My 7 Motorcycle Garage Safety Rules – FAQ

I wanted a simple list here I can reference from my other posts, but these are good garage safety tips for everyone.

Remember, Safety Is No Accident.

1. No Open Flames In My Garage.

This rule includes smoking! I don’t smoke, so this rule applies to visitors to my garage. So if you smoke, no smoking in garages.

It is not unusual that gasoline fumes, and other combustible liquids, are in a garage and often being used and out of their approved container. So an open flame, or burning cigarette, can be a source of ignition and cause a fire/explosion. So no fire, to cause a fire.

Exception:  The new open flame is an important safety rule, but this rule has an exception—welding, Brazing, or soldering.  Except, you take precautions prior to working with the flame.

Using an ignition source during these evolutions is necessary. If I work against one general garage safety rule, I better not break any others and work at my safest level.

I only use the heat source when I have to, and I always work at the safest level possible.

2. General Fire Safety, Including Fire Extinguisher Staging.

Smoking and open flames can be a real source of fire, but there are other sources when working in the garage. Should a fire start, know your drill.

Keep flammable liquids in appropriate containers. Fuel cans, metal waste, cans, or get them out of the house immediately.

Don’t be a pack rat for garbage or items you don’t plan to use. Open a box, and recycle that box. Use absorbents to clean up spills, get those absorbents out of the garage and dispose of them quickly. Be safe.

Have appropriate fire Extinguisher(ABC rated) nearby and sized well to address any fire while it’s still tiny and starting. If the fire is too large to put out, exit the area(everyone), seal up the area(close doors as you leave), seek a safe location away from the fire, and call the fire department.  

3. Work Area Cleanliness.

I am a klutz; I will trip over my two feet without trying. So setting up tools and having items I use most nearby is vital. Less hunting and searching for items keeps me in one location, and areas around my work site are clear of parts and tools.

No need to turn a good time working on your motorcycle into a visit to the local ER because of a fall.

4. Wear PPE (Personal Protective Gear).

Motorcycle surfaces can be hot, and liquids can spill on your hands or splash in your eyes.  

I was once putting on a spring for my motorcycle kickstand, and the spring slipped off and shot across my body. It moved so fast that I almost didn’t see where it went. This spring could have done some actual harm to my eyes.

I wear contact lenses, and because of this, I use readers to see things close up. So I use safety glasses with readers( Safety Glasses With Readers ) to have no excuse for not being safe.

So, wear gloves, protect your eyes, and don’t ignore a chance to prevent an accident.

5. Never Work On, Or Under, A Motorcycle Not Adequately Secured.

Don’t care how much you can bench-press; if a 400-pound motorcycle tips over and lands on your head, you are in a world of hurt.   

Use only jacks and stands for supporting the motorcycle if working under it.  I use a hydraulic motorcycle jack that has safety catches: Best Motorcycle Lift Jack I Use

Ensure the motorcycle isn’t going to roll away while doing repairs. For example, if you mess with the shifter, you might put it into neutral; on an unlevel surface bike can move and tip over. Be careful.

6. Know Your Limitations!

I am new to motorcycle repair, building, maintenance, etc. I know I don’t know much from the start, and this has changed over time, but there is still more I don’t know. So I seek help from others.

There are sources for information to work on motorcycles safely. For example, for my TaoTao TBR7 motorcycle, I found several websites to get help from: TaoTao TBR7 help? Upgrade Guides? User Support?

These are only some of the TBR7 and Boom Vader Chonda sites I found. I’m sure there are many motorcycle forums and websites that can offer helpful information for the make/model of motorcycle you are working on.

7. Use Common Sense.

Just because it’s not on this garage safety list doesn’t mean everything else is safe. Protect yourself, your home, your motorcycle, and others. If it feels unsafe, don’t do it. Find out why you feel it’s unsafe and make it safe before proceeding.

More Garage Rules In The Future?

Yes, I am no expert(Rule #6), so I appreciate gaining knowledge through experience or information from others. As I go along, I might add or modify my garage safety rules to reflect this.

If you have tips you want to contribute, please feel free to comment, and then I can update my safety list. We can make a difference with shared knowledge.

Thank you, Work Safe, Work Fun!

Extra Reading About Fire Extinguishers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher#Types_of_extinguishing_agents