Household/Garage Chemicals/Garage Safety
Every day, over 300 children in the United States ages 0 to 19 are treated in an emergency department, and two children die, as a result of being poisoned.[1] It’s not just chemicals in your home or garage marked with clear warning labels that can be dangerous to children. There are many commonly used items in your household that can be dangerous to children.
Tips for Safe Chemical Storage and Use
- Read the label before purchasing any chemical. Understand the correct use and the dangers posed by the chemical.
- Choose the least dangerous product that will do the job, especially if children are present.
- Lock chemicals in a cabinet out of the reach of children. Remember children are curious, inventive and good climbers.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Handle with extreme caution.
- Use recommended protective equipment: gloves, safety goggles, trousers and long-sleeved shirts are a minimum. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Seal chemicals in their original containers.
- Do not reuse empty containers or repack product in different containers.
- When recharging car, motorcycle or boat batteries, loosen the caps on the battery cells, ventilate the area, turn off all electrical appliances in the vicinity.
- Do not mix chemicals.
- Do not prepare more chemical than you need for the job.
- Do not use chemicals for jobs for which they are not intended.
- Do not pour chemicals down the drain, the toilet or the gutter.
- Do not use tools that generate heat or sparks near flammable items.
- Make sure your garage is equipped with a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher.
- Make sure your garage door has a safety reverse feature
Poison Control Phone Number: 1-800-222-1222
National Safety Council Poisonous Household Products link
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
