One of the byproducts of the Internet and the plethora of handyman and home renovation TV shows is that everyone is now a weekend warrior ready to bypass the professionals and tackle their own home DIY project. The aim is to save money and to be able to brag that you did it yourself. Although this is an admirable idea, the reality is that most DIY projects above the simple hanging of pictures or replacing a bathroom shelf, requires the use of professional tools and expertise, and involves some degree of danger. So since you are set on becoming the next home renovation expert, here is a list of safety precautions to observe.
Be respectful of power tools
Power tools are not toys and the inappropriate use of them can cause a disaster fast. So when you are using them use these common sense precautions:
- Never operate a power tool unless you understand exactly how to operate it. Particularly how to turn it off quickly.
- Never use a power tool that is damaged or not fully functional. If you see or smell any smoke or see sparks come from it turn it off and discontinue using it.
- Never leave a power tool plugged in and unattended.
- Never allow anyone including yourself to use a power tool without safety glasses.
- Never run around power tools.
- Never allow children to operate or be in the vicinity of power tools. In fact do not leave any unattended children anywhere near your DIY project.
If you are observing these precautions and end up injured by a power tool you should consider contacting a personal injury solicitor like Slater & Gordon to discuss the details of what happened. You may be in a position to bring a liability lawsuit against the product manufacturer.
Keep your work area clean
Your approach to working needs to be to always have a clean and clear workspace. There are nightmare stories of people tripping over tools or other things, stepping on nails or knocking over paint cans and causing lots of damage to themselves or their homes. Make a place for everything including tools, materials and rubbish and make sure things get to their places. A clean work area will keep you safe and make your project go more smoothly.
Remove any hanging items from the area
This includes pictures and other art, drapes and curtains and anything else that can fall, get caught on something you may be carrying, or catch fire.
A first aid kit is a requirement
If you talk to any carpenter, plumber or handyman they will tell you that on every job they at least get a few cuts, scrapes and bruises. It is going to happen to you as well at a minimum so you need to have a fully stocked first aid kit handy. Make sure it contains gauze, plasters, alcohol and other key items. With any luck you will only have small scrapes to contend with on your DIY job.
Wear the proper attire for the job
Your attire for your DIY project is as important as your tools, so you need to dress appropriately for the job at hand. Wear closed-toe shoes with good-grip soles and pants that give you the freedom to move, but are not so loose that they cause you to trip. Ladies wear pants to protect your legs, keep your hair off your face and tied back, and no loose fitting jewelry.
By all means take on that kitchen cabinet replacement or bathroom tile redo job, but make sure you have taken adequate safety precautions first. This will insure you end up satisfied and safe and by all means check out #DIYDisasters for more information on why safety precautions are important when you DIY.
