How To Stay Safe Doing DIY

DIY projects are a great way to save costs when renovating your home, and are also a chance to acquire skills which you can use over a life time. However enthusiastic you are to get going with your plans, it’s important to follow a few simple safety tips to avoid any unwanted trips to A&E.

Have the right safety gear

Before you start, make sure that you are kitted out properly. Avoid wearing any loose clothing, such as scarves or ties, or baggy tops and trousers which could get caught in equipment. Tie long hair back, and remove any dangling items of jewellery. Overalls are a good idea to protect your clothes from accidental damage.

Working with power tools means you should always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. If you are going to be generating lots of dust or using spray paint, a mask is a must-have item. Gloves are also useful to protect from cuts and avoid constant hand washing. Ensure that you have a well-stocked first aid kit to hand, just in case.

Prepare the workspace

Ensure that the space is well ventilated if you are working indoors to mitigate against the build-up of toxic substances. Keep everywhere clean and clutter-free, so that you can move around easily without tripping over equipment or making an unnecessary mess. If you are working on the mains supply, ensure the power is switched off first.

If you are using ladders, check that they are in good condition, and you have a stable level surface to place them on, both on the floor and the supporting wall. Use task lighting to illuminate your workspace if possible, even in daylight hours, because this will help you work more accurately and confidently.

If you are stripping out old flooring or wall coverings, it may be best to check with a professional renovation company that they don’t contain toxic substances such as asbestos or lead paint first. 

Familiarise yourself with the equipment

If you are using power tools for the first time, make sure you read the instruction manual and familiarise yourself with the operating process before diving straight into your DIY project. Make sure that you have the most appropriate tools for the job, and that they are in good working order before switching them on. 

Always read the instructions

The manufacturer should supply installation instructions with the product, so take the time to read these carefully before diving in. While online videos such as can be found on YouTube are really useful when it comes to expanding your DIY general knowledge, remember that not all products are the same, and some may need a different approach.

For example, the online DIYer might be working with the same type of product, but using a different brand or different materials, which need different tools and techniques. So, always scrutinise the small print, because if you damage the product by using the wrong installation method, you will invalidate the warranty. 

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