Keep Your Work Area Clean
DIY projects can be messy. Whether it’s sawdust, paint trays, loose nails, or noxious fumes, DIY projects can make an area unsafe and pose some serious safety hazards. Even hand-held tools are a safety risk if they’re not properly put away.
Keep your work area clean after you finish working on the project for the day. Vacuum up any debris, air out the room if you were working with chemicals, and always put tools back in their box or carrying kit.
DIY Safety Precautions Means Wearing the Right Gear for the Job
If you’re going to take on a DIY project, you have to dress for the part. Making proper clothing choices is an essential part of DIY safety precautions.
Wear pants and a long-sleeve shirt to protect your legs from hazards such as cuts and splinters. Invest in a quality pair of work pants that will withstand more wear and tear than typical pants. Some even have loops to hold your tools.
Proper footwear is also important. Boots are the preferred option, as they offer protection. Never wear open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops when you’re working on a DIY project.
Be Mindful of Ladder Safety
Whether you’re climbing up on your roof, changing a light fixture, or painting the ceiling, many DIY projects require the use of a ladder. Heights are dangerous, so keep these DIY safety precautions in mind and you’ll stay safe while using your ladder.
Place ladders on a flat and stable surface. Never use a ladder on a slope or anything rocky. When opened or extended, the ladder should be in the locked position before you begin to climb up. Taking a moment to double-check is always a good idea.
When ascending or descending, maintain 3 points of contact between your hands and feet. You should always face the ladder and never twist your body away to reach for something. If you need to bring tools with you, invest in a toolbelt that will allow you to keep your hands free while moving up or down the ladder.
Keep First Aid and Other Emergency Equipment Nearby
Even the most skilled DIYers have the occasional accident. Keep a first aid kit stocked with bandages and disinfectant nearby while you work.
Keep a fire extinguisher around that’s rated for use on all sorts of fires, from combustible materials to electrical fires. Keep track of when the extinguisher expires and replace it when it’s old.
Research Your Project for the Best DIY Safety Precautions
This is a DIY safety precaution you practice before even picking up a tool. Do your research on the kind of work you’re performing. Contact your local municipality and see if your project requires a permit. Be familiar with the tools that you will be using and read the warning labels on your materials. The more you know about the project before even starting it, the more likely you will complete it safely.
HG Home Inspection provides home inspection services to Houston and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an inspection if you are selling your house.