Working on DIY home improvement projects not only feels like an achievement but also saves you some serious dollars.
However, they can be risky affairs since they involve handling power tools, blades, and heavy objects.
By following some simple safety techniques, you can minimise the possibilities of accidents to a great extent.
Here are seven handy tips to keep in mind while doing DIY home improvement.
1. Always conduct a tool check before starting
Make it a habit to check your tools before using them.
Check your electric hand tools to ensure they are working fine, especially, if you haven’t used them for a while.
Checking if you’re tools are in top working order will save you time and unnecessary of having them break down in the middle of your work.
2. Have a first aid kit around
DIY home improvement projects come with their own risks of injury.
Whether minornicks and scrapes or something more serious, keeping a first aid kit handy is a safety step that should not be missed.
Your kit should be well stocked so you’re able take care of minor injuries and or buy time to seek professional help in case of a major accident.
3. Dress appropriately
Use appropriate work clothes when handling home remodelling tasks. Your gloves and mask should be a good fit.
Wear on steel-tipped shoes to protect your toes and feet.
Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses while using power tools, or while hammering or cutting.
Hard hats are a must if you are tackling serious construction work. Chaps are a must if you are using a chainsaw.
Anything loose such as watches and long-sleeved clothing can get stuck in power tools and cause accidents, so make sure to remove them before diving into your project.
4. Follow instructions to the ‘T’
Just like every other household appliance that comes with an instruction manual, power tools also come with their own set of instructions and guidelines for use set by the manufacturer.
Make sure to read them carefully and follow them during the course of any home remodel task.
Also, makes sure to look for the UL mark before you buy a new tool.
It states that the tool is tested based on safety standards with regard to fire and electric shocks.
5. Be extra careful with ladders
You need to take ladders seriously.
According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ladder accidents are one of the most common source of DIY injury, and 1 out of 10 such cases lead to fatal brain injury.
Whether you’re replacing light fixtures, installing ceiling fans, fixing your roofing, or working with anything else that’s at a height, you’ll be using a ladder. Follow these safety steps when using one:
- Ensure the ladder you are working on is secure and on a flat surface
- Always use ladders that are taller than the height you need to climb such as a rolling ladder. Keep your weight centered while using a ladder
- Use a fibreglass ladder — they are electrically resistive and heat tolerant do, they are a lot safer than aluminium ladders
- Using ladder-brackets can help reduce lateral movement
For jobs that require you to work at a considerable height such as roofing or home exterior projects, having a vertical height safety equipment from RISE Equipment can provide you with an additional layer of safety.
6. Clean is safe
Keeping your workstation tidy and free from clutters is often the first step towards creating an orderly work environment, where the chances of accidents are minimised.
Imagine a messy workstation littered with sharp tools like blades, saws, drills etc.
This will not only prevent you from working in an orderly fashion, but pose serious risk of injury.
To avoid this, make it a point to store your tools in proper boxes.
When you finish working with a tool, make sure you keep it back neatly.
Power cords should be untangled. Sharp tools should be kept high up and out of the reach of children.
With these simple tips, you can reap the rewards of your DIY home improvement projects without risking yours or your loved ones’ safety.