Lets talk safety for a minute...

[nperkins]

As I go through and get all my ducks in a row for my new garage to finally be built next week... I thought to myself.. I should get a fire extinguisher or two..

What do you guys keep for safety equipment in your garages? And what type of extinguishers do you use?

I'm planning on security cameras, was thinking two fire extinguishers, and an eye wash station...

 

[KipperMatic]

I guess the safety equipment required would be in correlation as to what you are going to do in or around the garage.

My father does extensive welding (arc, mig, tig) and fabrication work in his garage. His safety requirements are different than mine for dry storage. I don't think I've seen a report of shovels and rakes spontaneously combusting, but I have a 20 lb ABC extinguisher just in case.

 

[countryroad82]

I have 6 10lb ABC fire extinguishers in my shop. 2 on each side at the front, 2 on each side at the 25' mark, and 2 in the back. Along with these I have the usual safety equipment, goggles, welding jackets/chaps, face shields, gloves, respirators, you know all the stuff that helps prolong me from enevitably killing myself lol.

 

[Kaizen]

def 2 fire extinguishers and not the little kitchen size but the larger ones that can put out a larger fire like a gas spill. More importantly just keep combustibles away from sparks.

 

[Thumper68]

There are a few good threads on here for extinguishers.

Other than that I have a box of disposable ear plugs, a welding blanket many pairs of safety glasses.

I try and keep enough PPE in the shop to cover all visitors for anything we may be working on.

 

[1dwn5up]

I agree with CountryRoad by putting some near exits. You don't want run into a fire to grab them. Most likely you'll be exiting the garage if it gets too intense so best to grab it on the way out and then figure out if you can safely put them out.

 

[Tim37]

If your doing a lot of cutting and welding a co2 extinguisher is nice to have, you can put out small fires and not have mess. But I would also have some ABC's around if things get out of Hand.

 

[altersaddle]

I've got a single fire extinguisher in my small workshop (20 or 30lb ABC). The man door and roll-up door share a corner, so it's on the other side of the man door.

I'm "halfway" (think: stalled) through a long term project to set up environment sensors in the workshop, mostly so I can keep track of temperature and humidity to deal with tools rusting. In hindsight, I think my humidity problems were due to the slab curing and not due to climate...

 

[diver165]

I had visions of Norm Abrams talking for a min...

New Yankee Workshop fans will know what I'm talking about. LOL

 

[bgarrett]

ABC *****, must be inverted and tapped once a year and its corrosive. Use CO2 or Halon. These are Very good and cheap----from estate sales.

Do NOT mount it at eye level. First thats illegal and second its a bad idea. You dont want to lift it over your head to get it off the wall mount.

Do not leave it sitting on the floor.

 

[theoldwizard1]

ABC *****, must be inverted and tapped once a year and its corrosive. Use CO2 or Halon. These are Very good and cheap----from estate sales.

Yes, "dry" ABC extinguisher leave a mess, but they work well and are a lot less than CO2 or Halon. At least one CO2 is worth the expense. They work well on oil/grease and electrical fires and there is no clean up.

If you are a wood worker you really need a water extinguisher.

 

[nperkins]

Good info...

In my case, i'm about to build a 24x30 garage.. Basic layout like this

I'm thinking one extinguisher underneath the air hose reel, and another on the opposite side near the garage door on the wall... I wasn't sure on the ABC vs CO2/Halon.. But i'm thinking ABC since its more general mechanic repair type things that will be going on..

Already have safety glasses & basic PPE... Going to have a dirty rag metal trashcan too...

Where does everybody typically get their extinguishers from? And what about servicing them? Do you bother?

 

[KipperMatic]

Needs a beer fridge, but looks like a nice workable setup. Can you mount an extinguisher to the center post of the lift? Visible from the outside so a passerby may see it and assist if the doors are open and need be?

I just bring my extinguishers in to work when I know we are getting the ones here inspected.

 

[plow]

I use my first aid kit more than my fire ext.......Jus' sayin'

 

[Danver]

I agree with CountryRoad by putting some near exits. You don't want run into a fire to grab them. Most likely you'll be exiting the garage if it gets too intense so best to grab it on the way out and then figure out if you can safely put them out.

I keep one near the exit for that reason but I also keep a couple on the back wall where there aren't any exits just in case a fire starts between me and the door. I want one handy to aid me in getting out if needed.

 

[justanengineer]

Good info...

In my case, i'm about to build a 24x30 garage.. Basic layout like this

I'm thinking one extinguisher underneath the air hose reel, and another on the opposite side near the....

JMO but I'd never want a lift up against a wall, thatd be a major safety no-no for me. Ive never dropped a vehicle off a lift but had several shift so I ALWAYS want a clear escape aisle ~3' wide on both sides. I'd also suggest building the garage first then arranging it, your model looks highly optimistic/disproportionate regarding space when I consider my 24'x26'.

 

[GS-Louie]

I built in a safety shower area. I have a 3'X5' toilet room. I also installed a shower head opposite the toilet. I don't plan on taking any showers for cleaning in there, just as an emergency wash station. The room is tiled to 6' tall on all the walls. Clean up will be a lot easier than my healing from a bad burn.

Some years ago a friend of mine was working in his shop. A radiator hose came off and dumped hot anti-freeze on him. He go very severe burns on him because he no way to wash it off. I learned.

Lou

 

[srmofo]

Where does everybody typically get their extinguishers from? And what about servicing them? Do you bother?

Zoro tools, Amerex 20 lb ABC, Service from a local company when the time comes

http://www.zoro.com/i/G4136431/ brass valve

http://www.zoro.com/i/G3650001/ aluminum valve

Let the cute little picture fool you, these are big and heavy

They also qualify for the big 30% off sale and if you buy a few the shipping is free. These are by far the cheapest you will find them anywhere BEFORE the big discount and they are top of the line extinguishers

 

[rburke65]

How about adequate lighting. Put stuff in it's proper place.....keep the floor clear. Don't place anything of the steps.

 

[GRX]

"I've fallen, and I can't get up!" .... we all remember that TV commercial with the elderly lady.

If you spend a lot of time working in your garage alone a wireless doorbell is not a bad idea. Put the button in your pocket and the base unit ringer inside the house where your significant other can hear it. Accidents do happen and you would not want to be pinned under that car for several hours waiting for someone to come looking. Or you can use it to summon her to bring you a sandwich