Safety Tips for the DIY Dad
June 18th, 2010 | Published in DIY, remodeling, renovating, repair, safety, tools | 23 Comments
by Guest
With summer shortly upon us, and Father’s Day just around the corner it’s a great time to be reminded about home-reno safety. It’s the time of year when many fathers are on the cusp of getting (or getting out) tons of tools, renovation gear and outdoor products and ready to tackle home projects after being cooped up all winter. These home-reno dads (and divas too) may likely have toddlers and small children around them watching what mom and dad are doing. It’s the perfect time to set a safety precedent while they are doing their home repairs!
DIY’er are most likely making their “to do” lists – and checking it twice – ready to tackle the home and yard projects that have been put off all winter. Itching to get out the circular saw, nail gun or drill, what most DIY’ers often forget to grab is the important safety gear that should be top of mind before flicking the “on” switch or getting started on the project.
For years it’s been “drilled” into our minds to wear seat belts in the car or a helmet when on a bike ride, yet when it comes to wearing protective eye gear or ear muffs when using dangerous and loud equipment like a saw or running a compressor, weekend warriors have an invincibility attitude when it comes to home repairs.
Too many times even the simplest home project go awry, most of which could have been easily prevented with some sort of safety gear. What DIYers fail to remember is that no project is too small – it can be the smallest piece of wood that can puncture an eye, a loud sound that could damage hearing or miniscule dust particles that could affect a respiratory system.
Wh’Eye Not?
Do you like to watch the beautiful sunset? See your kids play at the park? Well, something as simple as throwing on a pair of safety glasses* can ensure a lifetime of sunsets and smiles from loved ones. From mowing the lawn to cutting baseboards your eyes are valuable – why not protect them?
Say What?
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association says one in 10 people in Canada have some degree of hearing loss, and for people over 50, the number increases to one in five. Why increase your chances of early hearing loss simply because you didn’t want to throw in a pair of plugs or wear sound muffs*? Toss on a pair of so you can drown out the lawnmower or table saw in style!
Lung-evity
Often home projects involve some use of toxic fumes like paint, adhesives, sawdust and other nasty particles that will weave their way into your system as you work – it’s as simple as throwing on a mask to prevent this from happening – not to mention looking super cool while you work! Become a home-renovation fashionista in your multi-purpose respirator*– ok you might look more like Darth Vader but your kids will think you are the best!
Other tips to consider when home safety is involved:
· Before you start a project prepare – know what you are going to need in terms of tools and make sure you have the appropriate safety gear on hand to compliment the project
· Remember to set an example – your kids are little sponges – show them that you care for them by caring for yourself and make it a standard to be safe
· Remember that you aren’t just a handyman doing some work around the house –you are also a sibling, friend, spouse, parent, or supervisor and those “someone’s” are counting on your safety
· Learn about the materials you are going to be using for your project, and the best way to work with them
· Make sure you concentrate and stay focused when working with tools or machinery – even a moment’s distraction could lead to harm
· Don’t get in “over your head” – if the project is too large or too complicated for your skill level, either take a course to upgrade your skills, or trust in the experts
· Don’t take your health and safety for granted; all it takes is a simple slip or error
Safety Gear Giveaway!
Interested in winning some great safety gear from 3M? The first person to comment on this post will receive 3M’s Rivet Safety Eye Wear and Professional Ear Muffs (a total prize pack of $60)!
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*For more information on 3M safety products such as: 3M’s AO Safety Sunglasses (a division of 3M) ($29.99), 3M’s AO Professional Ear Muffs ($31.99), MP3 Muffs ($59.99), and the 3M Household Multi-purpose Respirator – $41.99, visit http://www.3m.com/intl/ca.
About the Company
Established in 1951, 3M Canada Company was one of the first international subsidiaries opened by 3M and remains one of the largest. 3M Canada’s head office and original manufacturing site is in London, Ontario where approximately 1,000 of the company’s 1,950 employees work. Other Ontario plants are located in Toronto, Brockville, and Perth with one in Morden, Manitoba. Sales offices are located in major cities nationwide and a national service network supports customers.
June 21st, 2010 at 6:40 am (#)
hey,
This is good post informing about the safety tips.
