By Dylan Bartlett
If you’re about to begin a home renovation, you’re probably excited to get started – and you should look forward to your improvements. That said, your health matters most. Far too often, people endure injuries from seemingly simple tasks.
Therefore, it’s essential to make sure that you’re prepared to take on projects securely. Here are six safety tips to consider as you work.
1. Wear Protective Gear
It’s crucial to wear protective gear whenever you plan to work with tools. Don’t wear flip-flops to operate a saw! Instead, you should opt for long pants and sleeves. Put on sturdy, close-toed shoes.
If you step on a nail or screw, that’s an unnecessary trip to the hospital. Remember to use thick gloves and safety glasses as well. You don’t need to wear a helmet to paint, but you should when you plan to handle large materials.
Each item provides different types of protection, so be sure to choose the right equipment.
2. Read Instruction Manuals
Everyone likes to think that they know how to use a specific tool. Before you power up a brand-new piece of equipment, read the instruction manual!
This way, you can educate yourself. Don’t forget about the four-to-one rule when it comes to ladder safety. When you need to climb up four feet, set back the ladder by one foot. With this approach, you can safely maneuver different heights.
You should also double-check each tool’s features beforehand. You never want to plug in equipment that’s already on.
3. Inspect and Clean Each Area
As you complete your projects, make sure to look around for potential hazards. You may need to detach and remove certain wires, cables or other dangerous objects to work correctly.
For instance, a broken garage door spring could harm children significantly, so it’s necessary to inspect your work area as each day ends. This way, you can prevent potential injuries.
Pick up tools and equipment after you finish a job. If you have kids or pets, block off areas with safety cones or tape.
4. Consider a Professional
It’s okay to admit that you can’t complete a specific task. Sometimes, it’s better to hire a professional. This way, you can make sure that your project happens without any hiccups. If you’re a handy person, you’ll be able to complete a lot of duties by yourself.
That said, you should think twice before you hop up onto your roof. You can learn several skills, but experts should complete electrical work and other substantial jobs. Think about your budget and your needs before you start so that you can stay safe.
5. Stay Aware at All Times
If someone enters your workspace, you should know. It’s a lot of fun to turn on music and get into a groove, but you need to stay aware at all times. Try not to wear headphones unless you need to protect your ears from loud noises.
It’s essential to set up barriers to keep out kids and pets – even though they could still find a way inside. Every so often, do a quick check around your work area to make sure that everyone’s safe.
When you want to work with someone else, apply these same ideas. You and your partner should be aware of each other’s presence.
6. Ventilate Every Workspace
Sometimes, you’ll need to use paint or other smelly products. Many sprays and preservatives include volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which reduce indoor air quality significantly.
You should wear a face mask as you apply these materials. Afterward, remember to open up windows and turn on fans so that those particles can air out. Otherwise, you and your family can inhale harmful properties.
It’s essential to choose healthy products, but that’s not always possible. When you need to work with VOCs, don’t forget to ventilate!
Use These Tips to Stay Safe on the Job
Home renovations and DIY projects are enjoyable ways to improve your home and learn new skills. That said, you should take as many safety measures as possible.
Then, you can make sure you and your family stay protected throughout your work.
