Many of us like to keep the costs of home renovations down, by doing the work ourselves. It’s a good idea if you’re a dab hand at DIY. Unfortunately, there are far too many DIY accidents every year. It puts a strain on the hospitals and can so easily be avoided. As long as you know how to stay safe. This guide covers everything you need to know, about avoiding those DIY accidents.
Wear Protective Clothing
Protective clothing isn’t just there to help you look the part. The clue is in the name! If you’re going to be doing any renovation work to the house, then you need to invest in the right kit. You’d buy the right tools for the job, so make sure you buy the right protective clothing. Here are some things you should consider forking out for:
- Protective Goggles – Ever had a piece of chipboard in your eye? It can turn you blind. Don’t risk losing your eyesight over something so simple. Invest in some protective goggles to stop this from happening.
- Hard Hat – If your home is a building site then you should be wearing a hard hat. It’s far too easy to knock your head or for something to fall on you. This can lead to concussion and a trip to the hospital.
- Reflective Clothing – If you’re going to be working in the dark then this is a must. It’s also a good idea if your home is a construction site. People need to know you’re there for a reason.
- Gloves and Boots – You should always wear gloves on a site, especially if you’re going to be handling any kind of hazardous material. Boots will stop you from getting any broken toes.
Working High Up
If you’re working on hard to reach parts of the house, then certain measures should be put in place. Even if you’re just going to be climbing a few steps up a ladder. Always ensure you have someone looking out for you and holding on to the bottom of the ladder. Scaffold towers are a good idea if you’re doing any work on the outside of a building. They’re far safer than wobbly ladders. Check the health and safety guidelines about working high up on a building. They’re there for DIY work, as well as for the professionals.
Gas, Water, Electric
The simple rule with this is don’t touch it. Unless you’re a qualified plumber or electrician, you shouldn’t be working on any of these things. There’s a reason it takes years to become a professional in one of these sectors. There are some simple jobs you can do yourself. Changing a tap or a socket, for example. However, it is far safer to steer clear of these all together. Remember, if you’re going to touch any gas, water or electrics then ensure they’re switched off at the mains first.
These simple tricks will prevent you from being injured when renovating your home. Always be mindful of other people working on the property also. If you see someone not obeying the rules, then call them up on it. They may simply have forgotten.