Metal Garages

Garages are full of potential safety hazards, many of which can be deadly in nature. Due to the vehicles, tools and equipment that are often stored in garages, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

Store any sharp tools. Make sure that you store all of your sharp tools away safely. It’s too easy for a child, pet or even adult to get hurt in the event of a slip or fall. Rakes, shovels and other sharp tools should be placed in a storage system that is securely fastened shut and well organized.

Get rid of old electrical cords. Remove any electrical cords that have had too much wear and tear. They’re a fire hazard. They’re a tripping hazard. And they’re a shock hazard. Not a particularly appealing combination.

Check your workspace. If you regularly use your workshop, pay close attention to your station before leaving it for the day. Clean up any mess, especially sawdust, spillage and debris which could lead to someone falling. Your workspace should have a nearby first-aid kit, and you should keep (and use) all of your important protective wear (goggles, face mask, gloves etc.).

Handle hazardous materials with care. Any dangerous materials including chemicals, fertilizers, paints and solvents, should be locked up. A good location for hazardous chemicals and waste includes anywhere that is difficult for children or pets to reach, including locked cabinets.

Store power tools away. An ideal location would be any storage cabinets that are secured with locks (this also helps to deter theft). Larger power tools may not be realistic to lock away, but they should already feature safety locks.

Remove clutter. Clutter can block vehicles from parking and lead to serious injury. Towering clutter can fall over and hurt someone and ground-level clutter can trip someone. Worst of all, excessive clutter is a very real fire hazard, particularly flammable materials such as magazines or boxes.

Check that storage is anchored. Your storage system should be sturdy and able to handle the weight of any items being stored. You can anchor them to the wall or ceiling.

Control possible fire hazards. Your garage should have a working smoke detector, fire alarm and fire extinguisher if you want to mitigate the risk of a fire starting.

Replace old lighting with new lighting. If you can’t see properly in your garage, a host of accidents might occur. Whether you’re parking, using your workspace, or navigating in and out of the garage, proper lighting is imperative.

Decrease the carbon monoxide risk. Carbon monoxide exposure in small, infrequent amounts isn’t a known health risk. However, it does pose a significant risk (sometimes deadly) when vehicles are allowed to idle in the garage for long periods of time (even with open garage doors). The same goes for any gas-powered vehicles or tools. If you’d like to be extra careful, install a carbon monoxide detector..

Hopefully these safety tips will help you enjoy the full benefits of your garage while you keep it in working order. Don’t have a VersaTube garage yet? We’ve got a great selection for you to choose from, including custom building kits!