Good Job. Keep it up.
June 21st, 2010 at 9:23 am (#)
Another great post! I remember one Father’s Day we spent the day in the ER. My dad was installing stairs to the garage attic when it slipped and cut his wrist. Great post and personally very timely.
June 21st, 2010 at 12:30 pm (#)
These are some great tips that sure will come in handy. The one main reason an accident occurs is rushing through the project. Take your time and do it right the first time.
July 5th, 2010 at 4:49 am (#)
i think the hidden risk is to our lungs, if you do things every so often the impact won’t really effect but doing some Projects over and over can really harm your lungs so a say get a mask on at all times! thanks for sharing
July 9th, 2010 at 8:23 am (#)
Some really good tips there. Another I would add is never start a DIY project when you’re tired or hungover, that’s when you’re most likely to make a mistake and hurt yourself.
July 13th, 2010 at 9:28 am (#)
Great Tips! I would also add that asking for help or hiring a professional when or if you have ventured outside your DIY comfort level is always ok- you never want to bite off more then you can chew!
Great read-Thank you
July 20th, 2010 at 3:18 am (#)
Doing things by our self is far better rather than waiting for some one to do it, but safety is the first priority. These are really very useful tips. Very nice post.
August 4th, 2010 at 9:22 am (#)
I really liked the catchy phrase Wh’eye not and lungevity.
August 6th, 2010 at 3:26 am (#)
I agree, home renovation is a Tedious job, just leave it to us, professionals. If you have an Idea tell it to us lets see what Great Ideas we can come up for your house.
August 9th, 2010 at 2:55 am (#)
I am going to paint my bedroom in next week DIY. I ‘ll try to follow your safety tips. I hope these tips will definitely help me a lot to complete my work in better way. Thanks for sharing such valuable tips with us.
August 10th, 2010 at 2:42 pm (#)
I am glad I ran across this post because, my father, god bless him, is no handyman. I struggled to develop basic home repair skills on my own. As a result, I focus on safety probably more than most people do since holding a hammer or a nail gun do not feel natural to me.
That said, one of the other tips that may be easily overlooked is protein. That’s right. Eating. I know what it is like to say. “this will be done by the day’s end,” and when the timeline looks like it won’t hold we skip lunch or grab a bag of chips to get us through.
However, this is ineffective, not to mention dangerous, because without real protein or food in our bodies our mind does not fully function. This actually slows us down hurting rather than helping productivity. Furthermore, it has been found in research that fatigue significantly increases the risks of accidents.
So, before donning your helmet and work gloves, grab a meaty sandwich – for your health!
Best,
Max
August 11th, 2010 at 8:37 am (#)
Wow, great advice Max – I would never have thought of that, but it’s so true – doing physical work like that it is important to make sure you have enough energy.
thanks!
August 11th, 2010 at 11:18 pm (#)
if you can do it yourself, then why not?more practical and saves your money
August 12th, 2010 at 5:01 am (#)
Safety means a contractor safety is more important than the project and also he should protect himself along with home improvement safety measures.
Thanks for sharing the great safety tips on your blog.
August 16th, 2010 at 2:40 am (#)
Everyone needs to have a safety equipments when doing something dangerous.
October 8th, 2010 at 2:55 pm (#)
I have all those tools and much more.
October 14th, 2010 at 3:19 pm (#)
at the instant i am thus busy that i am unable to comment but your queries and comments have picked up my interest enough to discuss the internet website itself. i will bookmark you or your web website and add at a later date. thanks.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:05 pm (#)
In doing a project, we shouldn’t be hurrying much if we know that we are prone to danger. We should take things slowly (not too slow), and keep in mind that our safety is what’s important
July 28th, 2011 at 2:21 pm (#)
Thanks so much for the safety tips! — Stacie
July 28th, 2011 at 2:22 pm (#)
Thanks so much for the safety tips! – Stacie
September 20th, 2011 at 1:26 am (#)
It always pays being prepared at every project.
-David Breslin
September 26th, 2011 at 7:57 am (#)
this is very nice tips.. very usefull for us
November 29th, 2011 at 4:26 am (#)
Thank you for sharing these safety tips.