How to avoid DIY health and safety disasters

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We’ve all been there. When a DIY project goes wrong it can often lead to minor injuries that either need treatment at home, or worse still a trip to the Minor Injuries Unit for treatment. Many DIY accidents are caused purely by not having the right gear or not performing the correct safety measures. In this blog we’ll talk you through the best things you can do to ensure your DIY project is carried out without risk to your safety or those around you.

Top tip 1: Get the right clothing for the job

When working with power tools it’s essential that you don’t wear clothes with loose straps that can get caught in the mechanism. This is a recipe for disaster. Instead, make sure you are wearing clothes that can be easily tucked in, with no loose pieces of material such as laces or cord hanging out. Take off any jewellery such as watches and bracelets, and equip yourself with the right Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as goggles, a facemask and steel toe-capped boots.

Top tip 2: Make sure your tools are fit for purpose

A workman (or woman) is only as good as his or her tools. Make sure that you check all of your tools to ensure they are in good condition. Blades and saws should be sharp, and never use old screws or bolts that are rusted or out of shape. Any power tools that you are using should be regularly PAT-tested, and check for signs of wear or exposed electrical wires before you use them for each job. Cheap tools will let you down, so when you are buying new tools make sure you go for something that is at least mid-range and built to last.

Top tip 3: Check your ladder

Ladders are commonly used for many jobs around the home, and they are one of the biggest causes of accidents. Check the rungs are intact and that the ladder is in good shape. It should be rested on a flat and even surface, and metal ladders should have rubber caps on their feet to avoid slippage. If you are in any doubt then ask someone to stand at the bottom of the ladder and hold it still for you. Never over-reach, and take your time climbing up and down the ladder – never rush. No matter what you are using the ladder for, it is important to remember that above all you should never ever work alone. Always make sure there is someone nearby in case you fall or need some help.

Top tip 4: Keep it tidy!

It’s easy for the space in which you are working to become cluttered with tools, old screws, nuts and bolts, sawdust and other DIY bits and bobs. Make sure you tidy as you go, as the more cluttered your workspace is, the more chance there is of an accident happening. It’s a good habit to get into, and it also means that you won’t be faced with a huge tidying up job to do once you have completed your DIY project. Be conscious of always working safely to minimise the risk of accidents. And just in case, make sure you always have a good supply of plasters, antiseptic cream, bandages, and other first-aid equipment, to be on the safe side.

1 comment

    RevZilla August 23, 2021

    Great content! Keep up the good work!

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