If you’re one of those amazing creative and handy people who can make or fix nearly anything that comes to their mind, then you probably aren’t a stranger to DIY projects. While it’s useful and tremendously satisfying to do something yourself, instead of paying others to do it, it’s important that you take some precautions before you begin. Here are some ways for you to protect yourself if you’re about to take on a DIY project.
Plan everything ahead
Before you even start, make sure you make all the necessary preparations. You need to plan exactly how you’ll do each part of your project and what you’ll need to know in order to do it. This means reading all of the labels and the instruction manuals thoroughly and perhaps even finding extra information online or asking for it from an expert. You also need to expect the unexpected, meaning that accidents sometimes happen and you need to have a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, make sure you have all the emergency numbers written somewhere or saved on your phone, in case you or somebody else gets injured. Finally, don’t do anything if you’re tired, as you’ll be less alert, which could end up badly.
Keep your workspace clean and tidy
When your workspace is uncluttered and everything in it is in good order, you’re more likely to avoid putting yourself and people around you at risk. This is why everything needs to have its own place and you need to put things back where they belong as you work. That way you won’t have to worry about something falling on your toes or your head when you least expect it. Furthermore, you have to clean the space after you’re done for the day, so that there aren’t any lost nails or unsafe debris lying around. This also includes airing the place out or even getting an air purifier, especially when you’re using paint or any type of chemicals while working.
Don’t trust yourself with heights
Even the simplest jobs can become extremely dangerous when you’re performing it high above the ground, which is why you have to be particularly cautious in such situation. First of all, make sure the ladder you’re using is on a flat, stable and level surface, that it isn’t in front of a door that opens outwards and that you don’t use aluminum ladders in proximity of electrical wires or utility poles. Your weight should always be centered and you shouldn’t lean to one side. Don’t climb on your roof in extreme weather and always use the best roof anchors you can find, as they can save your life if you get dizzy up there. You’ll need different anchors for metal and tile roofs, but don’t forget ask if they’ve been well tested and if you can see the certificate as proof.
Wear protective gear
This is a simple and logical one, but one that we often neglect, especially when we’ve done several DIY projects without a glitch and we get too confident because of it. Protective clothing is a crucial part of your protective equipment, as well as good safety goggles, a quality dust mask and a strong pair of gloves. Also, flip-flops or any other type of light footwear are a bad choice for DIY projects. Instead, wear safety-toe shoes or boots to protect your feet properly.
Know your tools
You shouldn’t even think about starting a DIY project if you’re unfamiliar with the tools you need to use. You’ll need to turn them on and try them on a smaller piece of material first, but not before you’ve inspected them. Check if they are in any way damaged, if there are any frayed cords or any part of them is broken. Sharpen anything that needs to be sharpened and replace anything that’s worn down, so that you know everything is fully functional when you need to use it. Your tools will serve you well if you treat them with respect, so maintain them regularly, don’t carry them by their cords and always unplug them by grasping their plug instead of the wire.
Making sure that no harm comes to you or anybody else is the first thing to consider when you want to make or repair anything by yourself, so go through these valuable pieces of advice and stay safe.
- This is a guest post not written by te websites’ owner.