Safety begins with the right tools.
Even the smallest home repair projects come with the risk of accident and injury. Before you start any home repair, thoroughly review the repair step by step, and plan what precautions you'll need to take. And above all, make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit in the house---and that you know where it is---before you begin. Does this Spark an idea?
Using the Right Tools
Home repair safety starts with using the right tool for the job. It might be tempting to cut corners or save money, but a kitchen knife isn't a screwdriver, and a dictionary doesn't make a good hammer. If you use quality tools, you're more likely to do it right the first time, and far less likely to injure yourself. Invest in a good set of tools---you'll use them more often than you might think---or else borrow what you need from a neighbor.
Ladder Safety
Changing a light bulb or cleaning the gutter? Before using your ladder, check to make certain that its rungs are still sturdy and free of any oil or moisture that might cause you to slip. When using a foldout ladder, check that the metal spreader at the bottom of the ladder is secure. According to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) safety guidelines, when positioning a non-self-supporting ladder against a wall, the horizontal distance between the top support and the foot of the ladder should be a quarter the length of the ladder.
Electricity Safety
The most obvious precaution for an electrical repair is to turn off the power to the area where you're working; but still, it bears repeating, especially since the consequences can be deadly. Use a circuit tester if you suspect there might still be residual current running through the circuit. Wear shoes with rubber soles to insulate yourself from the ground, make sure there's no standing water anywhere near the work area, and never touch anything metal while you're working.
Eye Protection
Sure, it's not the most alluring look, but safety goggles are a must any time there's a chance of eye injury. This can be whether you're working with power tools, chemicals, high-pressure water sprays or even just a simple hammer and nail. If you wear corrective glasses, make certain to buy a pair of goggles that fit around your frames; your glasses alone aren't enough protection, especially since they might shatter if struck by something heavy or fast-moving.
Working with Chemicals
Solvents, drain cleaners, silver polish---all chemicals come with precautions. Before using any chemical in your home repair project, take the time to read the instructions and the warning label on the packaging. Never mix two chemical-containing compounds together unless you're explicitly directed to do so; if they react poorly with each other, they could become corrosive or produce dangerous fumes. Always use chemical compounds in a well-ventilated area, and wear a breathing mask and gloves if the label recommends it.
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