Safety and Home Improvement
Just when you thought you could do it yourself, you really can.
With home improvements stores popping up left and right and television shows giving first class instruction on how to be your own carpenter, painter, etc., it's now easier than ever to take care of your home on your own.
But, while the number of do-it-yourselfers who choose to perform home improvement projects on their own has grown dramatically over the years, unfortunately, so have the number of injuries.
Spending on home-repair and remodeling materials has grown to an expected $170 billion this year from about $105 billion in 1990. While doing that work last year, homeowners sustained more than 300,000 injuries.
Since do-it-yourself projects have increased so much in the last few years, many more people have begun working with tools for the first time. What sometimes begins as a dream home improvement project can end up as much more of a nightmare if homeowners aren't fully prepared.
According to recent annual statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 157,000 people were injured in incidents relating to using ladders in their homes. Nearly 100,000 received treatment for hand saw-related and power saw-related injuries. Screwdrivers claimed about 10,000 victims and hammers pounded wounds in more than 42,000 do-it-yourselfers. Bottom line: Do your homework before beginning.
Homeowners need to use their tools safely when performing home improvement projects. Whether it's a simple "fix-up" task or an extensive project, it is always important to follow some key safety precautions. Here are some simple home improvement safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always read the manufacturers' instructions before using any equipment and heed all safety warnings.
- Always wear safety goggles to protect eyes from debris.
- When working around electrical outlets, shut off the electricity. Cleaning or working around these areas could result in an electrical shock.
- Wear heavy gloves to protect hands when working with sharp objects.
- Dress appropriately for the project. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and proper footwear can help reduce injuries from flying debris. Also make sure long hair does not interfere with the work.
- Increase the ventilation in the workspace to reduce fumes and dust.
- Wear a mask to reduce inhalation of dust and other particles.
- Keep tools away from children and pets.
- Store tools properly and keep them in good, working condition.
- Use tools only for the purpose they are intended.
In addition to using common sense, homeowners should also realize that using the right tool for the right job is also an extremely important safety issue.
For example, there are different types of circular saw blades and handsaws for cutting different types of material. Depending on the material that needs to be cut -- wood, plastic or metal -- a different saw blade is needed for each one. Using the wrong blade can result in potentially serious injuries.
The same can be said for drill bits. Certain drill bits must be used for certain jobs. Improper equipment use could result in kickbacks that can damage the material used in the home improvement project, or even worse, lead to a severe injury. Local home improvement and hardware stores can offer help with tool information.
It's also important to keep in mind while doing your own projects that cutting and drilling are serious tasks. The right equipment and knowledge is essential in preventing damage to the project, tools and, more importantly, avoiding injuries to the user.
Knowing the
correct tools to use and how to safely use them are two things that
every do-it-yourselfer should learn before beginning a home improvement
project, so get your goggles ready before picking up that hammer!
Written by Debbie L. Sklar