Fire Extinguisher -
The most important tool you can have in your shop, garage, basement, or where ever you work on your bike is a fire extinguisher (or two). It's also the first tool you should get and the last one you hope you have to use. I think a good 10lb ABC type extinguisher is the minimum for a home garage. Shops will have requirements based on local fire codes. Don't waste your time or money with those tiny "kitchen/garage"extinguishers from Wal-mart. If you ever have to use one, you'll know why. Good extinguishers can be had for just about twice what those cheap ones cost and are 10 times better. They can be bought online from places like http://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?model=S-9874 or on ebay. I have one in my kitchen and another in the garage. Make sure you keep it somewhere extremely accessible. You don't want it buried under a bunch of junk in the corner when you really need it. Most come with a hook to hang it on a wall, use it.
Safety glasses -
Everyone knows you need these when grinding and cutting. You also want to use them whenever you are prying on anything or spraying chemicals like carb or brake cleaner. Ask me how I know. Get a few of them so when you need them, a pair is always close by.
Hearing protection –
Plenty of people never use it, but I'm not one of them. Buy a box of ear plugs online for about $20 and you'll have 200 pairs that will last a long time. That's only 10 cents a pair so they are very disposable. Use them when grinding and cutting and you'll thank yourself later. I use Howard Leight Max NRR 33 for most uses and Howard Leight Max NRR 30 for all day use. I like the non-corded ones.
Welding -
This one is easy, a good mask and gloves at the minimum. Other levels of skin protection depend on how much you are welding and how much you like sparks and welder burn from the UV rays. Don't forget about ventilation.
Electrical –
Electrical hazards include electrical overload, shock, and fire. They are pretty self explanatory. Use your head and don't electrocute yourself or burn your shop down.
Vapors/Fumes -
There are plenty of things you do or use in a shop that will require "proper ventilation"such as painting, using chemical strippers or pretty much any chemical, exhaust fumes, welding, shop heaters, etc. If you're painting with a sprayer, use a respirator! For everything else, use your head. If you start to get a headache, your eyes burn or itch, or you feel nauseated, recognize the signs and get out of your shop or garage and get some fresh air and let the shop air out. Many times people won't recognize the signs because they think their headache or other symptom is from stress and working hard to get a job done or to meet a deadline.
That's it for now. I'm sure I missed a few things so if anyone has anything to add or expand on, please do!
The most important tool you can have in your shop, garage, basement, or where ever you work on your bike is a fire extinguisher (or two). It's also the first tool you should get and the last one you hope you have to use. I think a good 10lb ABC type extinguisher is the minimum for a home garage. Shops will have requirements based on local fire codes. Don't waste your time or money with those tiny "kitchen/garage"extinguishers from Wal-mart. If you ever have to use one, you'll know why. Good extinguishers can be had for just about twice what those cheap ones cost and are 10 times better. They can be bought online from places like http://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?model=S-9874 or on ebay. I have one in my kitchen and another in the garage. Make sure you keep it somewhere extremely accessible. You don't want it buried under a bunch of junk in the corner when you really need it. Most come with a hook to hang it on a wall, use it.
Safety glasses -
Everyone knows you need these when grinding and cutting. You also want to use them whenever you are prying on anything or spraying chemicals like carb or brake cleaner. Ask me how I know. Get a few of them so when you need them, a pair is always close by.
Hearing protection –
Plenty of people never use it, but I'm not one of them. Buy a box of ear plugs online for about $20 and you'll have 200 pairs that will last a long time. That's only 10 cents a pair so they are very disposable. Use them when grinding and cutting and you'll thank yourself later. I use Howard Leight Max NRR 33 for most uses and Howard Leight Max NRR 30 for all day use. I like the non-corded ones.
Welding -
This one is easy, a good mask and gloves at the minimum. Other levels of skin protection depend on how much you are welding and how much you like sparks and welder burn from the UV rays. Don't forget about ventilation.
Electrical –
Electrical hazards include electrical overload, shock, and fire. They are pretty self explanatory. Use your head and don't electrocute yourself or burn your shop down.
Vapors/Fumes -
There are plenty of things you do or use in a shop that will require "proper ventilation"such as painting, using chemical strippers or pretty much any chemical, exhaust fumes, welding, shop heaters, etc. If you're painting with a sprayer, use a respirator! For everything else, use your head. If you start to get a headache, your eyes burn or itch, or you feel nauseated, recognize the signs and get out of your shop or garage and get some fresh air and let the shop air out. Many times people won't recognize the signs because they think their headache or other symptom is from stress and working hard to get a job done or to meet a deadline.
That's it for now. I'm sure I missed a few things so if anyone has anything to add or expand on, please do!