Learning to Do It Yourself is a fantastic idea for any homeowner! It saves you money by not having to call out contractors and handymen for every small project, it’s fun and fulfilling to learn a new skill, and it makes you more independent and self-sufficient. It is, however, a big learning curve for most people – and the last thing you want is to create a legendary DIY disaster. Here are some safety tips to ensure that your project, big or small, is successful and injury-free.
Stock Up on First Aid Supplies
Always keep a stocked First Aid kit wherever you’re working, whether it’s your garage, kitchen or garden, just in case. After all, even the best contractors occasionally collect cuts and bruises, so it pays to be prepared. A basic first aid kit should contain some absorbent compact dressings and adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, burn gel, antibiotic ointment, plasters and some over-the-counter pain medication.
Get the Protective Gear
If you’re doing smaller projects, you obviously don’t have to get kitted out in every piece of safety imaginable, but there are a few items you should have on hand. This includes a dust mask for when you’re sawing or sanding wood, safety goggles for everything from working with glass to spray painting, sturdy closed-toe shoes, gloves, and sturdy but old clothing that you can mess on (preferably with long pants). It’s also a good idea to protect your workspace, especially if you are working inside your home. Drop sheets and masking tape are a must for almost any project, protecting your floors and making clean-up easier.
Set Your Ladder Correctly
One of the most common injuries from DIY projects is falling off a ladder, which can easily send you to the emergency room. Often, these injuries can be avoided by setting up the ladder correctly. Your ladder must always be on a stable, level surface. If it is an A-frame ladder, the legs need to lock into position to prevent a collapse (pull them straight until you hear a click), and never use the top two rungs of the ladder. If you’re using a leaning ladder, you need to angle it to keep it stable at one foot of spread at the base for every 4 feet of height. Never place the ladder in front of a door unless the door is locked, and don’t use a metal ladder near electrical wires.
Buy a Fire Extinguisher
If you are working with power tools, flammable liquids/materials and electrical wires, it’s important to have a chemical fire extinguisher nearby, preferably in the room where you are working. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, rather call in the professionals.
Use the Right Tools
If you want your project done right and you want it to last, then you need the right tools for the job. It’s worth it to buy quality tools as these make the job a lot easier and safer, but if you don’t have the money it’s better to borrow them from your neighbors, friends or family.
Work in a Ventilated Area
DIY is messy and even painting lets off plenty of fumes into the air you’re breathing in. In addition to wearing a mask, make sure your workspace is well-ventilated, so open windows and doors and use a fan to keep the air moving. When choosing paint, ask your salesperson for a low-VOC option, as this lets off less fumes and is also more environmentally-friendly. If you find that you are feeling dizzy or getting a headache, move out into the fresh air and take a break. Don’t sleep in that room for a day or two until the smell is completely gone.
Remove All Tripping Hazards
Before starting your project, clear your space of unnecessary items, including rugs, items of furniture, toys, electrical cables and other obstacles that you could trip over. If you are working with power tools, shorten the cords to keep them up off the ground or tape them down securely. Keep kids and pets out of the room while you’re working and clean up any spills immediately to prevent slipping.
Do Your Homework
Before beginning a DIY project, do plenty of research. There are some fantastic DIY specialists online where you can watch exactly how to complete your project via YouTube, as well as blogs and articles about preventing DIY mistakes or how to use different tools properly. If you have a friend or family member who is good at DIY, then try out new projects together – it’s more fun, you’ll feel more confident with their guidance, and you’ll have a great source of information and tips with you throughout.
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