by Frank Geraghty
Ridgewood NJ, recently at Ridgewood Auto Wash after I gave instructions to the attendant I was given my receipt and headed past an open oil change area which has three open pits in the ground for oil changes that are seldom used. A man with his receipt in front of me walked towards the open pits, fortunately he turned back when he saw them. Sometimes that area is lit up other times it is in total darkness (see photo). Unprotected open pits are always dangerous. I spoke to the person at the cash register and told him I saw no warning signs and gave him the OSHA requirements which is to cover the pits or put high guardrails around them when not in use, this would stop adults, children or pets from walking or even running into them. He disagreed with me and said what happens when a car comes in for an oil change. I told him to move the guard rail to one side and let the car proceed. He obviously did not agree with me and was getting a bit agitated. Should not their insurance demand a guardrail or a cover for pits not in us.
