Home improvement projects can save homeowners thousands of dollars if done by the homeowner; however, any home improvement project carries certain risks. During home improvement projects a variety of power tools are used; all of which can cause injury if safety measures are not taken. The following tips and techniques will help you remain safe while working on any home improvement project.
Before beginning any electrical project, you should ensure that the circuit breaker is turned off. Never try to work on your electrical without ensuring that the power is turned off.
Power tool injuries are one of the most common injuries that happen to homeowners during a home repair project. To avoid injury always read the instructions and understand how to safely use power tools. When using a circular saw, table saw or reciprocating saw, cut away from your body. Never try to force your saw through a knot in the wood. The saw can jump and cut you. Remember to keep your fingers out of the path of the saw blade. When using a table saw, use a piece of wood to push the wood through the saw blade to avoid injury.
If you will be working in a dusty environment, wear a protective mask. Dust and debris that is created during a home improvement project can irritate your lungs. If you will be working with wood or drywall, it is imperative that you wear a face mask. These masks can be picked up at your local big box retailer, pharmacy or home improvement store.
There are many things that can damage your eyes when doing a home improvement project. To protect your eyes wear safety glasses. Your safety glasses should include side guards to protect your eyes from any wood shards.
To help protect your hands from splinters wear a pair of work gloves. The pair of gloves that you choose should have a special coating to help you grip your tools. This will help avoid slipping when grasping an object.
Unbeknownst to some people, clothing is another important part of safety when doing a home improvement project. Avoid wearing loose, baggy clothing. This is because loose clothing can cause you to be pulled into a power tool.
Your hearing is vital to a healthy, happy life. Therefore, protect your hearing by wearing hearing protection. There are several options in hearing protection including earplugs and earmuffs. Either option will protect your hearing, so choose the style that works best for you.
Many times homeowners will need to use ladders to reach a problem area. Any time you are working on ladders it is important to follow safety procedures. Never go above the third rung from the top on a ladder. If you will be working on your roof, use a safety harness. If you are using scaffolding, harness yourself to the scaffolding. When using ladders, always have someone steadying the ladder to help you keep from losing your balance.
Head injuries sometimes occur when working above your head. To help protect yourself from head injuries wear a hardhat.
Never work in the dark when doing home improvement projects. Use construction lights to properly illuminate your work area.
When working on home improvement projects, safety is key. Many injuries can be avoided by simply taking your time when working on a project. It is better to leave a project incomplete and finish another day than rushing through a project and skipping important safety measures.
Anytime you are working with power tools and hand tools safety is a priority. To help protect yourself in the event of an emergency keep a first aid kit nearby. Your first aid kit should include an antiseptic, bandages, eye wash and tweezers.
As this article has shown there are many important safety considerations to take into account when doing home improvement projects. Follow the advice located above to protect you from injury.