality Pit Covers

Investing in a high-quality pit cover is the best way to mitigate the risks associated with open oil change pits. But what makes a pit cover “high quality”? Let’s break down the key factors you should consider:

Safety First

Safety is the top priority when selecting a pit cover. The cover should be easy to use, allowing for quick and efficient covering and uncovering of the pit.

Heavy steel boards, while sturdy, are cumbersome and can cause injury during handling. On the other hand, plywood, though lighter, can be awkward to maneuver and doesn’t solve the problem of exposure during placement.

OSHA requires that any cover should be secured so as not to be accidentally displaced. Loose metal or steel boards won’t comply with this regulation.

A better solution is an expandable grate that sits in the pit, such as Pit Protect. This type of cover can be opened and closed with one hand, making it incredibly user-friendly. You can cover the pit before a vehicle is removed, eliminating the time the pit is exposed and reducing the risk of accidents.

Durability and Quality

Durability is another critical factor. The material of the pit cover must withstand the harsh conditions of a service area, including exposure to oil and other automotive fluids. Steel, while strong, can corrode over time. Plywood can rot, and netting can fray, all of which compromises the safety and effectiveness of the cover.

OSHA requires that any cover be able to withstand twice the intended load. Rotting, frayed, or rusted covers are going to be hard pressed to do that.

An aluminum system offers an excellent alternative. It combines the strength of steel with superior corrosion resistance, ensuring a long-lasting solution that doesn’t degrade over time. This durability means you won’t need to replace the covers frequently, saving both time and money.

Time Efficiency

In a busy dealership, time is of the essence. The quicker you can secure your oil change pit, the better.

Prefabricated, pre-engineered pit covers are ready to be installed immediately, unlike custom-fabricated solutions that can take weeks to produce and install. This doesn’t include any testing or engineering to ensure safety and OSHA compliance.

Having a reliable pit cover system in place means less downtime and more efficient operations.

Cost Considerations

While the upfront cost of a high-quality pit cover might be higher than alternatives like plywood or netting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. Cheaper materials deteriorate quickly, leading to frequent replacements. Moreover, the potential costs associated with accidents—OSHA fines, medical expenses, and workers’ compensation claims—can be significant.

A professionally engineered pit cover system, although more expensive initially, provides a safer and more durable solution. This investment not only protects your employees but also safeguards your business from the financial and reputational damage of workplace accidents.

Case Study: Success in Idaho

To illustrate the benefits of investing in a high-quality pit cover system, let’s look at a real-world example. A car dealership in Idaho faced the challenge of securing their oil change pits. After considering various options, they decided to invest in a professionally engineered aluminum pit cover system.

Initially, the dealership had concerns about the cost. However, they recognized the importance of safety, durability, and efficiency, and proceeded with the purchase. Six months after installation, they reported outstanding satisfaction with the product. The covers proved to be easy to use, highly durable, and a significant enhancement to their overall safety protocols.

The dealership highlighted that the initial investment was well worth it, given the peace of mind and the reduction in safety risks. This testimonial underscores the value of choosing a quality product designed for long-term use.

Don’t just take our words for it. Here is what our customer had to say:

“Your product has engineering and testing behind it that gets it a rating.  ‘Joe Welding Shop’ is not going to be able to deliver us an engineered product such as yours... the cost of your product is far less than the cost to try to fix anyone if they should fall into the pit… that is, if they survive the fall.  And the OSHA fines that will come with the accident!

We’ve had our pit covers installed now for about 6 months and absolutely love them!”

You can also see how Pit Protect was the right option for the Milwaukee County DoT.

Making the Right Choice for Your Dealership

Choosing the right pit cover system for your dealership is a decision that impacts safety, efficiency, and financial health. Here are the key points to remember:

• Safety: Ensure the pit cover is easy to use and minimizes exposure time.
• Durability: Opt for materials like aluminum that resist corrosion and wear.
• Efficiency: Choose a prefabricated system for quick and hassle-free installation.
• Cost: Consider the long-term savings and testing and engineering costs over the initial cost.

By focusing on these factors, you can select a pit cover system that not only protects your employees but also enhances the overall efficiency and safety of your service department.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality oil change pit cover system is essential for any dealership looking to improve safety and operational efficiency. The right cover will provide durability, ease of use, and long-term cost savings, ensuring that your service area remains a safe and productive environment.

If you are ready to enhance the safety and efficiency of your oil change pits, contact one of our safety experts today. We are here to help you find the perfect solution to protect your pits and ensure a safer workplace for your team.