Photo by Thayran Melo on UnsplashThe benefits of doing your own home renovations are multiple – from learning new skills and saving money to the sheer satisfaction that comes from completing DIY projects around the house yourself. But it is important to be aware of your own personal safety when undertaking these home improvements. Nobody wants to end up in the A&E department, so take heed of these tips to help you stay safe during your DIY home renovations.
Be tidy
Starting with a simple, but vitally important step. My uncle actually fell and broke his hip after a workman left a cable trailing, so I always try to be safety aware when carrying out any projects. From simple tripping hazards to the danger posed by sharp tools being left lying around. So don’t create a risk where there doesn’t need to be one. Organise your tools, keep them on a table to one side. Move tripping hazards. Keep lids on paint tins and chemicals. Sweep up any debris and leave the place spic and span at the end of the day, ready for a smooth start to the next day.
What are you wearing?
When you’re getting stuck into messy or dirty DIY jobs, you’re not thinking particularly about what you’re wearing. An old pair of jeans and a t-shirt might seem like a good choice. However, your clothing protects you from hazards especially when doing DIY. So make sure you wear something sensible that suits the type of job. Overalls are a great idea as they are a strong fabric which will protect you from sharp object and they often have handy pockets and protect your clothes underneath from dirt, paint, oil or chemicals. Long sleeves are a good idea, again for a degree of protection. It is very important to have a proper safety clothing suitable for the job you want to do.
PPE matters
We’ve all become more aware of PPE recently and it has a role to play when it comes to home renovation projects. Wear a suitable face mask to protect yourself from breathing in fibres and fumes. Strong chemicals, oil based paints, when sanding wood etc. Protect your eyes too with some plastic goggles. If you are going to be operating loud machinery, such as a floor sanding machine, then a mask, goggles and ear protectors are all necessary. Even if it is your home, if you are effectively on building site, a hard hat is an essential requirement, too.
Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA from PexelsThe right tools for the right job
It’s human nature to improvise when the right tool isn’t close at hand and use something else, but this can end in disaster. If you know you need pliers, don’t try to do the job with a hammer. Learn how to use the right tool for the right job, even if it takes a bit longer, as you’ll get a better result in the end and won’t be as at risk of injuring yourself. At the same time, don’t balance on chairs to reach high up, make sure you invest in a sturdy step stool and ladder.
Know what not to do
There are certain skilled jobs that require a level of specialism you may not have. This is when it’s time to call in the experts. Yes, there is plenty of stuff you can do or learn to do yourself through trial and error and watching helpful YouTube tutorials, but things like electrical wiring need a professional so don’t attempt to do anything serious that you are not qualified to do for the sake of saving a bit of time or money. You could literally be gambling with your life.
© Copyright 2022 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
