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Before diving into any home construction project, make sure to prioritize the safety of your entire household. Explore more home construction visuals for inspiration.
Ableimages/Photodisc/Getty ImagesIf you're embarking on a DIY home renovation project, you're in good company. Spending on home improvements in the U.S. is projected to grow by 4.9 percent in 2010, marking the first increase since mid-2007. That's a lot of supplies like paint, flooring, drywall, and nails.
Planning to make your home cozier this year? Before grabbing that hammer, take a moment to think about safety. No project is worth jeopardizing your health. Whether it's painting, building a sunroom, or simply working in the garage, always prioritize safety first.
10: Prevent Chainsaw Kickback
If you've ever been woken up on a quiet Saturday by the hum of a chainsaw next door, you're familiar with the world of tree maintenance. It often feels like every storm leaves behind branches that couldn't resist the pull of gravity. Sadly, it's your responsibility as a homeowner to clean up the debris.
Chainsaws are great tools for trimming trees, but they can also be quite hazardous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about older chainsaw models, advising that you replace the chain to minimize the risk of kickback, which happens when the nose-end of the guide bar hits an obstruction. If you own an old chainsaw, make sure to get a new chain. If you're shopping for a new one, choose one with added safety features like:
- Hand guard
- Chain brake
- Trigger or throttle lockout
- Spark arrestor (for gas models)
- Vibration reduction system
- Chain catcher
- Bumper spikes
Stay up-to-date with the latest product safety information by subscribing to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's email list here: CPSCs Subscription List Page.
9: Always Wear Proper Safety Glasses
You might not think a quick run around the yard with the weed whacker or some mold cleaner requires safety glasses, but airborne debris can easily lead to eye injuries. In fact, nearly half of the 2.5 million eye injuries in the U.S. each year happen at home, so you’re not as safe as you might assume.
Opt for protective eyewear that fits snugly against the shape of your face. It may cost a little more, but it’s worth the investment. And once you have the right protective glasses, don’t leave them in a drawer. Make it a habit to wear them whenever there’s even a slight chance of flying dust or debris.
Thinking of using your prescription glasses or sunglasses as makeshift safety glasses? Think again. Regular glasses can shatter, potentially causing more harm than good.
8: Treat Ladders with Caution
Walking under a ladder might be considered bad luck, but if you're not careful, it could cause much more harm than that.
Steven Errico/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty ImagesA ladder is a useful tool, but only if you approach it with caution and respect. Always keep in mind that working at heights can be risky, and maintain awareness and careful observation while using it.
- Ensure the ladder is placed on a stable, level surface.
- Secure A-frame ladders in the open position.
- Avoid stepping on the top two rungs of the ladder.
- Position ladders against vertical surfaces with a one-foot spread at the base for every 4 feet of height.
- Never use aluminum ladders near utility poles or electrical wires.
- Never place a ladder in front of a door that swings outward unless it’s locked.
7: Use a Dust Mask or Respirator
Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth doesn’t always mean you're fully protected. Some respirators are designed to filter out particulates, while others protect you from harmful fumes. However, no single respirator can shield you from all potential dangers.
Before beginning a project, evaluate the materials and tools you’ll be using. These should give you clues about the right type of respirator to choose. Review all reference materials carefully before you start, and make sure to include the proper protection on your shopping list.
Respirators come with a rating system that indicates their level of effectiveness for specific tasks. This is known as the Assigned Protection Factor (APF). A respirator with an APF rating of 30 would allow only 1/30th of the airborne contaminants to enter.
6: Exercise Caution Around Electricity
That’s not a smart move.
Carlos Dominguez/Stock Images/Getty ImagesThe electrical current flowing through your home can be deadly. Yes, we said it—electricity can kill if you don’t take precautions. Even though most people are aware of this fact, it’s easy to make careless errors, sometimes with disastrous outcomes. Keep these essential electrical safety tips in mind:
- Water and electricity should never mix.
- Always use a voltage meter to verify that a device you're working on is not live with electrical current.
- Never perform electrical repairs while standing on an aluminum ladder.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes or stand on a rubber mat when handling electrical work.
- Don’t use electrical tools in damp environments unless they're plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Never bypass a device’s on/off switch by using the power cord instead.
- Always avoid using tools with damaged cords or missing safety guards.
If all of this feels overwhelming, it might be a good idea to hire a professional instead of taking on electrical repairs yourself.
5: Leave Gas Repairs to the Experts
Even if you feel confident about your skills, gas can be tricky, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesGas is a powerful energy source, but it can also be incredibly hazardous. A major issue is that you might create a leak without even realizing it until dangerous levels of gas accumulate in your home. While you may notice the smell, by that point, static electricity could trigger an explosion.
If you're considering an upgrade, contact your local utility company for advice. If you detect a gas smell in your house, do not attempt to assess the situation or make any calls. Evacuate your family immediately and contact emergency services from a safe location.
4: Choose Your Outfit With Safety in Mind
These outfits might seem excessive, but it's still important to think about your clothing choices for safety.
Chris Windsor/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesThe truth about DIY accidents is that often it’s the little things that cause the most harm. You know to be cautious with electricity, saws, riding lawnmowers, and other obvious hazards, but have you thought about your jewelry or long sleeves? If you're working around spinning objects like saws, loose clothing, jewelry, or even long hair can get caught and drag you into harm's way.
Wearing shorts or going barefoot in areas where heat or breakable items are present can also lead to injury. The takeaway is to dress appropriately for the task at hand and take your clothing seriously.
3: Be Cautious with Heights
If you're not fond of heights, it might be your body's way of signaling caution. DIY tasks that involve scaling the roof or hanging from a second-story window can quickly turn into an unexpected hospital visit. Professional roofers wear safety harnesses for a reason. Being up high can make you dizzy and disoriented, and replacing a roof shingle might not seem worth the risk when you think about it.
If you're thinking about fixing your roof, consider calling in a professional. But if you're determined to take it on yourself, invest in a fall-protection kit made for roofers. You can find these kits at most home improvement stores for about $100. They include a harness and mounting gear designed for DIY projects. With one of these, if you fall, you'll only feel embarrassed, not hurt.
2: Get Yourself a Fire Extinguisher
You never know when a fire might start, so it's best to be prepared. Better safe than sorry.
D. Anschutz/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesFires are unpredictable, and sometimes using water won't be enough to put one out. It's a good idea to purchase a few fire extinguishers for your home and check them regularly as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. An A-B-C rated fire extinguisher can help put out fires from burning liquids like grease, materials such as paper and wood, and electrical fires. Place one in your kitchen and another near your DIY workspace to stay protected.
1: Do Your Research
Before diving into your DIY tasks, make sure to research them thoroughly. Always read the labels of the materials you buy, especially the safety instructions. Refresh your memory on how to properly use your tools before starting any project.
The Internet is a valuable resource for home improvement advice. Many manufacturers also have online platforms where you can find extra details and assistance. The more informed you are, the safer you'll be, as will your loved ones.
It's a smart idea to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in your DIY workspace to deal with any occasional accidents that may arise.
