How to Stay Safe While Improving and Repairing Around the House
Everyone knows that whichever task involving tools and physical work usually poses certain risks. If repairing yourself what is necessary instead of calling repairmen is your ambition or means of saving money, you must first learn how to stay safe.
There are certain rules to follow and certain pieces of equipment one needs to posses for self protection. First you have to choose the appropriate wardrobe. Tie your hair, don’t wear earrings and other items that dangle and don’t wear something that might get caught in your work. Wear shoes that are comfortable, which cover your feet and avoid slippery ones.
Always check your tools before using them. Power tools must be inspected for signs of wear in their cords. If the cords are damaged, don’t use them. Your work site must be taken care of too. Non-work areas can be saved from debris by covering them with cloths or newspaper and windows must be open if the chemicals you’re using require a ventilated workplace.
How you feel when you’re at work is important. There are more chances of accidents if you are tired or maybe upset. It is important to take breaks from time to time to recharge your batteries. Save your talk with the family for the break, chit-chatting during work can make you lose focus.
You must never push yourself too hard, ask for a friend’s help if a job is not for a single person or call a pro if you feel you’re facing more than a basic problem.
One very important rule to staying safe is to wear safety gear. The most exposed to risk areas are the eyes, ears, nose, the fingers and your toes. Safety goggles are made of resistant plastic that doesn’t shatter when hit. A pair will fit you right if it doesn’t move when you look down, up or around you. If you usually wear eyeglasses, you should know that goggles with magnifying lenses can be found on the market.
Long-term exposure to high-level noise will eventually lead to hearing loss, since this is a progressive ailment. While using power tools or exposed to other loud gear in work mode, you should have earplugs or earmuffs for protection.
Certain repairs might expose you to dust and chemical-laden fumes. There are masks you can use in such situations and their label will show you what exactly each can filter, so you will choose one depending on the product you’re working with. You have the options of buying disposable masks or a reusable respirator with replaceable filters.
In order to protect your hands, you should get yourself a pair of work gloves made of a heavyweight fabric, like leather, for protecting you from splints and irritations. Rubber gloves and surgical latex gloves will also keep you away from the irritations adhesives and paints can cause. For your toes to be safe, wear sturdy footwear.
