It’s easy to get excited about a DIY project. Maybe you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen or redoing your backyard. In any case, you need to be very careful when you’re working. Countless people end up in the ER every year because of accidents during a DIY project. Here are some personal safety tips that will help you not be one of those people.
Maintain a clean work area
It sounds simple and yet many people ignore this good practice. You will be much less likely to have an accident if your work site is free from clutter. Whether you’re in your yard or in the shop, clean up the area before you start working.
And let’s face it, besides being more safe, working in a clean area is more enjoyable as well. Nothing screams danger like a cluttered, dirty, mismanaged work area. A shabby workplace also affects your efficiency as well as safety.
Place the ladder according to the “4 to 1 rule”
“What is the 4 to 1 rule?” you ask? It’s simple. For every 4 feet of ladder height, keep the ladder’s base an extra 1 foot from the wall on which it is resting. Remember that a ladder isn’t just something you climb. So always read any instructions and warnings that accompany the ladder you’re using.
Moreover, make sure that the ladder you’re using is the the most suitable one for the job. For instance, if you don’t have a long-enough ladder, postpone your project till you can get your hands on one.
Take off your fashion accessories
Watches, bracelets, rings, necklaces…take them all off before your start building (or rebuilding). These otherwise harmless items are a big hazard when you’re operating some machinery or working with power tools.
You might have heard about the importance of wearing loose or baggy clothes when using a power tool. But for some reason the thing about taking off your jewelry isn’t highlighted all that much. Well, now you know better.
Add a first aid kit to your inventory
No inventory of tools should be considered complete without a proper first aid kit. Your kit should include things like bandages, gauze and anti-bacterial ointment. Make the first aid kit easily accessible as well. You see when you need a bandage, chances are you need it pretty quickly. So you don’t want to be digging into a heap of tools to find that bandage!
It’s not that difficult to take care of yourself in most places. When you’re doing a DIY job, you have to be more careful. You just need to keep remember some important points, like the ones discussed above. Of course you can always hire a well-trained and experienced professional for your home improvement job. But if you’re feeling particularly brave and adventurous and will do it yourself, then it’s a good thing you’ve read this article.