How To Safely Complete a DIY Project
Each year in the UK, around 200,000 people are sent to hospitals with DIY injuries, with the most common injuries being due to falls and cuts from sharp blades. Luckily, most accidents are preventable but if you are unfortunately injured during a DIY accident, you may be able to claim compensation.
Here are some ways that you can keep yourself safe while completing a DIY project at home.
PPE
No matter what DIY project you are planning to undertake, you need to ensure that you have the correct PPE. Generally, you should avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewellery as they may get caught in moving parts or power tools and result in an injury. Sturdy shoes should also be worn, especially if you are working at height, such as on a ladder.
Many projects such as sanding down walls or painting in an enclosed space will also require safety goggles or respirators. This is due to the risk of fumes and particles entering your airway and causing problems.
Read The Instructions
While this may seem obvious, you should be sure to read the instructions for any new tool or any equipment that you plan on using to avoid the risk of injury. There are plenty of tutorials online that will demonstrate how to use your tool safely.
Use The Right Tools
As a DIY-er, you may not have the wide array of tools that a professional or handyman may have. However, it is important to use the right tools for the job, which may mean investing in, or hiring, supplies from local hardware stores.
One of the main causes of DIY injuries is due to improper use of tools so make sure that you use the tool for its intended use – such as striking objects with a hammer rather than using the butt of a power tool.
Know Your Limits
While you may regard yourself as an avid DIY-er, some things are best left to the professionals. Projects such as plumbing or electrical work are two things that you should leave to trained professionals at risk of injuring yourself and even damaging your home.
You should avoid botching jobs like this as you may find yourself unable to sell your house in the future as the work will need to be professionally certified and inspected.
What If I Do Get Injured?
Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions, accidents and injuries can still happen. You should always keep a first aid kit to hand while doing DIY which can either be put together yourself or bought online. Your first aid kit should include a range of items including antiseptic, sterile wraps and bandages, sterile eye dressings and sticky tape.
If you do get injured, you can call the NHS 111 service, or in the case of an emergency head to your nearest A&E or call 999.
