Taking on home improvement projects can be fun and appealing. However, being handy around the home could lead to serious injury if you don’t take appropriate safety precautions. The State of Home Safety in America™ report (2002) found that emergency departments reported more than 330,000 visits due to injuries with home workshop equipment in a single year. Safety practices will shield you and your loved ones from injuries related to home improvement projects:
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Keep a stocked first aid kit in every location that an injury may occur. First aid may make the difference between a quick recovery and permanent injury.
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Post emergency numbers, including the national Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) by each phone.
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If you decide to install a fire extinguisher in your workshop, contact your fire department to learn how to select the proper type of extinguisher and when to use it.
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Keep hazardous materials out of children’s reach.
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When working with any product, check warnings and content labels to identify hazards.
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Follow manufacturer's instructions and heed warning labels.
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Use gasoline as a motor fuel only.
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Gasoline must never be used indoors, because its flammable vapors can be ignited by even a tiny spark. Store gasoline in an outdoor shed or garage, out of children’s reach, in a vented container approved for gasoline storage.
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Use caution with other flammable and combustible products. Properly dispose of oily rags after use and hang them outside to dry.
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Falling and flying objects, especially when working in tight spaces, can pose a hazard to your head, face and eyes. Consider wearing hard hats, safety vests, protective eye wear and ear plugs while working.
If you allow someone to watch you work, make sure they wear protective gear too.
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Wear chemical safety glasses when using hazardous solvents and cleaning products.
Wear safety glasses with side shields when using power tools.
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Designate your work area as a “kid free zone” to keep young children out of harm’s way and out of the reach of tools and equipment.
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Do not wear any loose or dangling clothing or jewelry that could become caught in moving parts.
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Keep your work area clean and free from clutter.
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Keep power equipment in good condition. Repair or replace damaged tools.
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Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and warnings on tools, power equipment and building materials.
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Use heavy duty extension cords for tools such as trimmers and edgers listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for outdoor use.
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Unplug the power cord before you do any trouble-shooting on a tool that is jammed or won't start, and never walk away from a plugged-in-power tool -- even for a few minutes.
Follow basic ladder safety rules whenever climbing.
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