Safety Tools and Rules: Avoiding Disaster When You Do-It-Yourself
By Emily Sanford
If you’re an intrepid Do-It-Yourselfer, you likely have all the tools you need to get the job done. Just as important as the tools and materials you use for the job, are safety materials and appropriate precautions. Demo danger can easily become disaster, and a reckless reno can land you in the emergency room if you’re not careful and consistent with your safety protection.
Bryan Baeumler, host of Disaster DIY on HGTV shares with us a few simple items that every Do-It-Yourselfer should always have on hand:
Protective Eyewear: You can use the standard clear plastic goggles or, for the more fashion-conscious, you can now get protective shades that look like swanky sunglasses—so there’s no excuse. Make sure what you’re wearing is comfortable, so you’re happy leaving them on throughout the job. If you’re welding, wear a proper visor meant for that purpose.
Work Gloves: These are inexpensive and easy-to-find. They’ll protect against scrapes and burns, and they’re absolutely essential for itchy jobs like installing insulation or tearing down lathe and plaster. Use leather or canvas for construction jobs, and latex or rubber for any projects that involve solvents or chemicals. Never wear gloves when operating a table saw or similar equipment—if a glove gets caught it can pull your hand into the machine.
Masks: Both simple dust masks and respirator masks should be on hand, depending what type of job you’re doing. As you demo drywall and cut wood, you can wear a regular dust mask to prevent dust inhalation. If you’re doing messier work, like taking down lathe and plaster or any kind of demo in an older home, you should switch to a respirator mask. If you find what you suspect is asbestos, stop all work immediately and call in a professional.
Protective Footwear: You’ll really look the part and protect your feet at the same time with industry-approved steel-toe work boots. Be sure to get footwear with a steel shank in the sole, to protect against stepping on any harmful nails or glass. They’re also rubber-soled, and grounded to help prevent serious electrical shock.
Hard hat: Protect your most valuable asset when working in any situation with overhead danger, if you’re in a basement or attic, or on any construction site. They’re also brightly coloured to make you visible to others.
Earplugs: While you’re jack-hammering or using other loud tools, you’ll want to protect your hearing. You can get the kind that go around your neck and are brightly coloured, so those trying to get your attention can see you’re wearing them. You can also use larger sound inhibitors that look like headphones and cover your entire ear—an added bonus in a chilly room or work site!
Harness: If you’re up on the roof or working at other great heights, save yourself the worry of falling and invest in an industry-approved harness system. They can be found at most hardware stores.
First Aid Supplies: Include a flashlight in case of a power outage. If something does happen you want to be assured you can clean and dress a small wound right away to prevent infection or further injury.
Fire Extinguisher: In case of a small fire you’ll be glad you have one; but never use water to put out an electrical or chemical fire. In case of a big fire, call in the pros!
A Buddy: Sometimes an extra pair of hands is all you need to prevent an accident. Have someone hold the other end of the drywall, and you might avoid wrenching your back; and someone helping you carry that pane of glass can prevent a bad shatter.
As well as having the tools, you need to apply the rules. Always keep your wits about you, and use your common sense on the job, and you can help avoid catastrophe. Keep in mind the following guidelines while you’re on the renovation site or in the workshop:
Plan Ahead: Always plan your renovation steps in advance, and you’ll know what materials you’ll need on hand. This includes ensuring you’ve got the appropriate building permits for your renovation. Building codes are developed with safety in mind, and should be respected and followed strictly. Also, don’t be in such a rush that you cut safety corners and endanger yourself or others.
Shield Yourself: Always use the protective shields that come with power tools. They’re there for a reason, and can help you avoid disaster.
Power Down: If you’re anywhere near electrical, shut the power off, and bring in work lights on extension cords. You’ll prevent the danger of electrical shock. Always use construction-specific extension cords: they’re more durable, and brightly coloured to help prevent incidents. Unplug or take the battery out of power tools while servicing them.
Gas Shut-off: Make sure all precautions are taken when doing any reno in a room or space where there is a gas line. Ensure it’s turned off, and stay alert for potential leaks.
Ladder safety: Just move the ladder—avoid reaching to one side to continue work if you’re up on a ladder. Getting down and moving it over those few feet may take time, but your reno will come to a complete standstill if you end up in hospital from a bad fall. You can also get a sawhorse ladder which is lower, wider, and very light, or an articulating ladder (imagine an upside-down “W”) and put planks across the middle rungs as a do-it-yourself platform or scaffold system.
Ventilation: Be careful when working in an enclosed area, especially when you are working with chemicals, fumes, large amounts of dust, or in the heat of summer when your respiration is likely to be affected. Open the windows—you’ll be glad for the breeze when you’re hard at work.
Clean-up: You’ve invested a lot of time and money in your renovation and your tools. Make sure they’re always sharp and in good condition. Keep your workplace tidy and free of dangerous debris, and always put your tools away safely and tidily. You’ll have the added bonus of knowing where everything is, and you can start with a clean slate every day.