General do it yourself safety comments

The home can be a highly dangerous area so every diy'er needs to take some precaution and, more importantly, use common sense. The following are some basic principles for the do it yourself person.

Do's

•      Always keep safely in mind before you do any diy activity, use caution, care, and

good judgement - if in doubt, don't !

•      Always read the labels on cans containing paints, solvents, and other products; AND
      always follow the guidelines and any other warnings.

•      Always read the manufacturer's instructions  (especially the warnings) before using
      any tool, especially power tools with cutting blades/bits.

•      Always pay deliberate attention to how a tool works, if you understand it's operation,

you are less likely to cause injury.

•      Always know and accept the limitations of your tools - use the appropriate tool for the
      task. Do not try to use a tool for anything it is not designed to do.

•      Always remove the key from any drill chuck (hand or stand mounted) after you have
      removed/fitted a drill bit. Do not leave the key in the chuck even when the drill is
      switched off.

•      Always wear the appropriate protection for the job in hand. This may involve gloves,
      facemasks (to filter dust etc.) and/or eye protection.

•      Always keep your body (especially hands) away from the business ends of power

tools using blades, cutters, and bits.

•      Always make sure that any tool adjustment is secured before using the tool - it is
      always better to double check an adjustment - e.g., always check the fence on a saw
      bench - this will avoid possible injury and scraped material.

•      Always be sure that the electrical supply is safe before using it; do not overload any
      circuit.  Make  sure  all  power  tools,  extension  cables  and  electrical  outlets  are
      serviceable and undamaged. Do not use power tools in wet conditions.
 • Always check for possible cables/pipework before drilling or cutting 'blind' into any
      wall or other surface. Take care when you cannot see the reverse side of what you
      are drilling or cutting.

•      Always use special care when using a saw bench; older benches may not have the
      latest safest features (blade guard, safety cut-out etc.). Avoid sawing short pieces if
      you can, as these can be hard to keep a firm grip of..

•      Always clamp small workpieces firmly to a bench or other work surface when using a

power tool on them.

•      Always remember that things can go wrong very quickly and the body's reaction will

not always be quick enough.

•      Always use both hands where a tool is designed to be used two handed.

•      Always ensure that the work area is adequately lit.

•      Always check your local building regulations before carrying out any new construction

or  major  remodelling.  The  regulations  are  intended  to  avoid  safety  hazards  and

should be observed - they should not be considered obstructions to be circumvented.

•      Always check ladders and steps before use, make sure the rungs and sides are

undamaged.

•      Always check the security of a ladder or set of steps before you start to climb.

•      Always be aware and alert!

Don'ts

•      Never wear loose clothing, hanging hair or jewellery when using power tools.

•      Never try to use a tool (especially a power tool) for any task it was not designed to do.

•      Never work with power tools when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or

are tired. If in doubt - don't. Any of these factors can impair judgement of your ability, your physical state and general safety aspects - if always better to delay a job than risk serious injury.

•      Never use a power tool which is damaged in any way (case, switch or cable etc.). If it
      starts to make an odd noise or emit smells - stop and investigate.

•      Never cut small, loose pieces of wood, metal or other material using a power tool -

small off-cuts which you cannot hold or secure, will tend to fly off with potential for

injury.

•      Never change a drill bit, router cutter or saw blade or make any adjustment to a

'cutting' power tool - until the power cable has been unplugged. Do not rely only upon

the switch on the tool or outlet.

•      Never use power tools is you are at risk of overbalancing, reposition any ladder,

scaffold etc. to make the job comfortable.

•      Never work with blunt tools (saws, drill bits, cutters etc.). Sharpen the tools yourself,

have them sharpened, or throw them away and use a new tool.

•      Never use a power tool on a workpiece which is not firmly secured.

•      Never  drill  or  cut  'blind'  into  a  surface  before  checking  the  possible  location  of

electrical cables or pipework.

•      Never saw a large workpiece unless it is well supported both sides of the cut or there

is someone else to support the off-cut.

•      Never saw a workpiece supported on any part of your body (or anyone else's body !).

•      Never carry sharp tools in your pocket. If you want to carry such tools, use a special-

purpose tool belt.

•      Never relay on your weight to stabilise a ladder or mobile steps, if necessary get

someone to stand at the bottom or use stabilisers.

•      Never  overreach  when  working  on  a  ladder  or  steps,  always  re-position  the

ladder/steps.

Posted in: tips