Home Improvement Safety Do-It-Yourself Safety Tips
Taking on home improvement projects can be fun and appealing. However, being handy around the home could lead to serious injury if you don’t take appropriate safety precautions. The State of Home Safety in America™ report (2002) found that emergency departments reported more than 330,000 visits due to injuries with home workshop equipment in a single year. Safety practices will shield you and your loved ones from injuries related to home improvement projects: > Keep a stocked first aid kit in every location that an injury may occur. First aid may make the difference between a quick recovery and permanent injury.
> Post emergency numbers, including the national Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) by each phone.
> If you decide to install a fire extinguisher in your workshop, contact your fire department to learn how to select the proper type of extinguisher and when to use it.
> Keep hazardous materials out of children’s reach.
> When working with any product, check warnings and content labels to identify hazards.
> Follow manufacturer's instructions and heed warning labels.
> Use gasoline as a motor fuel only.
> Gasoline must never be used indoors, because its flammable vapors can be ignited by even a tiny spark. Store gasoline in an outdoor shed or garage, out of children’s reach, in a vented container approved for gasoline storage.
> Use caution with other flammable and combustible products. Properly dispose of oily rags after use and hang them outside to dry.
> Falling and flying objects, especially when working in tight spaces, can pose a hazard to your head, face and eyes. Consider wearing hard hats, safety vests, protective eye wear and ear plugs while working.
> If you allow someone to watch you work, make sure they wear protective gear too.
> Wear chemical safety glasses when using hazardous solvents and cleaning products.
> Wear safety glasses with side shields when using power tools.
> Designate your work area as a “kid free zone” to keep young children out of harm’s way and out of the reach of tools and equipment.
> Do not wear any loose or dangling clothing or jewelry that could become caught in moving parts.
> Keep your work area clean and free from clutter.
> Keep power equipment in good condition. Repair or replace damaged tools.
> Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and warnings on tools, power equipment and building materials.
> Use heavy duty extension cords for tools such as trimmers and edgers listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for outdoor use.
> Unplug the power cord before you do any trouble-shooting on a tool that is jammed or won't start, and never walk away from a plugged-in-power tool -- even for a few minutes.
> Follow basic ladder safety rules whenever climbing.
Eye and Hand Protection in the Woodworking Shop
Every time you walk into a shop you potentially expose yourself to certain risks. Dust, fumes, noise and flying wood chips are sometimes waiting. But keep in mind that your shop doesn't necessarily have to be a dangerous place. Taking some basic precautions helps to prevent accidents.
Eye Protection
Back when I taught junior high, we started each quarter with a graphic film about a workshop eye injury. The scenario concluded with actual footage of unsuccessful surgery. After viewing that difficult-to-watch movie, those kids religiously wore their safety glasses.
We all need this kind of strong reminder from time to time. How many times have we heard: "I'm only making one cut...done this a million times...never had a problem"? There are always plenty of excuses for not wearing eye protection, but never good ones.
You should be sure your eyes are protected any and every time you turn on a machine. If you're in the shop with someone else running machines, you should still wear eye protection. And, remember, your prescription glasses probably don't qualify. Chances are, they lack the required impact resistance. And they also don't have side shields.
Safety glasses have come a long way from those old "frog-eyed" goggles from chemistry class. With a little shopping, you can find an attractive pair that's really quite comfortable. Be sure to look for glasses that are ANSI certified because this tells you they've been impact tested. If you wear prescription glasses and can't find safety glasses that fit over them, get a full-face shield. Here's a good final tip: To prevent your plastic safety glasses from getting covered with sawdust, wipe them with a dryer sheet. It reduces static and helps your lenses stay clear.
Gloves
Many finishes and strippers can irritate your skin, or get absorbed through your skin and end up in your bloodstream. Wear rubber gloves when handling these materials. Not only will disposable gloves protect you, they save the step of trying to wash stain off your hands. Just peel off the gloves, and your hands are clean. Some strippers are too caustic for lightweight latex disposable gloves. You may need heavy-duty rubber gloves.
It's always best to find out what specific precautions you need to take with each product you use. Yes, this means reading the instructions! It's for your own good, and not a good place to take shortcuts. Protect your hands, eyes, and lungs, and provide proper ventilation.
Safety is Smart
Unlike junior high, there's nobody in your shop to yell at you when you're not wearing the right safety gear. It's up to you to be safety smart. Get in the habit of wearing eye protection and rubber gloves when needed, and you'll be around to enjoy woodworking a lot longer.
