DIY Safety Tips
If you fancy doing a few jobs yourself, then remember to think about DIY safety tips. And if you feel that a job is too tricky for you, don’t feel bad, play it on the safe side and get in a professional. Only attempt the jobs you feel comfortable with.
And only attempt what you are legally entitled to work on. Do not work on gas devices, or attempt major electrical work. This is the area best left for the professionals and not the DIY person.
Okay, if you’re legally allowed to attempt the job, then what you really have to consider is clothing, work practices and tools.
Firstly, you will have heard of that famous saying that a bad workman always blames his tools. So before you’re six feet up a ladder swearing that the drill doesn’t work, make sure you give the tools a once-over. Also, make sure they are all to hand; you don’t want to disturb a job by having to walk back out to the garage to find a long lost hammer.
So, make sure your tools are in tip top condition. For example, check that your drill works, that the cable has not been chewed through and that the drill bits are in working nick.
Once your tools are together, think about the job itself; at least make a rough plan and order of work in your head. Don’t rush and don’t get cross. An irritated DIYer with a drill in his/her hand is not a sound idea.
If your job involves a ladder, and many do, remember that ladders are the biggest cause of injury when people are hurt doing DIY jobs. Always set up the ladder according to manufacturer’s instructions, on a level surface, within their working parameters and do not overly lean, or stretch when using them. And get someone to hold onto the bottom of them for you. Do not take unnecessary risk with ladders.
Now, onto clothing. Take off jewelry, tie hair back and if possible, wear properly fitting overalls. If not, don’t wear clothes that might cause you to trip, or get caught up into what you’re doing.
Always wear eye protectors, ear protectors and a mask when appropriate. Eye protectors are usually a good idea, especially when bits can fly up and hurt you eye, and, ear protectors are good when using a noisy power tool. A mask is a must if you’re painting, or creating fumes of some kind, or might end up breathing in dust.
If there are a lot of materials involved, also ensure that you are not going to hurt your back, or end up climbing up a ladder with an armful of bricks. Think about how you are going to do something, before you put yourself into a dangerous situation.
And finally, it’s always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher around if you’re working inside, as you never know when a fire might accidentally start and the consequences of this could be disastrous.
So, when it comes to DIY safety tips, make sure you think ahead.
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