How to Childproof a Workshop

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Your workshop is probably the one area most fraught with danger for little ones. It’s filled with heavy, sharp and tiny objects that can be swallowed easily. There are usually all sorts of toxic products in there that inquiring little minds could try to explore. It isn’t safe to just keep kids out of the room. Unless it’s dead bolted every minute you’re not in there, they’ll find a way in. Start with the question, "If this was my child’s playroom, what would I need to change?"

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Sturdy cabinets
Good cabinet locks
Large and small hooks for hanging
High shelves
Baby food jars

Step1

Start big. Table saws and other immovable pieces of equipment need to be made safe. If you want to keep things plugged in, put all of your plugs into one power strip that’s out of reach. You can even buy a plug lock with a key. This way you can turn your tools and equipment all off at once. Saw blades that are reachable need to be covered with a safety shield or taken out.

Step2

Tackle whatever could fall next. Ladders can be hung high up on a wall with large hooks. Don’t ever leave them standing where kids can try to climb them. Sheets of plywood or sheet rock or even lengths of wood can be secured with one or two railings made from 2x4’s. You may need a third rail if you need to store them standing up. You can use poles that slide through pieces of 2x4 with holes in them for easier access.

Step3

Lock up everything that would be harmful if swallowed. The labels will be clear on this. You may have to invest in cabinets but it’s the safest way. Don’t skimp on cabinet locks. Cheap locks don’t hold up. If you cannot buy cabinets, install very high shelves with a lip on the front so that nothing can slide or be pushed off. Never store toxins in soda pop bottles or other containers that could look like food or drinks to kids. Their taste buds are undeveloped and it is amazing the nasty looking and smelling things they will drink.

Step4

Take the doors off any appliances or chests kids could crawl into. Don’t leave plastic bags, drop cloths or other items that can smother or choke a child within reach. Don’t leave any cords or rope where running children could trip over them or get them wrapped around their necks. Remember, if it can by done, a child will find a way!

Step5

Pick up all of your nuts and bolts and drill bits and put them in a safe place. Small items can be sorted into baby food jars and the lids can be nailed to the bottom of a high shelf. Screwdrivers can be stored on hanging racks made for them as can hammers and small saws. Larger saws can hang on high hooks or be locked up. Keep tool boxes locked at all times.

Step6

Keep the room clean. Clean spills up, sweep up the saw dust and pick up whatever is laying around when you’re done for the day. With these precautions in place, you should be able to relax in and out of your workshop.

Tips & Warnings

Think this job through, taking notes of what you need to do and buy before you start. It will make things go a lot easier.
Check labels on everything very carefully. Even the most ordinary products can be harmful to children.
Never leave doors on anything large enough for a child to crawl into.