Many home garages or workshops are filled with power tools, hazardous chemicals, heavy boxes, and choking hazards like small screws and bolts.
In these parts of the home, families may not have taken the same precautions they did to secure chemicals in the kitchen or laundry room.
This guide contains basic safety information and actionable tips that homeowners who have garages or workshops can use to reduce injury risk for children or pets.
Child-Specific Safety Tips
Kids have a different perspective on safety in your garage or workshop. Young children are curious and constantly seeking to expand their knowledge of their surroundings. Their drive to explore the world around them can lead to dangerous situations – especially where your garage or workshop is concerned.
CREATING A SAFE SPACE FOR CHILDREN
Start by seeing your workspace through a child’s eyes. Get down on your hands and knees or crouch down and see if any hazards might not be visible to full-height adults. This can include sharp edges or corners, unprotected electrical outlets, and wires that are a tripping hazard.
There should be plenty of good-quality lighting, both for working and for illuminating the space evenly. This will help prevent kids from walking into things they are unable to see.
Organize your tools and materials so they are contained and will not fall onto curious or unsuspecting children. Keep tools unplugged and push all items back from the edges of your workspace.
PREVENTING ACCESS TO DANGEROUS AREAS
The youngest children are unlikely to understand the dangers that lurk within your at-home workspace. They should be kept out by using a secure lock that is always used when your shop is unattended. You should also be able to lock it from the inside when you are working there so that they cannot accidentally wander in and get into trouble.
HAVING A SAFETY CONVERSATION
Instead of simply watching children closely and warning them sharply when they get into an unsafe situation, consider taking an educational approach to the subject of safety in your shop or garage. This can be an excellent way to train young kids to respect the tools and hazardous materials that live there. You can keep them safe through your ability to make them understand what the true hazards of these items are. Gentle but persistent repetition of these rules will eventually lead to a personal understanding of the guidelines you expect them to follow.
Demonstrating how your tools work may also create an interest in these children to work with them when they are old enough to do so safely.
Pet-Specific Safety Tips
Think of a dog as having the social intelligence of a two-year old child. This can be helpful guidance in protecting pets from the hazards of your garage or workspace.
CREATING A SAFE SPACE FOR PETS
Just as explaining the hazards to a two-year old is not really workable, preventing pets from getting into trouble will also be frustrating. Instead, make a safe space for your pets so that they don’t wander into your workspace and get into trouble.
A safe space should be an easy-to-access place away from the hubbub of the household where pets can relax in a comfy bed, play with their toys, and escape from chaos. Pets should have a peaceful place to rest, have some food and water, and relieve any stress they may be feeling.
PREVENTING ACCESS TO DANGEROUS AREAS
Just as with children, pets should be protected from all types of hazards. From locking up dangerous chemicals and pesticides to storing tools securely out of reach of inquisitive paws, the best approach is to make it impossible for an accident to happen.
Keeping pets out of work areas is a very good start. Physical barriers such as baby gates can work – as long as your pets can’t jump over them! Automated barriers are another option for dogs who are more than six months old and trainable; these use either a spray mist or a warning tone to warn your pet away from a forbidden area.
MONITORING PETS’ BEHAVIOR AND HEALTH
Remember that pet-proofing only goes so far. It is very important to supervise your pet closely, especially while they are young and/or new to your home. There are also monitoring systems that let you see how your pets behave when you are not there with them. If they are trying to get into a forbidden and dangerous area, you will be able to see it for yourself. Some of these systems can even let you talk to your pet remotely and warn them off
Other systems can track your pets’ health and activity levels, letting you monitor how many calories they burn and how much rest they get. This provides pet owners with an added dimension of pet care knowledge.
Securing Hazardous Materials Found in the Garage
If you have children or pets, hazardous materials should be locked away except when you are using them.
The traditional definition of a hazardous material is something that is combustible, flammable, or gives off dangerous fumes if spilled. But if you have children or pets, just about everything in your garage poses a potential hazard.
Antifreeze isn't particularly dangerous if you use it properly. It would take a lot of heat for antifreeze to catch fire, and it can be safely cleaned with regular household materials if you spill it. But if you are a child or pet who thinks it's fruit juice, antifreeze could be deadly.
So every chemical in your garage or workshop should be stored in locked cabinets. Large, lockable storage cabinets can be found online or at hardware stores for approximately $250.
