Any job you carry out, whether it’s at home or at work, safety should be your number one priority. Renovation projects and DIY work can carry a lot of risks, especially when using tools such as knives, power tools and ladders.
We have outlined some tips that can help to keep you safe whilst you work, so if you are starting a DIY project soon, make sure to keep reading.
Keep a clean and organised space
Usually, DIY jobs will require a lot of equipment. From power tools, to nail guns to paintbrushes, it’s important to keep them all in one place.
Having a clean and organized place to work helps to prevent injuries from occurring. For example, sawing a piece of wood in a cluttered space will mean that the chance of accidentally slipping and cutting through something else, or even worse through your hand, is much more likely than cutting in a tidy and secure space.
Respect ladder use
Ladders are a very common piece of equipment that can be found in most homes and workplaces. From changing light bulbs to checking and repairing the roof, ladders come in very handy when working at heights. This means that ladder safety guidelines should always be respected. When you use a ladder, keep reminding yourself that heights are dangerous and that you should be observant at all times.
To ensure your safety, always carry out a pre-check before using a ladder. This includes inspecting the stiles, feet rungs, locking mechanisms, and tread before you step up onto it. If you notice that any of these parts, or any other on the ladder is damaged or broken, do not use it.
It’s also important to note that you should never overreach on a ladder as this can lead to very severe consequences. If you are painting, hanging wallpaper, putting up a new shelf or carrying out any other DIY task and you cannot reach comfortably, get down and move the ladder to a more appropriate position.
Keep all your tools stored correctly
When starting out on a project, the last thing you need is to be searching for the right tools. If you place all your kit into one messy and unorganised cabinet or drawer, chances are you’ll spend more time searching for the right tool than actually working.
By ensuring all your equipment is stored correctly, you can also maximise safety. This means that any sharp or dangerous objects such as saws and pointy screwdrivers should be stored separately and only touched when safe to do so.
Dress appropriately
This is a common rule that can be applied to safety laws everywhere – not just when carrying out DIY jobs. Ensuring that you remove any loose clothing or accessories such as ties and jewellery before beginning work protects you from getting them caught in machines and tools.
It’s also vital to take into consideration the type of work you will be carrying out and dressing appropriately for the occasion. This means when you are sawing or sanding and know that there will be a lot of dust involved the correct eye protection must be worn. Or if you are painting, overalls can protect your clothes from getting stained.
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk
