Even the simplest jobs come with their safety risks. Understanding these risks and what measures you need to take to protect yourself can save you from some nasty injuries. In this post, wersquo;ll take a look at the proper safety procedures that come with using tools and clothing while doing DIY work at home.
Protective clothing for homeowners has come a long way since the early days of DIY. These days you can pick up anything that you see in a construction site, from glasses and gloves to hardhats and safety harnesses. Assess the risks involved in your job and determine which clothing will be needed.
Gloves are a staple that should be worn at all times as your hands are always vulnerable. Itrsquo;s also great to have the added strength and grip that comes with wearing the right safety gloves. Other clothing needs to be tight-fitting with no hanging jewelry or other articles that could get snatched.
Clothing tends to be flammable, especially if yoursquo;ve drenched your shirt in deodorant. Keep this in mind when working with fire. If there are chemicals being used, ensure that there arenrsquo;t any holes in your clothing where the chemicals can get to your skin.
Screwdriver, hammer, pliers, utility knife - these are some of the carpenterrsquo;s essentials that always come in handy - especially when the power is out. Be sure to equip yourself with basic alternatives to your power tools for areas where only hand tools will fit or where the use of gas tools is prohibited due to the lack of ventilation.
Inspect these tools before each use and repair or replace any defective parts before they cause an accident. When it comes to hand tools, safety procedures are pretty basic and we donrsquo;t need to go much further into detail here. Simply stay vigilant and keep your equipment in order.
Here, the risk factor goes up quite significantly. Power tools derive their energy from a variety of sources, with the main one being electricity. This is where most accidents happen. Electric tools draw their power from high voltage outlets, making them highly dangerous around water.
Be sure to check up on your battery-powered tools as well. The cells can leak battery acid, and if the casing isnrsquo;t properly closed, contact with water can be a shocking experience. Modern power tools have a number of different systems built-in to make them safer. Familiarize yourself with these safety mechanisms - theyrsquo;re there for a reason.
Once you have the right equipment, it all comes down to knowing the basic principles of safety when doing DIY work. Keep your body safe and ensure that anyone yoursquo;re working with does the same.