Exceptionally hazardous materials, like gasoline, should be stored in a separate cabinet. Ideally this cabinet will not only be locked, but also stored in a high area where a child or pet can't get near it.
CLEANING CHEMICAL SPILLS
All chemical spills should be cleaned promptly. Fumes from chemical spills can be extremely hazardous, especially in confined, poorly ventilated spaces.
But you must be even more thorough when you have pets or small children.
Here are some steps you should take if you spill a toxic chemical in your workshop or yard.
- Make sure children and pets are well away from the area, and supervised.
- Put on protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask.
- Control the spill. If a bottle is leaking, or a tub has tipped over, do what you can to stop the flow of liquid. If you cannot control the spill, or are otherwise concerned for your safety, call 911.
- Contain the spill with absorbent materials such as kitty litter. Spread the absorbent materials over the entire area of the spill. Misting the area with water, or covering it with plastic sheeting, can help to control the spread and limit fumes. Under no circumstances should you allow the spill to reach storm drains/sewers, or any other body of water.
- Clean up the spill. Consult your local authorities for disposal information. Wearing protective equipment, scoop the absorbent material into a heavy-duty plastic bag, or if necessary, into a bag set inside a steel drum.
- Extremely hazardous chemicals may require additional surface cleaning with a bleach solution, to prevent danger for curious children or pets. Contact your local poison control center for advice.
SAFE (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS) DISPOSAL PRACTICES
Household hazardous waste (HHW) has been defined by the EPA as “…some leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic.” Some examples of HHW include cleaning products, paints, pesticides, batteries, and motor oil. Special care is required when disposing of these materials because they contain hazardous ingredients.
Identifying Hazardous Waste
The first thing to do is correctly identify which materials in your home are considered hazardous. This includes:
- Cleaning Products: Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and bleach.
- Paints and Solvents: Oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes.
- Pesticides: Herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides.
- Automotive Products: Motor oil, antifreeze, and gasoline.
- Household Batteries: Single-use and rechargeable batteries.
- Electronics: Old computers, phones, and other electronic devices.
Safe Disposal Methods
Read Labels Carefully
Always check the product label for disposal instructions. Manufacturers often provide guidance on how to safely dispose of their products.
Use Local Hazardous Waste Collection Programs
Communities sometimes offer hazardous waste collection days or facilities where you can drop off HHW for safe disposal. Check with your local government or waste management authority for information on these programs.
Do Not Mix Hazardous Materials
Mixing different types of HHW can cause dangerous chemical reactions. Always keep them in their original containers with labels intact to avoid accidental mixing and ensure proper handling.
Avoid Disposal in Regular Trash or Down Drains
Do not dispose of HHW in your regular trash, recycling bins, or by pouring them down drains. This can cause harm to sanitation workers, contaminate water supplies, and damage the environment.
Store Properly Before Disposal
Until you can dispose of HHW, store them in a secure location away from children and pets. Ensure that containers are sealed tightly and are in good condition to prevent leaks or spills.
Recycling Programs
Some items, such as batteries, electronics, and certain paints, can be recycled. Look for recycling programs specifically designed for these items.
Specific Disposal Instructions
Paint and Solvents
Let small quantities of paint dry out by removing the lid and allowing the paint to harden. Larger quantities can be taken to a hazardous waste collection site.
Pesticides
Never pour leftover pesticides down the drain. Take them to a hazardous waste disposal facility. If the product is empty, follow the disposal instructions on the label, which usually recommend triple-rinsing and then disposing of the container in regular trash.
Batteries
Many retailers and municipalities offer battery recycling programs. Check for local drop-off points.
Motor Oil and Antifreeze
Many auto parts stores and service stations accept used motor oil and antifreeze for recycling.
Resources for Safe Disposal
EPA’s Household Hazardous Waste: EPA HHW provides comprehensive information on identifying, storing, and disposing of HHW.
Local Government Websites: Many local government websites provide detailed information on HHW disposal programs available in your area.
By following these safe disposal practices, you can help protect your family, pets, and the environment from the potential dangers of household hazardous waste.
Organizing Your Workshop
An organized workshop is a safer workshop. Proper organization ensures that you store materials properly, have necessary safety equipment in an accessible place, and can find emergency supplies when you need them.
MAINTAIN A CLEAN SPACE
Clutter is an invitation to play for small children who love to put their hands (and mouths) on new objects. Small workshop items like screws, nuts, and the like, present a choking hazard to kids and pets.
