Lets have a sensible look at keeping you Healthy and Safe whilst working on stuff. I know, I know, you can’t be bothered with all that and after all, you are not stupid and dumb accidents only happen to, well…. dumb people, right?
Well, actually no; from time to time even the most experienced can make a poor judgement (usually rushing about) and something will go wrong that hurts. Blood gets spilt and curses fly, mostly for being stupid, because you should know better!
Now here’s the thing, I don’t know what you’re going to do with the information you’ll find on this website, or what your strengths and weaknesses are. So, I’m assuming you’ve got some common sense and know your limitations regarding DIY, OK?
And if you don’t, or are in any way unsure, please get in touch, or get advice from some local experienced professionals, to ensure that you are going to be working safe.
Things that are going to hurt!
Now this is a ‘live’ list and gives a few pointers, but trust me when I say that it’s in no way exhaustive………..weird and inexplicable stuff just happens sometimes, OK?
- Gloves are often a good idea for hand tools, hammers, chisels, bricks, blocks, big timbers and sharp metal can all cause you to lose some skin. Be extra careful wearing gloves using power tools though, as they can cause you to go too close to moving blades where they can get caught.
- Electricity should always be treated with a healthy respect. You must be competent to remove any electrical fittings, always isolate supplies (and tape the breaker down, to mark them as being worked on, you don’t want the other half coming in and switching a breaker on half way through!) and make any exposed wires safe. If in doubt, ask a pro.
- Goggles or safety specs are a must. Removing a lath and plaster ceiling for example, causes lots of debris to fly around because laths are springy things and can flick bits of plasterwork into your face with some force.
- If you are making any kind of dust, wear a mask, disposable paper ones as a minimum, but preferably a proper mask and filter type is best.
- You might also get covered in dust, so consider some coveralls. Some materials and dust irritate the skin, especially if sweating, so wear coveralls and keep the work space well ventilated if at all possible. Wash off cement based stuff straight away.
- Lots of building materials are very heavy. Risk is twofold, falling objects mean hard hats and steel toe-capped boots and secondly learn how to lift sensibly and don’t be tempted to lift stuff that’s way too heavy for one person, 40kgs or so max.
Some basic essential kit to keep you healthy and injury free………
So, get yourself some simple and cheap protective gear:-
- Eye protection, Goggles or safety specs (essential)
- Respiratory protection, Dust masks or preferably a proper face mask (essential)
- Stout footwear, preferably with steel toecaps (pretty essential)
- Gloves (pretty essential, depending on how ‘tough’ you are!)
- Disposable ‘cover alls’ (one piece suit) to cover everything, the spaceman type! (optional but nice)
- Sturdy platform to work from, minimum would be strong stepladder, better would be builders trestles and scaffold battens. (essential)
Truly, stay well.
Ian
No liability accepted and all actions are undertaken at the readers own risk. Seek professional help if unsure.
