Risk of Injury - Vehicle Starting Off

WARNING: Risk of accident from vehicle starting off when engine running. Secure vehicle to prevent it from moving off by itself.
Risk of injury as a result of burning or bruises if you insert your hand into engine when it is started or when it is running. Wear closed and close-fitting work gloves and do not touch hot or rotating parts.

Possible hazards

Risk of accident
from vehicle starting off during starting operation (e.g. when testing compression pressure) as a result of gear engaged or when engine running, or vehicles with automatic transmission as a result of selector lever position "P" or "N" not engaged
(exception: some vehicles do not have a selector lever position "P").

Risk of injury
Severe injuries may be caused by unshielded rotating pans in the area of the running engine.
The heat produced by the running engine can result in severe burns if contact is made with individual, unshielded parts.

First aid measures in the event of burns
Do not rub the skin areas affected; flush with plenty of cold water and cover skin with sterile bandages.
Consult a physician without delay.

Procedural guidelines and safety precautions
- As a general rule, carry out work on the running engine only if this is absolutely necessary.
- Before starting the engine, apply parking brake.
- On models with manual transmission move gearshift lever into Neutral position.
- On vehicles with automatic transmission move selector lever into position "P" or "N" (exception: some vehicles do not have a selector lever position "P").
- On models which do not have selector lever position "P", secure selector lever to prevent it from being operated unintentionally.
- Wear closed and close-fitting work clothes.
- All items of jewelry like chains or rings must be taken off.
- Restrain long hair by wearing an appropriate head cover.
- Before commencing any work on the running engine, familiarize yourself with the location of potentially hot parts.
- When carrying out work when starting the engine or when engine is running do not touch any hot and rotating parts.