If you're storing these items in a place that children could reach or otherwise access, consider getting storage containers that can be tightly closed.
Hardware and craft cabinets with multiple small storage bins can be found for around $50 online or at hardware stores. Use these helpful items to provide a place for clutter that would otherwise be strewn about your work surface.
KEEP TOOLS SORTED AND LOCKED
The reason to have consistent storage places for all your tools is two-fold.
- You can glance to make sure you put a tool back.
- You can know for sure if a tool has gone missing.
Every workshop is different. A woodworker will have different tools and storage needs than a welder. Think about how you use your tools and create a storage system that makes sense. Tools that come in multiple sizes (like wrenches) are often arranged and stored by size. But you may find that you use a few sizes more frequently than others. In that case, maybe those wrenches should have a permanent, more accessible storage location.
Customize storage for the way you like to work. There are plenty of different types of cabinets, drawers, pegs, shelves, and other tool storage systems to help.
Proper tool storage will give you peace of mind without having to worry about whether a tool has been misplaced. You can see at a glance that a tool is safe and sound where it should be.
CLOSING UP FOR THE DAY
When you finish working on your project for the day, clean and rearrange with the assumption that this is the night a child or pet will somehow wander in.
Before you leave your workshop:
- Sweep up debris like metal shavings or sawdust that children or pets could ingest.
- Clean and wipe down surfaces they could touch.
- Place small items in the appropriate storage area.
- Check that all storage cabinets are closed and/or locked.
Safety Practices for Heavy Items
SECURING SHELVES AND RACKS
When you've got a garage or workshop filled with heavy tools and equipment, keeping shelves and racks secure is important. Start by fastening all your shelving units to the walls with brackets or wall anchors. This prevents them from tipping over, especially if kids or pets are around.
Invest in heavy-duty shelves that can handle the weight of your gear. Regularly inspect them for any signs of wear and tear. Make sure to distribute weight evenly to avoid putting too much strain on one area.
PROPERLY STORING HEAVY OBJECTS
Heavy items should always be stored low to the ground. Keep them on lower shelves or directly on the floor to reduce the risk of them falling. Avoid stacking these items high, as it makes them unstable and more likely to topple over.
Use secure containers for smaller heavy items like tools or hardware. Containers with locking lids are ideal to keep curious kids from getting into dangerous stuff. Clearly label these containers so everyone knows what’s inside and how to handle them safely.
Vehicle and Machinery Precautions
KEY AND IGNITION SAFETY
Vehicles and machinery can be dangerous if not properly secured. Always remove keys from the ignition and store them out of reach of children, preferably in a lockbox or on a high shelf. Never leave a running vehicle unattended.
Consider installing ignition cut-off switches or steering wheel locks for extra security. These ensure that vehicles and machinery remain off-limits when not in use, giving you some peace of mind.
TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT VEHICLE DANGERS
It’s important to teach kids about the dangers of vehicles and machinery. Explain why they should never play near or inside a vehicle, and emphasize that machinery is not a toy. Use simple language and examples that they can understand.
Get older kids involved in safety practices, like making sure the car is off and the keys are put away. Encourage them to ask questions and understand the risks.
Temperature and Ventilation Considerations
MAINTAINING SAFE TEMPERATURES
Garages and workshops can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Use fans or portable air conditioners to cool things down in the heat, and make sure the space is insulated with space heaters for the cold months.
SPACE HEATERS
Space heaters can be a great way to keep your garage or workshop warm during the colder months, but they come with their own set of risks. Ensuring proper usage and placement is crucial to prevent accidents and hazards, especially around children and pets. Follow these essential safety tips to keep everyone safe:
- Keep space heaters a safe distance from any other objects in the garage, giving them space around the entire unit.
- Do not plug a space heater into an extension cord, as extension cords are not designed to handle the high current that space heaters require. This can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of fire.
- Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet that can support the electrical load.
PROPER VENTILATION
Ventilation is key in any workspace, especially if you’re dealing with fumes from welding, paints, solvents, or other hazardous materials. Make sure your garage or workshop has good ventilation with exhaust fans, open windows, or air purifiers.
When using chemicals or machinery that produce fumes, follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear like masks and gloves. Teach your family about the importance of good ventilation and the risks of poor air quality.
