|
Staying Safe During DIY
When doing-it-yourself you should always do-it-safely, no matter what “it” it might be that you are doing. Let’s assume that the “it” in this scenario is something technical, perhaps involving tools or fixings and fasteners, in which case there are a few key rules you should follow.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions. It isn’t hard to do, though we understand that it might dent your pride to try it. Obviously you have a natural affinity with all machinery in existence, so yes you should be able to pick it up and just get on with it, but other people find it reassuring when you familiarise yourself with the manual first; so why not do it for them? Also, you need to be aware that you can jeopardise a manufacturer’s warranty by opening up their product, so do so knowingly or don’t do it at all. If there are warning labels on something, they aren’t usually just for decoration, so respect the various warnings they might give.
Use protection. In any situations where you might need it (especially sticky ones) you must use the appropriate form of protection. Typical safety equipment might include safety goggles, work gloves or dust masks and you should wear them in accordance with the nature of the hazard you might be facing. Spray paint or glass installation, for instance, might require you to wear a breathing mask (as will near enough any task that involves working with dust or particles).
There are a number of tasks that generate dust or fumes that will not only require that you wear a breathing mask, but will also necessitate a greater awareness of your use of naked flames. Anything flammable (and this includes combustibles that might have a higher flammability when they undergo a change of state or temperature) must be dealt with appropriately and if it is extremely dangerous then you should leave it to the professionals.
Use the right tool for the job and finish every job you start (or make it safe when you need to put it on hold). Cutting corners can cause calamities and cutting costs by using cheap and sub-par materials could be catastrophic. Higher quality tools and equipment are likely to help you bring a project to completion quicker and will help your work to last longer in the scheme of things. When storing tools, you need to keep them in a safe place, out of the reach of children (and even pets).
Cutting should always be done with due care and attention. Cut away from you and use a baton to help guide cuts (by running the blade along its edge). Knives or other dangerous tools need to be stored securely and preferably be locked away as well as out of children’s reach. Screws and nails should never be left sticking out of surfaces, nor should they be left lying around.
When installing fasteners and fixings you need to do so carefully and make sure they are the right size, strength and material for the task.
Always observe ladder and electrical safety rules, and follow the manufacturers’ instructions when using power tools. Never work on an item or change the bits on a drill that is plugged into the mains. Jobs always become more dangerous when they are rushed, so make a plan/stick to it and don’t hurry through. Try to identify any risks you might encounter early, then take steps to minimise them or remove them completely. Remember the basics of safety, because it’s the nuts and bolts that hold everything else together
|