Ladder Safety Tips
According to the Home Safety Council's State of Home Safety in America™ (2002), nearly 150,000 people were treated for home ladder injuries in U.S. emergency departments in 2000. Whether you're spring cleaning, hanging decorations or painting, the same basic ladder safety rules apply: > Before using a ladder outdoors, choose a location that is well away from all power lines. Coming in contact with live wires can be fatal.
> Place the ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks are engaged.
> Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot.
> Always face the ladder when climbing and wear slip-resistant shoes, such as those with rubber soles.
> Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by your belt buckle. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling.
> Make sure rungs are dry before using the ladder.
> Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top.
Painting Safety Tips
Before tackling how-to painting projects, it is crucial to "brush up" on safety tips. Since painting is the most popular D-I-Y project, please read on to learn how to paint your home safely.
General Tips
You've heard it before, but please read the label on the paint can and follow manufacturer's instructions. If the paint is flammable or combustible, take these precautions: > Open windows and doors to create ventilation and disperse fumes.
> Eliminate all sources of flame, sparks and ignition (put out pilot lights by turning off the gas and do not re-light until after room is free of fumes).
> While working with flammable or combustible paints, don't smoke.
> Don't use electrical equipment while working with paints (it may cause sparks)
> Make sure light bulbs are not exposed to sudden breakage.
> Clean up spills promptly.
> Keep containers closed when not in use.
Outfitting Yourself for Painting
> Wear long sleeve shirt and long pants when painting.
> Wear butyl rubber gloves. This will protect skin and make cleanup easier.
> Wear chemical splash goggles and paint respirator.
Health Precautions
> If paint is swallowed, follow the first-aid directions on the label and contact doctor or poison center immediately.
> While painting, if you feel dizzy or nauseous, leave work area and get fresh air. If discomfort persists, seek medical help.
> If solvent paint gets on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water.
> If solvent paint gets in your eyes, flush eyes with cold water for 15 minutes and obtain medical treatment.
Storing Paint Properly
> Follow label instructions for storing.
> Before storing, make sure containers are tightly sealed.
> Do not store near heat sources such as furnaces and space heaters.
> If you have a very small amount of solvent left, dispose of it properly; don't store it.
> Keep paint products out of reach of children.
> Do not store or re-use empty containers.
Store & Dispose of Paint Safely
Now that your paint project is over, you're probably wondering what to do with all that leftover paint. Well, the obvious choice is to save it for touchups later. You could also donate it to local non-profit agencies, community groups or churches. But if you just want to get rid of it, you should do so in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Difference Between Oil-based and Water-based Paint
Knowing what type of paint you have is important before disposing of it. The label on a paint can should indicate whether it contains oil-based (solvent-based) or water-based (acrylic or latex) paint. If the label has been damaged, read the cleanup directions. If the directions instruct you to use turpentine or mineral spirits to clean brushes or rollers, the paint is oil-based. If you're still unsure, try mixing the paint with water. Water-based paint easily mixes with water and becomes thinner. Oil-based paint separates from water.
Storing Leftover Paint
When you are ready to store paint: > Clean any dried or moist paint from the threads of the can and lid.
> Cover the opening of the can with plastic wrap or wax paper for oil-based paints. The wrap seals the can and makes it easier to remove the film that forms after it has been sitting around for a while.
> Fit the lid securely on the can and gently tap it with a hammer until it is completely sealed.
> Turn the paint can upside down. The paint will naturally form a skin to help seal the paint and keep it fresh.
> Paint is flammable. So store in a climate-controlled area away from heat sources. Cans exposed to extreme heat can expand causing the paint to leak. Also, keep water-based paint from freezing. Water-based paint can survive a couple of freeze-thaws, but the paint will degrade until it is ruined.
Disposing Of Water-Based Paint
Liquid paint should not be taken to a landfill or poured down a sink. Use the following method when disposing of water-based paints: > Fill a paper bag or box with kitty litter, sand, or saw dust.
> Pour the remaining paint over the absorbent material.
> Allow to dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from children, pets, and direct heat.
> Dispose of the solid in the regular trash.
> For paint residue in the can, remove the lid and allow to dry completely. Remove the skin and dispose of it in the regular trash. Leave the label on the can and recycle if a program is available in your area.
Disposing of Oil-based Paint and Solvents
Oil-based paint and solvents, including mineral spirits, are considered hazardous waste materials. Special precautions and steps must be taken for proper disposal. Never dispose of liquid oil-based paint or solvents in the regular trash or pour them down the sink. Some communities have special hazardous waste collection programs for liquid paint. Check your local regulations to ensure proper handling. You can also visit www.paint.org for more information. |
