Not being able to see what you’re working on can lead to all sorts of problems, like not being able to tell if there’s a problem, making mistakes while repairing something, or even worse – not catching an accident until it’s too late. This is the last thing you want in your quick lube center operation.
Ultimately, when building an oil change pit there are many important factors to consider, in order to ensure safety and efficiency at a quick lube center while adhering to industry standards regarding environmental protection laws and workplace health standards.
What should I consider when building oil change pits?
In this article, let’s talk about the vital factors that you need to think about to help you plan before building oil change pits.
Local Codes in Your Area
Each municipality will determine their own code about this, but generally, the distance between the pit edge and the bay door needs to be at least 3’. We recommend 5’ so that a person can move behind the service technician without interrupting the vehicle service task.
Quick Lube Pit Design & Costs
The cost of building an oil change pit can vary depending on specific requirements but should always include factors such as drainage, pumps and other equipment needed for safe evacuation and disposal of used oils and liquids. The design should meet local regulations for waste management and take into account space considerations so that workers can move effectively around the pit area without having to wade through spilled fluids or debris.
Some questions that you may want to ask yourself are the following:
- How many bays are you planning to build?
- What type of vehicles are your servicing?
- What are the dimensions of the pits?
- What other services will you provide using your pits, other than oil change?
- Will you include check on transmission fluid, tire rotations or other maintenance inspections?
All points discussed above can play an essential role in determining the design and complexity of your oil change pit project.
Waste Oil Management
Managing oil waste is a critical aspect of oil change operations. Proper oil evacuation is necessary for ensuring that oil changes are performed safely, effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, it helps maintain healthy working conditions for workers and customers alike.
Without proper oil evacuation, oil can build up on floor surfaces, making it difficult to work efficiently and posing a significant safety hazard. Oil pits can also become contaminated with debris or other materials which can increase the risk of fire or spills if not managed correctly.
At Pit Systems, we usually recommend pump-out systems that allow oil to be evacuated quickly and safely. It requires a sealed tank in order to contain any hazardous material before it’s removed from the facility and transported for disposal in accordance with local regulations.
In addition to installing an effective pump-out system, lube centers should also consider other factors such as ventilation. An adequate supply of fresh air ensures that hazardous fumes from used oil are kept out of any work areas by drawing them outside through proper ventilation systems.
Ventilation
Ventilation is important in oil change pits because it helps keep workers safe from harmful substances while they work on oil changes and other automotive services. This includes air pumps, exhaust fans, blowers, scrubbers, filters and many other pieces of air-moving equipment that keep air quality at safe levels while your technicians work.
Poor ventilation can cause a number of health hazards in oil change pits, including:
Fumes: The fumes from oil and other automotive fluids are toxic and can cause serious health problems if inhaled.
Heat: The heat from the engine and oil can cause heat exhaustion or even death if workers are not given time to rest and cool down.
Fire: A spark from the engine or a pile of oily rags can easily ignite vapors from the oil, leading to a dangerous fire.
Additional Safety Features
When looking for oil change pits, safety should be your number one concern. As you shop, make sure the oil change pits you consider have:
- A sturdy design that can handle heavy use
- Oil change pit covers and non-slip surfaces to help avoid accidents or falls
- Drainage systems to keep oil and water away from workers and customers
- Niches for proper tool handling, oil filter storage, and drainage system
Technician Safety & Efficiency
Lastly, you will want something that will help your technicians efficiently manage oil changes and other services without taking up too much space or causing any safety issues.
Safety is also an important factor, so there should be adequate lighting installed and guard rails set up if necessary.
All of the key points discussed above all come into play in creating a safe and efficient working environment for your technicians, which greatly reduces the stress and expensive mistakes caused by accidents and slow service delivery.
Potential Contractors You Will Work With
There are many different contractors that may be involved in an oil change pit construction. The key here is to find experienced providers who will:
a) fabricate your pits according to your specific needs
b) help prep the location for site prep and has the capability to check for venting and electrical lines.
c) provide oil change equipment and drainage systems
Conclusion
Overall, building oil change pits for a lube center business requires careful consideration and planning before going ahead with construction – taking into account safety protocols as well as cost considerations for both construction and operational costs. By ensuring all of these factors are taken into account before beginning building projects, businesses can rest assured that their oil changing service will run smoothly with minimal downtime or difficulty in accessing vital areas for repair or maintenance purposes.
QuickPit™️ Auto Service Pit Systems is the answer. With our one-stop-shop auto service pits, technicians have a better view of their inspections and get more work done in less time. Plus, our systems are designed for safety and durability so you can rest assured knowing your lube center operations will run smoothly.
Call us at (888) 889-9592 to know your options or get a quote here.
