Renovating your home is quite exciting but one of the most overwhelming and stressful tasks to do. Every homeowner is willing to give a fresh new look to their home and add value to their property.
On the other hand, there are several questions arising in the owner’s mind; such as how to ensure health and safety in home renovation and what the best construction prevention injury techniques should follow. Considering OSHA outreach training can help answer these questions and ensure a safer renovation process.
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your home secure while renovating. It is understandable that if proper safety measures aren’t taken, it will lead to a hazardous situation. To make sure that your home renovation journey should be smooth and injury-free, here are 5 DIY home renovation safety tips to consider.
Wear the Right PPE for Your Home Project
One of the most effective and efficient ways to protect yourself during the renovation process is by wearing appropriate safety gears or personal protective equipment (PPE).
This equipment seems like heavy-handedness to those who are new to renovation and construction projects, but it is the most imperative tool to keep everyone safe and healthy. Researches show that the majority of construction fatalities happen due to inappropriate use of PPE.
Whether you plan to change your roof, install molding, remodel your kitchen, or upgrade lighting, OSHA PPE requirements is necessary to uphold your well-being.
- You can wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust or chemical splashes
- Wear hard hats if working in high places
- Must put on your mask or respirator while working with toxic fumes or chemicals
- Use gloves to protect your hands from cuts, burns, or any harmful substances
- For hearing protection, the use of ear plugs or ear muffs is vital
Make Sure the Clutter Is Clean
Another important home renovation safety tip is to “be aware of your surroundings.” Cluttered areas are the leading reason for trips, falls, and slips. It even misplaced the tools that might slow down the progress and increase the reasons for accidents. That is why keeping your workspace clean and organized will increase safety and workers’ efficiency.
- Additionally, you need to watch out for slippery surfaces to reduce injuries.
- Make sure to pick up items such as scraps of wood, nails, wrap cords, or disposal of other materials that are not in use.
- Try to place everything in its place to ensure you have clear paths to navigate and easy access to tools and materials you need while working.
Safe Handling of Power Tools
Power tools are a necessary part of renovation projects, but these tools can also be dangerous if you do not use them properly. Tools like high-speed blades, drills, and nail guns are nerve-wracking, but hand tools can also be dangerous and can injure you more often.
In the majority of cases, many people do not understand the right workplace material handling & safety tips, which is why they need to be more cautious while using any tool during home renovation.
- Must read the user manual to determine the proper use of each tool
- Follow the ladder safety tips and inspect it before use
- Inspect your tool before use to ensure it is not damaged or all guards are in place
- Consider OSHA safety guidelines for hand and power tools
- Unplug tools to avoid any accidental startups, especially when children or pets are around
Proper Ventilation While Using Paints or Chemicals
Maintaining good indoor air quality during renovations is highly important to keep workers safe and healthy. During renovation activities, it is possible to release some dust and toxic fumes from chemicals or paints, which may lead to respiratory issues such as headaches and breathing problems.
So, keeping good ventilation and air quality helps to mitigate these risks and allow fresh air to circulate and expel the contaminated elements.
- Open doors and windows to create a natural flow
- Use of exhaust fans to remove airborne particles
- Use air purifiers to remove fine dust and allergens
Be Safe When Handling Electrical Wires
Working with electricity is quite risky. It is vital to take the right precautionary measures to avoid shocks and fire. Sometimes short circuits are the leading cause of the fire, so once you complete your work, turn off the power button to protect everyone from electrical hazards.
- Do not work on electrical projects in wet conditions.
- Hire a professional who has enough knowledge of electrical and fire safety tips.
- Use insulated tools to reduce the risk of electrical shocks.
Conclusion
Home renovation projects are fully endeavored, but safety will not be compromised. It doesn’t matter which type of renovation work you are planning to do; it is crucial to follow the home renovation safety tips to reduce workplace injuries and accident rates.
As long as you are aware of the proper material handling guidelines, and fall protection tips, wear the right safety gear for renovation, keep your surroundings clean, and hire a professional, it will help to keep you safe and sound during the home renovation process.
