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What are some general things to know when starting a garage business?
What are some safety tips for the general layout of a garage?
What are some general operational safety tips?
What should I keep in mind when storing materials?
What are some general things to know when starting a garage business? - Find out what legislation applies to your business and how to comply (e.g., occupational health and safety; workers' compensation; employment standards; fire codes, etc.) and ensure that employees understand what they need to know and do.
- Know the hazards associated with the activities and tasks you will be doing and ensure that employees understand the hazards, what precautions to take, and what to do in case of an accident or emergency.
- More information is available in the Health & Safety Programs section of OSH Answers.
What are some safety tips for the general layout of a garage? - Keep wiring, heating and ventilation systems in good condition.
- Provide adequate lighting with no glare; supply additional local lighting for hazardous procedures to ensure increased vision and reduced eye strain and fatigue.
- Replace any flickering fluorescent tubes - the "strobe" effect may make some moving parts appear as not moving.
- Designate separate areas for operations such as welding, cleaning, painting, lubricating and battery maintenance.
- Allow adequate floor space for the volume of work expected.
- Provide a clean lunchroom and washroom that are separate from the work area.
- Do not block or hinder access to fire extinguishers, doorways, and emergency exits.
- Ensure that emergency lighting works.
What are some general operational safety tips? - Use tools and service equipment only for the tasks for which they are designed.
- Keep power tool guards and safety devices in place and functional.
- Inspect and service fire extinguishers regularly.
- Keep first aid kits fully stocked.
- Post emergency phone numbers.
- Keep floors and benches clean to reduce slipping and tripping hazards.
- Empty trash containers regularly.
- Discard rags, paper and other items soaked with flammable materials (such as oil, gas or solvents) in approved metal containers.
What should I keep in mind when storing materials? Pile materials securely: - Cross-tie piles.
- Do not use damaged cartons.
- Allow nothing to overhang.
- Do not overload.
- Place wedges beside stock the will roll
- Keep aisles clear.
- Place heavy items on shelves at waist height. Identify the weight of unfamiliar loads and load limits on shelving.
- Label flammable and combustible materials clearly and store in a separate place, away from heat and ignition sources. Laws may require separate rooms or cabinets. Check with your local authorities.
- Use only approved safety containers for flammable and combustible liquids.
- Ground and bond containers when transferring flammable liquids from one container to another.
- Store compressed gas cylinders upright, and secure with chain or brackets.
- Close valves on empty cylinders. Make sure valve protection caps are in place.
- Keep fuel gas cylinders and petroleum products separate from oxygen cylinders.
- Do not smoke or use matches near flammable materials.
- Do not store combustible material, such as paper or work clothes, near heating units.
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Document last updated on August 20, 1999
Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
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