When fall arrives, a lot of people take some time to get work done around the house that they may have put off throughout the summer. But when people set out to take part in a do it yourself project, attention to safety can sometimes lapse. A person working around their own home either may not know the proper precautions to take or simply don’t think they’re important.
This is a mistake, and to make sure that you don’t make it, there are certain precautions you should be taking when engaging in home improvement. By taking the steps outlined in a new report, you can make sure that your project doesn’t lead to a trip to the emergency room. According to that same report, 33% of persons who took part in these types of projects were reportedly injured last year.
The first thing you don’t want to underestimate is the importance of eye protection. The report linked to above notes that a full 77% of individuals have said they didn’t wear such protection at a time when they should have, and you don’t want to commit that error. You need to wear goggles or other protective equipment whenever there is going to be dust particles and other materials scattered in the air. That means sanding, cutting, and working with insulation should all prompt the adornment of eyewear.
One thing that leads to its share of laceration injuries is retiling. If you’re intent on putting new tiles into your bathroom, kitchen, or any other part of the home by yourself, then you need to be careful with the sharp edges that often mark the tile. This is important for both removal and installation, but removal especially so because of the fight certain pieces will give you as you seek to pull them away from the floor. Gloves can protect your hands from a dangerous gash, and you should then collect all tile pieces once you’re through and dispose of them properly so someone can’t step on those jagged edges.
Power tools also lead to a decent amount of emergency room visits every year. When using such equipment, you should always be following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and keeping children away from the area while you work. Watch your hands around saws and anything with blades, and also take steps to protect your ears. Use earplugs where appropriate so that the excessive noise doesn’t have hearing loss implications.
Finally, make sure that, as with eyewear, you’re using a respirator if you’re going to be in an environment where a lot of dust and debris are clouding the air. That way your lungs won’t face the serious repercussions of inhaling those materials.