The Importance of Using Safety Equipment in Your Garage

Our garage is where we store our prized possessions, fix our cars and other restoration projects, or simply hangout. From power tools to automotive fluids, there are numerous hazards lurking in the garage that can harm us. It is necessary for us to take precautions by wearing safety gear and having the appropriate equipment on hand. This safety gear includes eye protection, ear protection, fire extinguishers, and more.

Eye Protection

Our eyes are extremely sensitive, and garage work can put them at risk. From splinters to toxic fumes, there are numerous scenarios where eye protection is necessary. To protect your eyes, wear safety glasses or goggles that are scratch-resistant and durable. Glasses that conform to the ANSI Z87.1 standard provide additional protection by blocking out harmful UV rays and resisting impact. If you wear prescription glasses, you can talk to your doctor about getting prescription safety glasses.

Ear Protection

Garage work is often loud and prolonged exposure to noise can cause hearing damage. To prevent this, wearing ear muffs or earplugs when using power tools or noisy machinery can help to decrease your long term hearing damage. Ear protection also helps when using impact tools like hammer drills and impact wrenches, which can produce high-frequency sounds that damage eardrums. For example, buzz saws sound level can range from 80 dbA and 120 dbA, so exposure to the average buzzsaw for just 15 minutes without ear protection can potentially lead to hearing loss. Even if you use loud tools for only a few minutes at a time, this can gradually cause hearing damage over the years.

Fire Extinguishers

Garages are often home to flammable substances like oil, gas, and paint thinner, which can cause fires that spread rapidly. To minimize the risk of fire spreading, it is essential to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. The type of extinguisher you need depends on what you are storing in your garage. A Class B extinguisher works well for fires involving flammable liquids, while a Class C extinguisher is best for electrical fires. Choosing a suitable one for your situation is vital for preventing fires at their origin.

Other Safety Equipment

Apart from the gear mentioned above, there are other types of safety equipment you should consider, such as gloves, aprons, and helmets. Gloves protect your hands from sharp objects like broken glass or metal, while aprons shield your torso from spilled chemicals or hot liquids. Helmets are useful when working on cars or heavy equipment that requires head protection. A good-quality helmet should have a hard shell, a shock-absorbing liner, and an adjustable chin strap.

Schedule a Free Evaluation With Our Chicago Area Custom Garage Builders

A garage is a place of activity and occasional messiness, so safety should always be a top priority. By wearing the right safety gear and having the appropriate equipment on hand, you can protect yourself, your family, and your property from harm. For garage related questions, please reach out to our expert garage builders today. You can contact us by calling 630-852-8485.