Safety in the garage
For Construction Safety Week to tip number two, consider a common practice that takes place during this time of year is the dreaded task of spring cleaning of garages. As you are doing your spring cleaning, please consider the safety of those who may enter the garage. Specifically, the storage of chemicals and poisons. Everyone has them, but are they stored properly? Some quick statistics.
- 838 children ages 19 and under died from poisonings in 2010.
- 89% of children who died from a poisoning were ages 15 to 19. Poisoning is the second leading cause of injury‐related death among children ages 15 to 19 after motor vehicle.
- 73% of children who died from a poisoning were boys.
- The number of children dying from poisoning has more than doubled since 1999.
- Many common chemicals to keep in mind while you are doing your spring cleaning include:
- Solvents such as kerosene, methylated spirits and paint thinners
• Swimming pool chemicals
- Fertilizers, Pesticides, herbicides, and weed killers
• LPG cylinders, petrol and other fuels.
- Aerosol sprays
We often think we know how to use and store these chemicals and don’t read the safety information. Many
accidents occur due to unsafe storage practices. All chemicals should be used appropriately.
Tips for safe chemical storage and use:
- Choose the least dangerous product that will do the job, especially if children are present.
- Lock chemicals in a cabinet and out of reach of children
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Use the recommended protective equipment and ensure adequate ventilation
- Seal chemicals in their original containers.
- Do not mix chemicals
- Do not pour chemicals down the drain
- Do not use chemicals around children
BMWC views safety as a top priority. We have made a commitment to safety so we can continue to be the best general contractor specializing in industrial piping systems and other construction services nationally. Join our team of highly skilled project engineers or view our other construction jobs openings.
