Keep Your Work Area Clean and Safe

Car enthusiasts often love to take special care of their automobiles. Oftentimes, such work is done in the garage, even if the car is routinely parked in the driveway.

The garage houses most of the tools needed for car care, and so long as it isn't cluttered, is a great place to work without worrying about the weather or other distractions. But even the most accomplished do-it-yourselfer should consider the following safety tips courtesy of the Home Safety Council.

• Keep a stocked first aid kit near every work area. First aid may make the difference between a quick recovery and permanent injury.
• Post emergency numbers, including the national Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) by each phone.
• Install a fire extinguisher in your workshop, and learn how to use it.
• Keep hazardous materials out of the reach of children. Read the labels on products. If you see the words "Caution," "Warning," "Danger," "Poison" or "Keep Out of Reach of Children" on the label, store the item in a safe place using child safety latches.
• Read the directions before using a product or tool.
• Store gasoline in an outdoor shed or garage, out of children's reach. Store it in a child safety container approved for gasoline storage.
• Wear chemical safety glasses when using hazardous solvents and cleaning products. Wear safety glasses with side shields when using power tools.
• Keep children out of your work area.
• Do not wear any loose or dangling clothing or jewelry that could become caught in moving parts.
• Keep your work area clean and free from clutter.
• Unplug the power cord before you do any trouble-shooting on a tool that is jammed or won't start.
• Never walk away from a plugged-in power tool, even for a few minutes.

  For more tips on keeping your entire family safe at home, visit the Home Safety Council Web site at www.homesafetycouncil.org.