Lighting and Flooring
Two overlooked aspects of garage/workshop safety are lighting and flooring. Many garages aren't designed with the type of lighting needed for fine woodworking or precise welding. Replacing older bulbs with modern LEDs is a start. If you have a workspace where you are frequently doing tasks, you may want to install or buy additional lighting in the form of overhead lights or lamps. It's a good idea to have some portable lighting available if you want to work at dusk or into the night. All this is especially important if you're going to have kids working with tools for the first time. And extra light can help you spot wayward pets before they get into dangerous situations.
Garage floors aren't typically made for heavy use. They can be slippery when wet and are susceptible to staining or cracking. Yet some of us spend more time in our garage than in many other rooms in our home. A non-slip surface that's easier to clean up -- and safer for little ones to walk on -- could be a worthwhile investment.
Workshop Access Points
Good tools and equipment are always in demand, and can be a target for thieves. You also don't want kids of any age to be able to get into your workshop without your supervision.
So having some sort of security system for your workshop or garage is a good idea, and a simple lock and key will do the trick. Modern security systems will allow you to create a lock that's activated by passwords or fingerprints, and record every entry and exit through the door.
Working Around Children
When you are working, you will be distracted, and your sight and hearing may be obscured by equipment. The hazards of some projects are a safety risk for any bystander, let alone a child.
Welding, for example, causes the release of fumes from metals that can be toxic without proper ventilation. The sparks, intense heat, and falling metal chips can cause severe burns. The bright light from the flame can even cause eye damage.
A child won't know this -- they'll just see their parents doing something new. They may be able to get dangerously close to you before you even notice.
Before starting on any heavy-duty project, make sure your child is being monitored -- or put a lock on your workshop or garage door to ensure they can't get in.
As your child gets older, you may feel more comfortable having them hang out with you or assist on projects. As their awareness and ability grows, you may be able to relax some of the safety measures you've decided to put into place.
INTRODUCING KIDS TO TOOL SAFETY
Your kids will be interested in what you're doing in your workshop. That interest can progress from merely watching to doing projects of their own. It's up to you to decide when they're ready to progress to the next step, but here are some basic guidelines.
- Watching you in the workshop: Can stand relatively still for long periods, will listen to and obey instructions.
- Helping you in the workshop: Able to (and interested in) identifying different sizes and types of tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, etc.
- Using basic power tools like drills, sanders: Good hand-eye coordination, patience, can stay calm.
- Using more complex/dangerous tools like bench saws, soldering equipment: Willing to work under your supervision at first, always wears necessary protective equipment.
- Working independently on projects in the workshop without your supervision: Plans and goes over a project with you, knows tools/equipment needed and protective equipment required.
DANGERS POSED BY POWER TOOLS
As you introduce your children to power tools, keep in mind how dangerous they can be, even for trained professionals. According to the Consumer Products Safety Division, these are the number of injuries from power tools requiring medical treatment in a year (many among adults who are trained in their use).
- Bench or table saws: 64,651
- Grinder, buffer, polisher: 45,471
- Welding, soldering, cutting torches: 37,189
- Nail guns or stud drivers: 32,055
- Power drills: 12,981
- Power sanders: 2,393
Emergency Preparedness
FIRST AID KITS AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Every garage or workshop should have a well-stocked first aid kit within easy reach. Make sure your kit includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, tweezers, and a cold pack. If you work with tools or chemicals, it’s smart to add eye wash and burn ointment too.
Keep a list of emergency contacts near the first aid kit. This should include phone numbers for local emergency services, poison control, and a nearby friend or family member. It’s also a good idea to have the contact info for your regular doctor and veterinarian handy.
KNOWING WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
No matter how prepared you are, there will be times when you need professional help. If someone gets seriously hurt or shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, don’t hesitate to call 911. If you spill a hazardous chemical and aren’t sure how to properly clean it up, call your local fire department or hazardous materials unit.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR SAFETY CHECKS
Regular safety checks can help to prevent accidents before they happen. Make a habit of inspecting your workshop for hazards at least once a month. Look for things like frayed electrical cords, loose shelving, stray screws or nails, and improperly stored chemicals.
Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working. Check that fire extinguishers are not expired and accessible. Also take a moment to ensure that all your safety equipment, like goggles and gloves, are in good condition.
Featured image courtesy Maxim Selyuk on Unsplash. Illustrations by Primeweld.
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