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.
