Tips For Garage Safety by Jay Behm

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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FIRE SAFETY
Chemicals found in garages are wide ranging if
their purposes. Those related to finishing or
painting can be as dangerous and gasolines 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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POWER TOOLS
Power tools require knowledge for operation,
maintenance and their storage safety. Obviously
away from children and pets and secured if
necessary.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Contact Us
Website -www.behmgarageplans.com E-mail Id -
jayb_at_behmdesign.com Phone [phone]