DIY: 4 Tips to Stay Safe

If you’re a fan of DIY, you will know that it can come with risks. When you’re using tools, doing heavy lifting and dealing with electrics, there are hundreds of potential risks. Even wearing earplugs for DIY can cause issues. It’s important to know how to stay safe and when not to do it yourself, too: whilst you might want to save money and put your skills to the test – your own health and wellbeing is the most important thing. So, how can you stay safe when doing it yourself? 

1. Read the instructions

When you’re using new tools, it’s important to make sure that you read the instructions and understand how to use them properly. Many DIY accidents occur when people are overconfident and think they know how tools work without testing them first. This is especially important when using drills or anything that uses a power source. If you read the instructions and still aren’t sure, there are plenty of online tools that can help, including guides, tutorials and videos. You can also ask a member of staff at a hardware store for guidance.  

2. Wear the right gear

All DIY fans need to make sure they have the right gear. This includes goggles, gloves and proper shoes. Never do work around the house with bare feet: you could tread on a nail or drop something on your foot, leading to a severe injury. It’s also important to make sure you have comfortable, loose DIY clothing that won’t get caught on anything. Overalls are a popular choice because they allow you the freedom to move around comfortably. Whatever you pick, make sure you don’t mind your clothes getting dirty. 

3. Get a buddy

Whilst a lot of people like DIY because it can be a great way to have some time to yourself, it’s important to understand that it can be dangerous to do certain tasks alone. So, it might be a good idea to get a DIY buddy. This person can keep an eye on you and help with any tasks that might require a few extra hands. It’s always useful to have someone to hold the ladder, pass the tools or keep items in place – whether that’s a friend, partner or little helper. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that someone is always in the house when you’re working – even if they don’t help. This means that, if anything were to happen, someone will be able to take you to the emergency room. 

4. Know when to stop

When you get really into a project, it can be difficult to know when to stop. You might be tempted to get up early, work through the day and into the night. But it’s important to acknowledge when you’re tired and your body has had enough. It’s not safe to work for long periods of time without taking adequate breaks. Your brain and body will be tired, and this could lead to accidents or injuries.