If you consider yourself a bit of a DIY enthusiast of you just like to get your hands dirty when there’s a project involved, it’s important that you take some basic steps to make sure the work you complete is safe. To learn more about those very tips, keep reading!
- Before you begin any task you should plan for the worst. Well, okay, maybe not the worst. But plan for injury, even if it’s simply installing a hook to hang a new piece of art thanks to a hobby lobby coupon from Groupon Coupons. This means making sure that your first-aid kit is fully stocked and has everything that you need to tend to any injuries you might incur throughout the course of your DIY work.
- Just because Naomi Campbell wore a Gucci dress to her community service doesn’t mean that performing laborious tasks is a fashion statement. Instead, consider the type of work you’re doing and plan for it. For example, if you’re getting under the house to repair your foundations, you’re going to need protection for your knees, elbows, and something for your eyes and likely a mouth mask.
- Throw away the instructions! Wait! Reverse that – don’t throw away the instructions! See how easy it is to get confused? If you are installing an item and there are instruction included, be sure to read them thoroughly before attempting to install is based on your own knowledge. While you may have performed similar install work there could be requirements specific to your product which need to be adhered to for safe completion.
- Check your tools. Whether you use them regularly or you just bring them out for DIY tasks, be sure to check that your equipment and power tools are in full working order and can and will perform their tasks safely. If you can see any damage or you aren’t entirely confident that one of your tools is up to the task, don’t use it until it is.
- It’s important to include your children in your hobbies but it’s equally important to ensure the hobby you are performing is safe for them to use as a learning tool at their age. If you are confident that it is then sure to provide them with the required safety items and make sure they are aware of the serious nature of the situations, working with power tools, etc.
- Ask for help if you need it. Even if it means calling your father-in-law and asking for his help when you really don’t want to – if it means that you can complete the work safely then swallow your pride and make the call.
Of course, in addition to these six great tips, there is no substitute for common sense. Be sure to always stay aware of your surroundings and always be on the lookout for potential danger. And of course, always tell somebody what you are doing. While you might not want to think about it, if you fall and aren’t able to call for help it will be comforting to know that somebody will be expecting you to finish.