A home garage or workshop is a great place for creativity and repairs—but even with the best safety habits, accidents happen. A slip of a utility knife, a burn from a hot tool, or a splash of cleaner can quickly turn into a painful situation.
Having a well-stocked first aid station gives you the tools to respond fast and prevent minor injuries from becoming serious. This guide walks you through the must-have supplies for any DIYer's workspace.
1. Adhesive Bandages in Multiple Sizes
Stock assorted bandages for knuckle cuts, fingertip scrapes, and small nicks. Keep plenty on hand—cuts from sheet metal or sharp tools are common in the garage.
2. Antiseptic Wipes and Ointment
Use antiseptic wipes to clean cuts or abrasions before bandaging. Include antibiotic ointments to prevent infection and promote healing.
3. Burn Cream or Gel
Touching a hot exhaust, tool, or glue gun can result in minor burns. Keep a burn gel or cooling pad in your kit for quick pain relief.
4. Eye Wash Solution
Chemicals and dust can cause serious eye irritation. A small bottle of sterile eye wash or a portable eye cup can flush out irritants quickly.
5. Disposable Gloves
Use nitrile or latex gloves when treating wounds to prevent contamination—especially if you're working on dirty engines or with solvents. They’re also helpful for applying ointments or handling bandages.
6. Gauze Pads and Medical Tape
For deeper scrapes or bleeding wounds, sterile gauze and tape provide better coverage than standard bandages. Use non-stick pads to avoid reopening wounds when removing them.
7. Tweezers and Small Scissors
Tweezers help remove splinters, metal shavings, or glass. Small scissors are useful for cutting tape, gauze, or clothing if needed.
8. Cold Packs
Keep instant cold packs in your kit to reduce swelling from impact injuries, strains, or minor bruises. Just squeeze to activate and apply directly to the affected area.
9. Emergency Contact List
Include a card or note with emergency numbers, your address, and directions to the nearest urgent care or ER in case you need to call for help.
10. Refills and Restocking
Check your first aid kit monthly. Replace expired items, restock used supplies, and keep a checklist nearby so you’re never caught unprepared.
Bonus Tip: Mount It Where It's Easy to Reach
Mount your first aid kit on a wall near the main entry point or workbench. Clearly label the box and keep it unlocked so it’s accessible in a hurry. You can even add a small flashlight or headlamp nearby in case of a power outage during an emergency.
Conclusion
A good first aid kit is more than just a box of bandages—it’s peace of mind. By keeping your workshop stocked with the right supplies, you can treat injuries quickly and keep your projects on track.
Build your workshop first aid station with gloves, eye wash, and other essentials from OneSource Supply Co.: https://onesourcesupplyco.com
