Taking safety precautions when doing DIY is the number one priority. Every year, almost 30,000 people end up in emergency care because they are injured while doing odd jobs in and around the home. According to figures from the Dutch Safety Foundation. Important tips to prevent you or a spectator from becoming a victim of a handyman accident. Because your eyes and other body parts are far too valuable. And that also applies to the fingers and feet of small children. So make sure that even the little ones do not look with unprotected eyes.
Safe Do-It-Yourself
Below are a number of tips that will not only help you work more safely, but that will also improve the quality of your work, so that you can proudly receive the compliments afterwards. With these advice you reduce the risk of unsafe situations. It goes without saying that we must be well rested before doing odd jobs.
Children at extra risk
And think carefully whether you want small children in your area if you are focused on the odd job. Also consider their safety and protection. Children are at risk in the vicinity of razor-sharp saws, flying wood splinters and sparks. And then we are not even talking about the heavy attributes that can end up on the hands or feet. They also sometimes want to press buttons impulsively, causing dangerous power tools to start unexpectedly.
Rules and discipline
There are usually no rules for nothing, so consult the present instructions for use and installation instructions when applying certain materials and tools. Also make sure that you have a tidy workplace. And that there is good light on your hands. The risk that you will then fall for something, slip or trip over is therefore a lot less. And take measures not to be disturbed by children who are distracting you or entering the room.
Tidy up and keep clean
Make sure to tidy up some materials and tools every now and then. On the one hand, this prevents you from spending time searching, but also prevents you from making mistakes due to lack of overview. Don’t be scared to grab a broom or vacuum cleaner every now and then, because that work is also much more pleasant. After using power tools, immediately remove the plug from the socket (more official: the plug from the wall socket). And make sure that the extension cords are not unnecessarily unwound. Please note that when using a device with a decent electrical power (Wattage), the extension cord, if any, is fully rolled out, because with high power consumption, the cord must be able to dissipate the heat to the environment, which is of course not possible with a rolled up cord. . This can cause the cord to overheat, smolder and possibly fire.
The right tools
Choose the right tool for every job, not only from the point of view of danger but also for quality:
- We turn nuts with an open-ended spanner, wrench, or ring spanner, but in no case with combination pliers or even worse pipe wrench.
- A screwdriver is not a chisel, and a wood chisel is not a stone or steel chisel.
- There is a big difference between twist drills when it comes to working on wood, steel or stone.
Scaffolding and ladders
If you are going to use scaffolding, rent professional equipment. Do not build anything yourself and never work outside or beyond your control. Ladders must be sturdy and stable and preferably have a wide base. Place at an angle of 75 degrees on a solid surface. Realize that ladders are unsafe things compared to scaffolding, which is why you really only see window cleaners and private individuals on ladders, because house painters, contractors, facade repairers, etc. understand that you can live longer if you place a stable scaffolding .
Body protection
- Depending on the job, of course, protect skin, eyes and ears.
- Consider sufficient ventilation when using paint stripper, ammonia, benzene, turpetine, etc. Observe the symbols on the label.
- Obviously, be careful with fire with flammable liquids, gases and solid materials.
- Wear protective clothing if necessary. So do not wear any material that is flammable. Also make sure you have footwear that protects the toes if necessary. But also make sure you have enough profile on the soles if you have to go on the roof.
Danger when you get tired
Always use common sense.
- So do not light a cigarette if you are (or have been) working with benzene.
- Or don’t work with electricity barefoot so that you don’t get electrocuted.
- Do not climb the ladder in a violent storm.
It will be beautiful with these precautions.
