Auto Body and Collision Technician (Red Seal)

Performs common occupational skills

Before raising a vehicle on a two-post hoist, which check is most critical?

1. Disconnect the vehicle battery to protect the body modules under shop service conditions
2. Confirm the shop floor compound has been refreshed today on inspection
3. Top up the hoist hydraulic reservoir to maximum each time
4. Verify the lift arms contact the OEM-designated lift points

A two-post hoist concentrates the entire vehicle mass on four small pad contacts, so the pads must sit only on points the manufacturer has identified as load-bearing. Lifting under a rocker pinch weld, an aluminum sill, or a battery tray collapses sheet metal and can drop the vehicle. Refreshing shop floor compound is housekeeping and does not affect lift safety. Topping the reservoir on every cycle suggests a leak and is not a routine pre-lift check. Disconnecting the battery is a separate step for welding or electrical work, not a hoist-stability prerequisite.

RSOS 2019 | A-2.03 Uses lifting equipment

Repairs frame and structural components

Before pulling a damaged frame rail, which components should be removed for access?

1. All components blocking measurement and pull paths
2. Powertrain and suspension regardless of damage under shop service conditions
3. Only items in the direct impact zone on inspection before release
4. Interior trim only to protect upholstery on inspection

Access removal is driven by the pull plan and the measurement plan. Items that block fixturing, chain routing, anchor points, or measuring-system targets are removed; items that do not obstruct the work remain in place. Removing only items in the impact zone leaves chains or fixtures interfering elsewhere. Pulling the entire powertrain and suspension on every job is unnecessary disassembly and adds cost. Stripping only interior trim does not address the structural access the pull will need.

RSOS 2019 | B-9.02 Removes components for access

Repairs non-structural outer body panels and related components

When installing a replacement bolted hood, which fastener strategy preserves panel alignment?

1. Snug all bolts, align the panel, then torque to spec in sequence
2. Run every bolt to final torque in the order picked up on inspection
3. Snug all bolts, then tighten one bolt fully before the others under shop service conditions
4. Use only two bolts to allow drift over time on inspection

Multi-bolt panel installs follow a snug-align-torque sequence: every bolt is started and run finger-tight, the panel is shifted into correct gap and flush, and only then are the fasteners torqued to specification in the manufacturer’s pattern. Running each bolt to final torque as picked up locks misalignment into the panel. Tightening one bolt fully first pulls the panel off its alignment. Using only two bolts to allow drift creates a hood that walks under wind load and degrades fit.

RSOS 2019 | C-12.04 Installs metal panels and components