5 Tips for DIY Safety

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Updated on October 9th, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

By Bob Gorman

Each year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms from accidents that occurred while performing various home improvement tasks. In order to save money on home renovations and overall costs, more and more people are attempting to tackle DIY (do-it-yourself) home projects. So it’s crucial that DIY safety is a top priority in any home improvement endeavors. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or an amateur, following strict safety protocol is a must before you turn on your power tools or climb up any ladders. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind as you work on your home improvement projects.

Use Power Tools Safely

DIY safety
Photo credit: toolstop

This should go without saying, but never leave a power tool unattended when it’s active. Before leaving the area, unplug all power tools and keep them out of reach of children. Also, take proper care of your tools. You take good care of your toaster and hair dryer, right? The same should go for all your DIY power tools and gadgets. For instance, never carry them by their cords or yank a cord out of the electrical receptacle. Always grab the plug instead of the wire when disconnecting the cord. Finally, keep all electrical cords safely away from sharp edges, oil and heat.

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Wear Proper Attire

No need to make a fashion statement while doing home improvement, so be practical and sensible concerning your attire. Refrain from wearing jewelry or any clothing with loose, free-flowing sleeves that may potentially get caught in equipment. Protect your eyes from flying debris by wearing goggles, and wear earplugs to decrease any damage to your ears when working with loud power equipment.

Be Keenly Aware of Your Surroundings

Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, especially when working with others in order to prevent any unforeseen injuries or accidents. Be mindful of who is entering the workspace area and other nearby power tools or sharp edges. And keep young children and pets out of the work zone.

Place Your Ladder Properly

Photo credit: Safe Smart Access
Photo credit: Safe Smart Access

Most ladder accidents are the result of improper ladder placement. Use the 4-to-1 rule: For every four feet in ladder height, the bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from any object or wall it’s leaning up against. Read the warning labels and instructions prior to using a ladder. The instructions will assist you in identifying the right ladder for the specific job and describe both ladder height and weight limits. Always use a ladder that’s long enough and fully welded so it can withstand the weight for the task at hand. Many accidents occur from using ladders that are not appropriate for given job.

Keep a First Aid Kit Handy

Every smart DIYer knows the importance of keeping a first aid kit handy. Be ready to address any scrapes, scratches or bumps during your renovation project. Keep the kit within reach and stocked.

Although it sounds a bit cliché, safety should always be a top priority no matter what. Safety is basically just common sense. Keep your workspace clean and free from unnecessary clutter and debris, properly store your power tools, wear the proper safety gear and follow all manufacturer’s directions. By following these simple yet important rules, your home improvement projects will likely be accident-free.

About Bob Gorman
Bob Gorman is a former student of the University of Melbourne and avid DIY weekend warrior. When he is not doing DIY projects he loves writing articles that cover home improvement and safety topics.

Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.

 

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