Tags: Home Remodeling, Basement Remodeling, Garage Finishing, Basement Design, Interior Design
Having a workspace in your garage can be very convenient for pursuing hobbies, running a small business, or tackling home improvement projects. Nevertheless, garages can also present safety hazards if not properly organized and outfitted. Taking some simple precautions means you can create a garage workspace that allows you to work efficiently while minimizing the risk of injury or accident.
The first step in garage workspace safety is clearing out clutter and defining separate areas for parking vehicles, working, and storing hazardous substances. Begin by sorting through all non-essential items and discarding anything you do not need to keep. Sell, donate, or recycle these unneeded possessions.
Next, thoroughly clean the garage floors, walls, and ceilings to remove grease, chemicals, and other residue. Now you have a blank slate to set up dedicated work zones. Mark off space for parking vehicles away from your workbench area. Also, designate clear areas for safely storing paint, gasoline, cleaning products and other hazardous materials. Hang a Seton work safety poster listing emergency contact numbers in a visible spot.
The centerpiece of your new garage workspace should be a sturdy, height-adjustable workbench. This provides a safe, ergonomic surface for taking on a wide variety of jobs. Mount lights above and around the workbench to ensure adequate illumination. Install pegboards, shelves, hooks, and storage bins near the workbench to keep all your tools and materials organized and within reach.
Consider covering the workbench with plexiglass, sheet metal or other material to protect the surface from spills and wear. Attach vice grips at the edges of the workbench to securely clamp irregularly shaped workpieces. You may also want accessories like a parts tray, adjustable stool, and electrical outlets to make your workspace as functional as possible.
Along with your workbench setup, pay special attention to choosing appropriate flooring for a garage workspace. Bare concrete floors are prone to collecting moisture, grease drips and chemical spills. Plus, they are hard, cold, and uncomfortable to stand or kneel on for long periods. Consider installing interlocking rubber tile or vinyl flooring designed specifically for garage use.
These flooring products are affordable, durable, and easy for a DIY homeowner to cut and install using basic tools. They provide thick cushioning, insulation, and structurally reinforced surfaces. Look for materials made to withstand corrosion, impacts, and automotive chemicals while providing vibration dampening qualities. Proper garage flooring enhances comfort, reduces fatigue, and minimizes slip-and-fall risks when moving around the workspace.
To work efficiently and avoid safety hazards, install plenty of task lighting and overhead illumination suited for workshop tasks. LED fixtures are energy efficient, long lasting, and bright while operating at cooler temperatures. Position adjustable work lights to target your workbench area without creating distracting glare.
For overall ambient lighting, space two or three LED shop light fixtures evenly across the length of the ceiling. This removes dark shadows that obscure workspace hazards. You may also want small, battery powered headlamps to wear for precision inspections or tasks that require peering into tight mechanical spaces while keeping both hands free. Proper garage workspace lighting improves efficiency while preventing mistakes that can lead to accidents and injuries.
An organized, clutter-free workspace is a safer workspace. Install sturdy shelving and storage systems to keep all chemicals, tools, equipment, and materials secure when not in use. Clearly label shelves and storage bins for easy identification. Use locking cabinets to prevent children or pets from accessing hazardous substances.
Mount metal pegboards or slat-walls to organize hand tools above your workbench for quick access. Utility hooks allow you to hang extension cords, hoses, ladders, and other items off the floor. Use rolling carts and multi-drawer cabinets on lockable casters to conveniently transport tools, fasteners, and supplies around your workspace. Proper storage ensures everything has a designated place, so your garage remains tidy. This removes trip hazards and makes retrieving needed items more efficient.
In any garage workspace, power tools and equipment require ample grounded electrical outlets to operate safely. Hiring a licensed electrician to upgrade your garage’s electrical system is advisable for most homeowners. Ask them to install new breaker boxes, outlets, switches, and lighting wired to the appropriate amperage and circuits to handle workshop power demands.
Have the electrician use metal conduit rather than plastic to protect wiring from impacts or other physical damage. Make sure all outlets feature ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection to prevent electrocutions or electrical fires. Avoid overloading outlets with too many devices plugged in at once. Power extension cords must have thickness ratings to manage tool loads without overheating. Inspect all electrical equipment, cords, and outlets periodically for damage or faults. Following basic electrical safety fundamentals is critical when setting up a garage workspace.
Certain chemicals, fuels, solvents, and other substances kept in home garages pose burn or inhalation dangers. Never store combustibles in open containers or directly on concrete floors where spills can spread rapidly. Instead, keep them sealed tightly in approved containers on raised shelves or in fireproof cabinets.
Install an automatic fire suppression system if you frequently use welding torches, grinders, or other equipment that emits sparks. Maintain well-ventilated conditions and open garage doors whenever using paints, thinners, cleaners, or other fume-releasing products. Read all warning labels and double check ventilation requirements when introducing new chemicals into your workspace. Also keep combustibles away from space heaters or other ignition sources in your garage area. Taking precautions with hazardous substances reduces health and fire risks.
Creating a clean, well-organized, and properly equipped workspace in your home garage provides many benefits. Following the safety, storage, electrical and equipment considerations outlined here allows you to pursue hobbies and projects in a comfortable area right on your property. Use common sense and caution when introducing anything new, like chemicals or power tools, into your garage workspace. Review building codes and insurance policies for any restrictions related to garage workshops before getting started. Making safety your top priority means you can enjoy working from your own customized garage workspace for years to come.