design of oil changing bay

The one thing I would want in an oil change bay is a pit instead of a hoist.

Personally, I would agree with TallPaul's recommendation for a pit instead of a hoist. My father operated a commercial garage for 35 years and we had both a pit and a hoist. I preferred the pit. However, in this part of Canada our Provincial Government regulations no longer permit the use of pits in garages.

Check out firms that specialize in constructing these types of facilities. They should be up to date on current standards and regulations.

It would seem to me that as long as the pit was designed with adequate containment and a sealed floor and walls there should be no reason to regulate it out of existance. Old style pits which often had dirt or gravel floors are and should be outlawed. I have seen quick lube places in the US with pits and feel that they are generally safer than a hoist.

I believe the main reason that people tend to move away from pits is because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If there was adequate ventilation with sealed walls and flooring there would be no problem. Although I am unaware of the current regulations...