tips for garage safety by jay behm
TRANSCRIPT
TIPS FOR GARAGE SAFETY
Garage safety is not often discussed because it can be dismissed as just a matter of common sense. But, in the daily use of a typical garage, many hazardous conditions can develop over time. If well-
organized and clean the chances of disaster are diminished. As a life-long user of garages for the usual, as well as, unusual purposes I have accumulated some knowledge of how to care for you garage
space safely. Common sense? Yes – but there is more.
LIGHTING
Thorough, dependable lighting is essential. All floor areas should be visible with permanent, code compliant electric lighting. This way it is dependable, easily maintained and in proper locations. Added lamps, clamp lights, work lights are great for temporary, task lighting only and should be removed after each use and stored away. But they
have cords, adjustments and can go off easily when bumped. Tripping hazards add to the threat. I have tripped and gotten tangled up many
times with improper lighting.
FLOOR HAZARDS
A well-lighted floor is essential for garage safety. Clutter and obstructions lead to injuries. Oily, greasy, sandy or dirty floor
surfaces make things slippery causing falls. Old metal structures, bolts, wood trapdoors and such are often found in old buildings and should be removed. Concrete floors are best because they cannot
burn. They are required for any type of garage space because of fire resistance.
CLEAN FLOOR / PAINTED FLOOR
Concrete is easy to clean as a floor surface. About anything one could spill on concrete can be cleaned up one way or another. Mechanics I have known recommend high quality epoxy floor
coatings in white or light gray or tan. That way they can easily spot oil or fluid drips and keep it clean
FIRE SAFETY
Chemicals found in garages are wide ranging if their purposes. Those related to finishing or painting can be as dangerous and gasoline’s
and fuels for auto -mobiles. Appropriate fire extinguishers should be maintained for the garage. Nearly everyone who has tinkered with their own car fuel systems, such as carburetors, can recall a time
when they accidentally squirted gas over to where the ignition distributor is and has an instant fire on their engine. It happens so
fast. Extinguishing it immediately is required if it is within a building. If the garage is within a home, especially older home, it becomes very dangerous quickly. I tend to not start an engine unless the
vehicle is outside and have extinguisher at hand.
VENTILATION
If you have a detached garage with windows and garage doors to open you can have great ventilation for when using volatile and
irritating chemicals. If no windows to open or the garage is within a home then a powered ventilator should be installed through wall or roof. Breathing concentrated fumes is a well-known garage hazard.Chemicals, fuels, poisons, fertilizers : These can all be lethal due to
inflammability, poisons, corrosion and explosion. Know your materials and store safely as manufacturer recommends. This may mean
separate storage areas that are not easily disturbed and knocked over to spill.
POISONS AND PETS
Garage chemicals like anti-freeze / coolant for cars is known to be lethal and attractive to dogs. This should never be left spilled or open. Dogs and cats can get into all kinds of hazards if chemical
containers are available to chew, sniff, lick and paw.
GASOLINE – KING OF HAZARDS
Because of volatility gasoline can only be safely stored in safety-approved, contemporary containers and handled exactly as they
recommend on containers. It is better stored in a garden shed away from house and/or garage. The never-evers and do-nots
regarding are well known.
HEATING THE GARAGE
A permanent, fixtured heat source, installed per code and inspected for safety is really the only safe heating approach.
Using portable heaters is very common and should only be done with full knowledge of their safe operation. It is essential to know
ventilation requirements for gas and oil heaters and electrical loads for portable electrical heaters.
ORGANIZING THE GARAGE
Organizing is good safety for any garage. If you use primarily for vehicles then there should be enough walk-around space left over.
This can be a parameter for selecting a garage plan to build. Identifying and creating critical areas for storage, workbench, tools,
equipment soul be done before occupying the space. Always be sure to allow space for safely walking in the filled garage.
POWER TOOLS
Power tools require knowledge for operation, maintenance and their storage safety. Obviously away from children and pets and secured
if necessary.
SAWDUST
Woodworking creates much sawdust which is not only an annoyance if left lying around, but all so a fire hazard. Mixed with fuels and lubricants on floors can help with its clean-up but should
not be left mixed which is dangerous at several levels.
METAL WORK DUST
Again, left lying around is bad of other reasons. Corrosion from moisture, water, leaky radiators and such things make messy hazards. Metal fragments and practical's are physically harmful in contact with
humans and pets as cuts, slivers, eye and respiratory injuries.
WOOD STORAGE
Wood is considered a fuel. It is also heavy and bulky so dimensional aspects must be considered for use and safety. It should be well
separated from heat, fuel and electrical arc sources.
