Every family needs a DIY-enthusiast on call to take cares of all of those weekend projects and small repairs around the house. Whether you’re a casual handyman who likes to get his hands dirty after hours, or a professional on-call handyman taking jobs all over town, safety is an essential consideration before you get started on any project. Follow these safety tips to ensure that you’re covered at all times, and to avoid preventable injuries that could do serious damage.
- Wear the right gear. Even an at-home handyman needs safety gear. Don’t work in your usual jeans, t-shirt and flip-flops. Keep yourself covered up with safety gloves, and buy a sturdy pair of work boots online to protect your feet while you get the job done. You’ll be glad you did it the next time a heavy object falls anywhere near your toes.
- Know your tools. There are plenty of DIY fans out there that like to play around with tools at home without really understanding how they work. If you haven’t been properly trained in using a particular tool but want to give it a try at home, make sure you read the manual thoroughly before you hit the on switch. Every tool should come with a manual and complete safety instructions, but if yours has been lost somewhere along the way, a quick online search should fill you in on everything you need to know about that particular tool
- Never leave anything unattended. This is particularly important if you have kids around the house that might be tempted to take the handyman job on for themselves. Put all tools away whenever you’re walking away from the project, and lock dangerous power tools up in the garage or shed when you’re finished. Unattended tools can cause big problems.
- Cover up your ears. You may think that the sound of that loud drill doesn’t bother you, but that doesn’t mean it’s not bothering your precious eardrums. Where a good pair of headphones to keep your ears protected from the loud noise generated by tools, and don’t forget to keep the noise to a minimum if you’re working on a project in the evening or early morning.
- Keep a first aid kit handy. Even if you’re being extremely careful, accidents can happen. Always have a first aid kit in your home ready to be used if something should occur. Keep it well stocked at all times.
- Give your tools a safety assessment. Each time you use a tool, give it a good check-over to see if any damage has occurred since you last used it. Check the cables, power cords, and make sure that the casing is completely intact. Any damage could easily lead to an injury, so take care not to use a damaged tool.
- Reduce clutter. Make sure that the area you’re working in is always clear and free from any clutter or trip hazards. A cord in the wrong place could cause major injury, so maintain a clean space for your own peace of mind. You should also have a safe place at your property to store any potentially dangerous tools, or any sharp materials.