5 DIY Safety Tips #MoveOrImprove

I have to admit that DIY is not my strength, having experienced frustration and impatience at putting furniture together and a slight fear of hitting my thumb with a hammer. I have massive respect for anyone who takes it upon themselves to make updates or upgrades to their own homes. If you do choose to do it yourself, then take heed of these 5 DIY safety tips inspired by the below infographic from Slater & Gorden.

Be Prepared with First Aid

No one wants to have an accident when doing DIY, but you have to be prepared for anything so ensure your first aid kit is stocked and close at hand to address any scrapes, scratches or bumps during your renovation.

Clothing

Be aware of your clothing when doing DIY as getting something caught in a tool or snagged on materials could cause an accident. Be practical and sensible about you attire when doing work on your home, avoid wearing jewellery or any loose clothing with free-flowing fabric. It is important that you wear the relevant protective gear for your job such as goggles or earplugs to reduce the chance of damage to eyes or ears.

Power Tools

I definitely worry anytime a power tool surfaces in my house and it should go without saying that you need to be vigilant and very careful when using them. Ensure that they are unplugged when not in use, and keep out of the reach of children. Be aware of any power cables around you as tripping when using a power tool can be disastrous. Never carry a power tool around by the cord, keep the cable away from sharp edges, oil and heat and avoid yanking a cord out of the socket.

Your Surroundings

It’s not just the tools you use which can potentially cause damage; if you’re not observant of your surroundings you could harm yourself or others. Be mindful of who and what is in your workspace, be sure to clear any unnecessary things from your renovation space and keep track of any other people (or pets!) who might inadvertently get in the way or cause a problem.

The Ladder

I am not a fan of ladders; I hate the idea of accidentally falling off of one and really hurting myself. There is a simple way of avoiding these sorts of problems and that is the 4-to-1 rule: For every four feet in ladder height, the bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from what it is leaning against.

It is important to make sure you read the ladder instructions which will guide you in choosing the right ladder for the job and take note of any warning labels. Always use a ladder which is long enough and welded so it is strong enough to support the weight.

See the infographic below for more information about health and home improvement.