One of the main causes of injury-related deaths in the home is poisoning. Some of the most dangerous items, including automotive fluids and pesticides are often stored in the garage. Follow these guidelines to keep your family safe from toxins:

Conduct an audit of every container in the garage to identify toxic materials. Potential poisons include:

-

Garden pesticides

-

Automotive fluids

-

Lighter fluids (for grills)

-

Paints

-

Paint thinners

-

Paint removers

-

Many household cleansers

Properly dispose of as many toxins as possible, using the manufacturer's guidelines for proper disposal.

Thow out products that are:

-

Not labelled or of unclear usage

-

Past recommended usage date (printed on container)

-

Inadequately sealed; obsolete (e.g. servicing a product you no longer own or use)

-

Ineffective (eg: you've switched to a better product)

-

Insufficient (eg: not enough solvent to complete a task)

Dispose of any products that do not have clear usage, clean-up and safety/emergency response directions printed legibly on container.

Store all products in original containers and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Never transfer toxic materials to drinking glasses, drink or food containers, where they could be mistaken for food or beverages.

Store hazardous products out of range of children-in locked cabinets where possible.