Home projects are exciting – but also dangerous if safety considerations aren’t paramount. Recent studies show that there are more hospital admissions from domestic accidents than from illegal drug abuse. Cuts from knives & other hand tools, together with ladder falls, top the list. These are closely followed by eye injuries from paint drips and debris from power tools.

1) Spend more time on planning

Planning is pretty much the most important part for every DIY home project. Don’t start a job unless you can see how and when you can finish it. Here are some hints that will help:

• Scope the job for tools and materials you’ll need, and write it down
• Make sure that all the gear is readily accessible as and when required – especially any manufacturers’ instructions
• Enlist help for the tasks that need extra hands – especially if ladders are involved – and make sure they’re available when you need them
• Plan for the unexpected – be sure to have first-aid supplies close by, together with any specific supplies and equipment such as fire blankets & extinguishers, solvents, cleaning cloths and the like
• Be prepared for an emergency – as well as the emergency services number, have contact details, especially after-hours numbers for
  • An electrician
  • A plumber/gasfitter
  • The poisons hotline
  • The nearest casualty department.

2) Get enough rest before you start the job!

If you’re exhausted from a particularly heavy working week, postpone the DIY project. You can be sure that the job will still be there waiting patiently for you next week.

Although you may want to finish your project as soon as possible, it’s more important to have regular breaks – the more arduous or focused the work, the more frequent the break. Concentration on fine-motor tasks is just as tiring as heavy lifting. If you’ve done the planning well, you’ll know how long the entire project should take and will have already factored in the breaks.

***Alcohol and tools are a potentially deadly combination. As tempting as it is to have a few beers while getting into a project on your weekend, if you’re not fit to drive, you’re not ready to DIY. As with tiredness, don’t be tempted – postpone the project until you’re clear.

3) Ensure you use good quality safety gear

It’s always worth to spend a few dollars more on your safety gear. Probably it’s going to be more than a few dollars, but it will definitely be cheaper and less painful than the bill from your doctor! Of course, this also depends on what injury you could sustain, should it be something you feel you can take care of yourself, it might be ideal to look around for tips into wound care at home in case you do end up cutting or injuring yourself while on the job.

When you’re scoping the project consider what personal protection equipment you need for:

• Glare: wraparound sunglasses, preferably polarised and with a strap to secure them from falling off while your hands are busy
• Welding: arc and gas have different needs, including helmets – get a professional to do the job if you’re not qualified and properly equipped
• Debris: dust, dirt, high-pressure water and corrosive liquids can permanently damage eyes – make sure protective eyewear matches the danger
• Noise: ear muffs & plugs – good quality muffs will permit conversation while providing protection against high volume and damaging sound frequencies
• Sharp edges: gloves & protective footwear to suit.

If you’re tempted to economise, consider the real cost of being out of action while you recuperate from a DIY injury. Some protective items you may need or want for a DIY project could even be found looking through the likes of SciQuip’s range of PPE, such as face visors and various respirators to protect against debris, glares or various welding dangers.

4) Always read the safety instructions first

It may sound too simple but it’s worth the extra minute! Don’t compromise – always take the time to read safety instructions of the tools and materials you are using!

Misusing tools will probably void any warranty and limit the manufacturer’s liability in the event of a mishap. You’re in better shape if you can demonstrate that you have read and followed instructions. This is particularly important with power tools, adhesives and other chemicals.

5) Climbing the ladder? – Only when it’s safe

Make sure you always have someone who holds the ladder for you. Don’t risk an accident climbing the ladder on your own even when the ladder is of the safety type.

Don’t go up on a roof in adverse weather conditions of wind and rain – and NEVER when there’s lightning about.

6) Take your time, don’t rush and always leave your work site ‘safe’

Finished for the day, or better finished the project? Not yet, the job’s not done until the clean-up. Leave enough time in your plan to:

• seal up containers of liquids and materials affected by exposure to the air
• remove power tool leads from wall sockets
• roll up extension cords and other ropes & lines
• fold and stow ladders
• secure power tools – put them all away
• collect and bin rubbish

and finally clean up yourself before having some well-earned refreshment. This will avoid falling over objects laying around.

7) Act within your capabilities and ask for professional advice where required

In Australia, some DIY tasks on your own property can incur fines up to $40,000! Electrical and plumbing/gas-fitting related jobs should be done only by a qualified and licensed professional. Don’t risk it.

If you have physical challenges of balance, strength, vision or any other personal factor that might impair your ability to perform some part of the project, get help from a friend or hire a professional.

DON’T RUSH – DON’T CRUSH

Plan! Plan! Plan!

Remember – These 7 safety tips will help you minimise the risk of unnecessary accidents. Don’t pull your hear because of carelessness or deadlines – and you can enjoy a successful DIY home project!

Author Bio: Michala Maly is a PR & Digital Analyst, who enjoys working with clients from various industries including Power Step Australia – a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of Safety Access Systems.