DIY projects that are done around the home require a safety first approach. This needs to be the number one concern as many jobs around the home can have the potential for injury. Keeping safe performing a DIY project can be done by reviewing a few safety tips for any type or project.
No Open Toed Shoes
Always wear a set of construction boots or a pair of steel-toed shoes when working on any project with heavy objects. The steel inserts in construction boots are designed to protect your toes from objects that are heavy enough to cause injury. If you do not have a pair of construction boots, then wear hiking boots or another type of heavy work boot.
Protect Your Hands
Wear gloves to protect your hands from stains and injury. Jersey gloves are a good choice if you have a painting job to complete. Gloves will also help to protect the hands from blisters. Heavy gloves need to be worn when working around open flames or any objects that are extremely hot. You can find a variety of glove choices at a local home improvement store.
Wear Eye Protection
Any type of work with wood or metal requires wearing eye protection. This includes goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from fragments flying through the air. You should also wear a face shield to protect against sparks when grinding metals. Eye protection can be found at a hardware store or from any local home improvement center. Eye protection should be second nature when working on any project. Make sure to look for eye protection that fits tight to your face.
No Loose Hair
Loose hair can easily get caught in machinery used in a workshop or for a DIY project. You can tuck any loose hair under a hot or keep is tucked under a shirt. Make sure that no loose clothing is being worn as it can also get caught in machinery and power tools. Shirts can have no sleeves or have buttons that are on the cuffs to keep them secure.
Provide Enough Light
Working in dimly lighted areas can be dangerous if there is any risk of falling or other injury. You need to illuminate a work area with strong lighting, such as construction floodlights. Another option is to use hand lighting from the ceiling or use any type of portable light. Look for lighting option at a local home improvement store.
Protect Your Lungs
Fumes from paint and debris from sanding are hazards to your health. You need to have a dusk mask or respirator on hand for any projects that involve chemicals or sanding equipment. A dust mask is a good choice for a DIY project and can be found at a home improvement center or local hardware store.
Create a Breeze
Fumes from chemicals and paint need to be ventilated from any inside room. You can easily ventilate a room by opening a window or door and setting up a box fan. If you are working inside or any area with no windows or doors, then take a break every few minutes to breathe a bit of fresh air. This is important if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded when working on a project.
Respect the Ladder
Ladders need to be set up properly and kept stable. Do not go up a ladder if it is not sitting on a surface that is level. Avoid the top two rungs of an extension ladder as it will be unstable. A-frame ladders need to be locked in place and extension ladders should have a second person holding it in place.
Protecting the Floors
DIY projects that require working over a finished floor will require floor protecting film. This film will be used to protect the floor from liquids, such as paint, or falling debris. If there is a risk of slipping on the floor, then set up anti-slip mats. This is a good option for a garage if oil is present.
Protect Against Fire
A fire extinguisher should be on hand when working with sparking metal, open flame, or any tools that can create heat. You should also have a first-aid kit on hand to treat any burns, cuts, or other injury that may occur during a DIY project.
This article was supplied by www.cobaeurope.com, UK-based experts in flooring.
