Are you getting ready to start a new project around the house? Or maybe a small craft project with the kids? Aside from getting your supply and materials list in order and generating a budget, have you thought about safety? Slip-ups and improper use of tools and handling materials send a lot of people to the emergency room every day. Here are few safety tips to keep in mind prior to starting your next DIY project.
Safety Eyewear
No matter what type of tools or power equipment you’ll be using, it’s always important to make sure that you protect your eyes. A corneal abrasion can occur when any type of foreign object enters or scratches the outside surface of your eye. Having a major trauma to the eye can quickly lead to a severe eye injury and leave an impact on your eye that can be permanent. Adding protective eyewear to your list of things to wear and prepare for ahead of your DIY project is very important. Safety glasses are inexpensive to purchase and come in varying styles ranging from heavy duty protective lenses to side protectors that help shield from flying debris. You may wish to ask your optometrist about prescription safety glasses, so you will be able to see more precisely. If you experience an eye injury, along with redness, pain or discomfort, seek medical help right away.
Chemical Exposure
Are you about to stain your deck? Or maybe you’ll be applying a chemical-based product to your flooring? Inhaling fumes from these products can cause respiratory discomfort to some people. Inhaling certain products can also cause breathing problems for sensitive individuals. But how do you know if you’re in the safe zone or not? Look for troubling signs of discomfort after being around strange chemicals, including:
- Headache or trouble concentrating.
- Difficulty swallowing or tightness in your throat.
- Trouble breathing or chest tightness.
- Burning of eyes and mucous membranes.
- Feelings of light-headedness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, get fresh air immediately. From there, if symptoms persist, seek prompt medical attention. Prevent unwanted chemical exposure by gearing up properly prior to your DIY project. This means wearing gloves, long sleeves, and a respirator mask to prevent direct exposure.
If you’ll be dealing with fumes and harmful particles like silica, it’s best to ditch reusable face masks and buy N95 masks instead. The latter offers much better protection against harmful air particles.
Skin Irritants
Do you need to apply an adhesive as part of your project or home improvement revamp? Many times glue and textured pastes can have strong chemical ingredients and aerosols that can be irritating or harmful to your skin or eyes. These skin irritants can cause redness, burning and extreme discomfort to areas on your body. Sometimes they may even burn your skin and cause the skin to sting, bubble and peel. If this occurs, you need to discontinue use of the product right away. Because it could be a chemical burn, seek care from a doctor as soon as soon as possible. Stay safe at all times by thoroughly reading the instructions on the product prior to use. Use industrial strength gloves to protect yourself from harm, and always apply adhesives and other products in areas where there is a lot of ventilation.
Saw Precautions
In order to carry out your DIY project or complete your home improvement task, you’ll likely have to use a table saw or hand saw to cut wood or other materials. Even if you’re a seasoned pro, make sure you take the right precautions prior to engaging the saw. Here are just a few questions to ask yourself:
- Is the saw blade sharp?
- Does the blade fit precisely and securely in the saw?
- Do you have eye safety gear in place?
- Is your clothing secured to your body? No loose sleeves or material?
- Do you understand the basic function and operation of the saw?
- Do you know where the kill switch is?
- Does the wood have a lot of moisture inside? Has it been prepped for cutting?
These are just a few questions to keep in mind as you proceed with the cutting process. After all, a home improvement or DIY project can be a great feat to take on and finish successfully. Make sure everything goes according to plan as you keep safety measures at the top of your list at all times.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
