SAFETY

Do-it-yourself projects in the home are a major cause of accidents. Therefore it is important that before you begin a project, you make sure that you plan ahead and anticipate any safety issues. Most safety issues are common sense. However, the following non-exhaustive list gives some important safety tips that can apply to most projects.

General Safety

·        Do not attempt a potentially dangerous project when you are tired, irritated, sick or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

·        Wear approved eye protection when working with power tools or striking tools such as hammers.

·        When working in dusty situations, wear a dust filter mask over your mouth and nose.

·        Make sure you check building codes for your area before planning construction projects.

·        Keep all blades, bits and other cutting parts sharp on both power tools and hand tools. Dull tools can require you to apply extra force, which can lead to injuries.

·        Make sure you have a safe work environment that is well lit and free from obstructions and interference from clothing, long hair and jewellery.

·        Turn off breakers or remove fuses when working on all electrical projects.

Power Tools

·        Read the instructions thoroughly and make sure you understand proper operation and safety issues related to each tool. Use a tool only for its intended application. Make sure you know each tool's limitations.

·        Unplug saws, drills, routers and other power tools when changing or installing blades, bits and other attachments.

·        Keep your hands safely away from blades, bits and moving parts as you operate a power tool.

Paints & Chemicals

·        Read, understand and abide by all product warning labels

·        Make sure you have adequate ventilation for flammable and noxious chemicals.

·        When using flammable materials, shut off pilot lights on furnaces, hot water tanks and stoves.

Ladders & Scaffolds

·        Make sure stepladders are completely opened and positioned with all four legs firmly stabilized and supported. Never stand on the top platform of a stepladder.

·        When using an extension ladder, firmly plant both side rails on solid ground. Do not put the base of the ladder too close or too far from the vertical surface it is propped against. Your weight should be positioned between the base of the ladder and vertical surface.

·        Make sure that all legs of a scaffold are firmly planted on solid ground. Use blocks of wood on softer ground to provide better support. Always stand on platforms in between the supports that hold it up.