vcc.ca
HPAS 1000: Automotive Workplace Safety
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Auto Serv Tech Diploma Intl
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of essential safety practices and regulations in the automotive service industry. The course covers the rights and responsibilities as defined by WorkSafe BC, the application of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and the basics of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation. Students will learn about fire conditions, classifications, prevention, and control, as well as lockout procedures and emergency equipment shutoff. The course emphasizes the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and personal safety precautions, alongside safe operation of vehicles and shop equipment in the workplace.
Credits
1.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe rights and responsibilities as defined by WorkSafe BC.
- Describe and apply the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), including the contents of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- State the "Core Requirements" and the "General Hazard Requirements" of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation.
- Describe the conditions and classifications of fire, its prevention and control.
- Describe lockout procedures and emergency shutoff of equipment.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and apply personal safety precautions and procedures.
- Perform safe vehicle and shop equipment operation in the workplace.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 5
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 25
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 25
Instructional Strategies
Classroom activities are lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises. Practical experience takes place in an active shop setting. The extensive workshop experience provides reinforcement of theoretical concepts, develops hand skills, and familiarity with repair procedures, electronic equipment and standard safety procedures. All modules are designed to enable the student to work independently and in groups.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Assignments related to safety regulations |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
15 |
|
|
Exam |
30 |
|
|
Lab Work |
30 |
Practical knowledge and skills are evaluated in the shop while students are working on training aids and customer vehicles. |
|
Participation |
10 |
Demonstrated engagement with course activities and discussions. |
Course topics
- WorkSafeBC and OHS regulations
- Workplace safe work practices
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and SDS
- Fire classification, prevention and control
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Shop emergency equipment and procedures
- Safe vehicle operation
Learning resources
Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service (Published by Pearson)
WorkSafeBC and OHS regulations web site / booklets
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
WorkSafeBC and OHS regulations web site / booklets
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.