Top 10 Safety Measures You Should Use for Every DIY Project

According to the South West Public Health Observatory (SWPHO), 11,000 people die each year from accidental injuries. While this report doesn't specify how many of these accidents happen at home, many accidents do occur in the home. Even though we feel safe in our own home, there are dangers and risks. In fact, it may be this confident feeling of safety that leads to fewer safety precautions and more accidents.

You can prevent accidents from happening at home by using these 10 safety measures every time you start a DIY project.

Safe Working Environments

First, it is extremely important that you do your DIY project in a safe environment. This means clearing the area of debris if you are outside and moving cords, furniture and anything else that may get in the way. The easiest way to do it is by hiring a skip to deposit any furniture you want to get rid of or any debris.

If you are using paint or chemicals, the area you work in should be well ventilated so that you don't inhale dangerous fumes. Also use common sense when starting a project and use power tools and chemicals in open areas where they don't pose a threat to your home or other people.

Plumbing and Electrical Safety Precautions

If your DIY project involves the plumbing or electrical system in your home, take necessary precautions. For most of these projects, you will need to turn the water or power off before you begin to work. Knowing where your water shutoff valve and electrical panel are can help you prepare the area before you begin working and can help you in case of an emergency.

Goggles and Face Masks

Even if the project doesn't seem dangerous, wear goggles and a face mask. Even tasks like painting and sanding can be dangerous if paint or wood gets in your eyes or if you accidentally inhale fumes. These items seem small and unnecessary, but they can make a big difference if something goes wrong or if you encounter something unexpected while working.

Proper Gloves and Footwear

It is very important to protect your hands and feet while working on projects around the home. While doing a project, your hands can be in dangerous situations if you are using power tools or lifting heavy materials. Significant injury could also occur if something were to fall on your feet.

Prevent these kinds of accidents by wearing the proper gloves and footwear. Cut resistant gloves and steel-toed boots can provide optimal protection when you take on your next project.

Headwear for Protection

Head injuries can be extremely serious, so wear proper headwear that can protect you from falling objects, flying debris and other dangers. Headwear is especially important if you are lifting heavy objects above your head, are working at a height, or are using power saws to cut through wood, plastic or metal.

Hard hats provide the best protection and you can find models with headlights to make working in the dark easier and safer.

Workwear for Protection

When people do DIY projects, they tend to wear worn out clothes and even things like t-shirts and shorts. These kinds of clothes don't provide much, if any, protection from things like tools, chemicals and debris.

Instead, wear workwear that covers your arms and legs and is made of a tough material. If you are working outdoors or with spray paint or strong chemicals, you may consider wearing a waterproof rain suit to protect you from the elements and potentially dangerous chemicals.

Ladder Smarts

If your project requires you to work from a ladder or other height, take proper precautions and stay aware and alert while you are working. Steady the ladder on a stable surface and don't work near power lines or other overhead objects.

Be sure to read and follow the instructions that came with the ladder and do not stand on the top step or rung unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is safe to do so. When you climb the ladder, make sure you always have three points of contact with it. That is, both of your feet and one of your hands or both of your hands and one of your feet should always be on the ladder.

Barriers for Concrete Work

You may know the concrete in your garden is wet, but does everyone else? When you pour concrete it is wise to use barriers to alert people to stay away from the area. This can also help you from accidentally walking through wet cement in a careless moment.

You can use standing barriers or tie the area off with barrier tape. This is especially important if you are doing a project in a high-traffic area.

Manufacturers' Instructions

Even if you think you know how to use a tool or chemical or how to assemble something, always read the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions are specifically written with safety precautions to keep you safe and may include special warnings that you need to know.

First Aid Kits Nearby

Despite your best intentions and even when you have followed safety measures, accidents can happen. Before you start a project, know where your first aid kit is so you will have easy and immediate access to things like bandages, antiseptic wipes and cold compresses if you need them.

If possible, work with someone else or make sure someone is nearby in case of an emergency. Having someone close by who can call for help or drive you to the hospital in the unlikely event that you have a serious accident is very important.

Despite the fact that you are working at home, and even if your project seems small and safe, accidents do happen. Follow these safety precautions every time you start a DIY project to avoid possible dangers and accidents.

HSS Hire is the UK's leading tool, equipment and skip hire supplier!

Please, visit HSS Hire's website for more information on safety precautions when working at height.

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Article Source: Top 10 Safety Measures You Should Use for Every DIY Project