Garages - Washing and Cleaning
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What are some safety tips for washing vehicles?
Back to top- Wear safety-toe, non-slip sole rubber boots.
- Wear hearing protection.
- Protect skin when using solvents. Use appropriate hand protection for the materials being used. Check that solvent storage tanks and containers are correctly bonded and grounded.
- Remove immediately any clothing saturated in solvents and wash skin with soap and water thoroughly.
- Watch out for burns from hot water and back blast from water or dirt particles.
- Do not direct high velocity streams of water on yourself or others.
- Do not use solvents to remove oil and grease from hands. Use soap and water or a waterless cleanser.
- Read and understand information provided in the SDS of all cleaning products or solutions that are you using.
What should I know about using a portable washer?
Back to topWhen using steam cleaners and high pressure washers:
- Always read the instruction manual before using any equipment.
- Never spray near a power source.
- Use eye protection.
- Wear waterproof clothing.
- Wear protective clothing to protect from burns and splatter.
- Never direct the spray towards any person or your body.
- Make sure that there is adequate ventilation, especially if you are using a fuel-powered washer.
- Be aware that the spray gun may cause kickback.
- Fill or drain a fuel tank outdoors, away from sources of ignition.
What should I know about cleaning garage floors?
Back to top- Minimize sweeping to reduce dust. Vacuum where possible.
- Remove accumulation of grease and oil by scraping up or shovelling the material into a disposal container.
- Absorb the remaining oil film with non-combustible absorbent material.
- Wash the floor with an industrial, non-volatile, biodegradable detergent solution.
- Rinse floor with clean water.
- Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
- Treat the waste as if it has the same hazardous properties as the original chemicals or materials.
- Dispose of all chemicals, materials, and wastes according to local environmental laws.
- Fact sheet last revised: 2016-12-01