DIY mania is set to sweep the country these holidays as home owners take advantage by repairing and improving their properties. Before you get hammer-happy, you need to be aware of the risks involved.
Think well ahead
DIY accidents are common ground, and one of the main causes is poor planning. Sometimes we just rush into a DIY project without having the correct tools, materials or skills to do the job properly.
Manage your time
It is vital that you allocate enough time to complete a task. Accidents often happen when people are tired or try to finish a job too quickly. Things are not always as easy as they seem, especially if you religiously watch the Home Channel.
Moment of Truth
The other risk of DIY is discovering halfway through a job that it is not really going as planned. All too often avid DIYers get carried away and end up taking on projects that are way out of their depth. Rather call in the professionals if you are not 100% confident, it will be cheaper in the long run than having to call in a tradesman to fix your mistakes. Always finish a project before starting a new one, there is nothing worse than having several different incomplete jobs around the house.
Know your Limits
Being well prepared and not rushing are the golden rules that will keep you safe and ensure that you do a good job. When taking on a DIY project stay away from electrical work and advanced plumbing, these should be done by trained professionals.
Safety first, always
Be very careful on steps and ladders. Never put them on slippery surfaces and always wear appropriate shoes. Although we love power tools, they are very dangerous, unless you are well trained.
Top Tools for Accidents:
- Knives and scalpels
- Saws
- Grinders
- Hammers
- Chisels
- Screwdrivers
- Power drills
- Axes, planes and welding equipment
Always be prepared
Painting and decorating, while may be mundane, are easy jobs to do, but always do your preparation well. Preparation is essential if you want a good end result. Always buy quality materials, rather than the cheapest. Good tools don’t cost more than cheap ones but will last a lifetime. Get organised, know where you have placed things and clean up at the end of the day. If you’re not sure how to do something, call in a good tradesman.
Essential Safety Products
The following items are inexpensive and are readily available from DIY retailers:
- Goggles, gloves and mask – for working with potentially hazardous materials, such as glass or spray paint. Always wear a mask when working in a really dusty environment, for instance when you are sawing wood.
- Ear plugs – for protection if noisy equipment is used.
- Hard hat – if there is any risk of items falling.
- Tool box – for keeping your tools tidy.
- Fire extinguisher and first-aid kit – have on hand, just in case.
- Wire detector – it helps locate live wires before you hammer a nail or drill into the wall or floor.
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