Garages - Washing and Cleaning

• Wear safety-toe, non-slip-sole rubber boots.
• Wear hearing protection.
• Read and understand the labels (WHMIS and consumer products) and safety data sheets (SDSs) for all products used. 
• Protect skin, eyes, and lungs when using solvents. Use appropriate personal protective equipment for the products being used. 
• Check that solvent storage tanks and containers are correctly bonded and grounded to reduce static electricity.
• Remove immediately any clothing saturated in solvents and wash skin with soap and water thoroughly.
• Watch out for burns from hot water and back blasts 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.

When using steam cleaners and high-pressure washers:

• Always read the instruction manual before using any equipment.
• Never spray near a power source. Electric shock may occur. 
• Use eye protection. A fast, strong spray can move objects. 
• Wear waterproof clothing, including boots.
• Wear protective clothing to protect from burns and splatter.
• Never direct the spray towards any person or your body. The water pressure may break or enter the skin, causing severe injury.  
• Be aware that the spray gun may cause kickback.
• Fill or drain a fuel tank outdoors, away from sources of ignition.
• If using gasoline-powered equipment, do not use them in an enclosed space or a building. Carbon monoxide poisoning may occur. 
• If using electric-powered equipment, make sure it is plugged into an outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).  Do not let extension cords rest in water. 

• 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 the floor with clean water.
• Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent.
• Treat the waste as having the same hazardous properties as the original chemicals or materials.
• Dispose of all chemicals, materials, and wastes according to local environmental laws.