CAR Vehicle Dismantling Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA standards, what type of eye protection is required when using a plasma cutter during vehicle dismantling?
- Standard safety glasses with side shields
- A welding helmet or appropriate shade goggles rated for plasma cutting (Correct answer)
- Tinted sunglasses
- No eye protection is needed if the cutter has a built-in shield
Correct answer: A welding helmet or appropriate shade goggles rated for plasma cutting
Plasma cutting produces intense UV/IR radiation that requires a welding helmet or goggles with a lens shade appropriate for the amperage used.
Question 2: When dismantling a hybrid or electric vehicle, what color coding typically indicates high-voltage cables that must NOT be cut without proper isolation?
- Blue
- Orange (Correct answer)
- Red
- Yellow
Correct answer: Orange
Industry and OEM standards use orange for high-voltage wiring in hybrid and electric vehicles to warn technicians of electrocution hazards.
Question 3: Which component should be removed from an end-of-life vehicle to prevent mercury contamination during shredding?
- Alternator
- Anti-lock brake module
- Convenience lighting switches containing mercury (Correct answer)
- Catalytic converter
Correct answer: Convenience lighting switches containing mercury
Mercury-containing convenience lighting switches must be removed and sent to qualified recyclers to prevent mercury release during shredding operations.
Question 4: A recycler wants to maximize the value of a harvested engine. Which action BEST preserves engine resale value?
- Power-wash the engine before testing
- Start and run the engine to verify operation before removal when possible (Correct answer)
- Remove the engine without inspecting for leaks or damage
- Immediately disassemble the engine into core components
Correct answer: Start and run the engine to verify operation before removal when possible
Running and inspecting the engine before removal allows recyclers to document its operating condition, which increases buyer confidence and resale value.
Question 5: What is the primary hazard when removing a vehicle's shock absorber or strut assembly?
- Electrical shock from proximity to the battery
- Sudden spring release causing serious injury if the spring is compressed (Correct answer)
- Brake fluid contamination of the work area
- Fuel vapor accumulation near the wheel well
Correct answer: Sudden spring release causing serious injury if the spring is compressed
Coil springs store enormous potential energy and can release violently if the strut is disassembled without a proper spring compressor, causing serious injury.
Question 6: During vehicle depollution, antifreeze/coolant must be:
- Flushed into the municipal storm drain
- Collected in a labeled container and recycled or disposed of per local regulations (Correct answer)
- Mixed with engine oil to dilute hazardous properties
- Left in the radiator since it is non-hazardous
Correct answer: Collected in a labeled container and recycled or disposed of per local regulations
Ethylene glycol-based coolant is toxic to animals and humans and must be collected for recycling or lawful disposal.
Question 7: What does the term 'depollution' refer to in the automotive recycling industry?
- Marketing recycled parts as environmentally friendly
- The systematic removal of all hazardous fluids and materials from a vehicle prior to dismantling or shredding (Correct answer)
- Installing emission control systems on recycled engines
- Testing exhaust emissions on vehicles before purchase
Correct answer: The systematic removal of all hazardous fluids and materials from a vehicle prior to dismantling or shredding
Depollution is the process of removing hazardous substances—including fuels, oils, coolant, refrigerants, and mercury switches—from end-of-life vehicles before further processing.
CAR Vehicle Dismantling Procedures 3
Under OSHA standards, what type of eye protection is required when using a plasma cutter during vehicle dismantling?