Tag Archives: DIY

How safe is DIY?

 

If horror movies are to be believed, every encounter with a power tool is just moments away from turning into a terrifying bloodbath.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, anyone?

But just how dangerous is DIY, really? Are we likely to lose a limb or end up in hospital after trying to carry out a simple home improvement job?

As it turns out, DIY isn’t likely to be fatal. Around 70 people a year die in DIY-related accidents in the UK. This might sound scary, until you consider that nearly 2000 people a year die in car accidents, and that doesn’t stop you getting in your car. Your chances of ending up in a fatal accident trying to replace your toilet seat are very slim!

That said, your chances of being hospitalized in a DIY accident aren’t quite so tiny. Approximately 200,000 people every year are sent to hospital with DIY injuries, with the most common being the result of falls from ladders, and cuts and lacerations from knifes and other sharp blades.

However, you shouldn’t let this put you off. Most accidents are preventable and if you get clued up on proper DIY safety precautions it should all be plain sailing. DIY is empowering and creative, and definitely worth giving a go!

We’ve created this infographic to give you the full lowdown on DIY safety. We’ve  perused the available data and compiled all the statistics you’ll need to answer your burning questions:

  • How many DIY accidents are there in the UK every year?
  • Which tools and materials cause the highest number of DIY injuries?
  • What are the most common injuries during DIY?

We’ll also share our top tips for DIY safety and preventing injury!

If you’re looking for more guidance on DIY safety, take a look at these top tips (with a focus on hand and power tools):

  • Always wear appropriate protective clothing. Depending on the task, this could mean safety goggles, hard hats, dust masks, gloves, earplugs and even steel-capped boots.
  • Avoid loose-fitting clothing, which can get caught in blades and machinery.
  • Look after your tools and inspect their condition regularly.
  • Never carry power tools by the cord or yank the cord out of the wall.
  • Turn off all power before carrying out any electrical jobs.
  • Store tools safely away when they’re not in use.
  • Always unplug power tools when they’re not in use, or when you want to switch accessories such as blades.
  • Keep tools sharp, clean and well-maintained.
  • Make sure you’re working in a place where you have good footing and won’t trip over. If possible, try to stay on solid ground when using power tools.
  • Keep workspaces clean and tidy to reduce tripping hazards.
  • It sounds obvious, but make sure you read the instructions before you use power tools!
  • Take care with on/off switches when using power tools, particularly making sure you don’t accidentally turn it on when you don’t mean to.
  • Use clamps to secure your work pieces.
Ladder Safety

Be extra cautious when using ladders. Falls from ladders are the single biggest cause of injury when undertaking DIY work, with approximately 30,000 accidents per year that require hospital treatment. Take heed of these safety tips:

  • Use the right type and height of ladder for the task.
  • Place the ladder on a level, secure surface and make sure it’s resting against a solid wall.
  • Always check the condition of a ladder before use. If rungs, feet and stiles are bent , damaged, or missing, do not use the ladder.
  • Never over-reach when using a ladder or lean to one side as you could lose your balance and fall.
  • Use the 4:1 rule. That means for every four feet of ladder height, your ladder should be one foot away from the wall.
  • Don’t leave tools at the top of ladders – they could fall off and injure someone below.

FIVE SMART TIPS FOR REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN (GUEST POST)

 If you are looking to breathe a new lease of life into your kitchen then you would be wise to bear in mind the following tips. Each of them could not only save you money but also ensure that you end up with a kitchen that looks absolutely fantastic.

1.       Leave it to the professionals. I really can’t stress this point enough. Renovating a kitchen is a very skilled job. It takes years of training to be able to do it properly. There are plenty of people out there that try to jump in and do it themselves thinking that it will save them a bit of money. It won’t. In fact, most people find that they cause enough problems in their kitchen that it ends up costing them more money in the long run! This is why it is suggested that you take the time to find a good company that provides Phoenix Home Remodeling. It honestly will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. You are also going to end up with something that looks a LOT better.

2.       You should try to change the layout of your kitchen as little as possible. This is especially important when it comes to changing the position of major appliances. You may think that it is no big deal moving the sink a little bit closer to the oven. However, when you realize just how much it is going to cost you to plumb the sink into the new location you will quickly realize that yes, this is a big deal!

3.       You should never undertake a kitchen renovation project without ensuring that you have absolutely everything that you need to hand. There are so many people out there that are so keen to get started on their renovation that they don’t care that a major component has yet to arrive. However, these people certainly will not be laughing when they realize that they need to remove something that took them ever so long to put in place just because they need to fit something else in there. This is going to be a waste of time and money.

4.       You don’t actually need to spend a fortune to change the look of your room. In fact, you can do it relatively cheaply. For example, you don’t need to change your units unless they are very old. Instead you can look into a company that specializes in cabinet refacing in Phoenix. This is a service that will change the doors of your units. It is considerably cheaper.

5.       Think about why you are renovating the kitchen. For example, if you are looking to increase the value of the property then you will wish to renovate based on the latest trends as opposed to your own personal taste. This will give you a much better chance of increasing the value and an even greater chance of actually making a sale. If you do not intend to sell within the next few years then you can design it however you please.

Sent to us by TWD Drywall

Author Bio: Brittney is a professional writer, writes for TWDAZ, a http://www.twdaz.com/bathroom-remodel-phoenix.php bathroom renovation, a kitchen renovation company in Phoenix area.

Note:  If  you are thinking of a DIY kitchen project, be sure that you have all the personal protective equipment you need to be safe.  You surely will want some goggles or wrap-around safety glasses to keep particles from getting into your eyes, as well as gloves to protect your hands. pb

 

 

TEN THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN DOING AMATEUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (GUEST POST)

The nature of construction means there’s constantly the potential for disaster. Heavy objects, sharp ends, powerful machines and more don’t mix well with soft human bodies.

Even when I work with experienced teams or am just doing a little job around the house on my own, I still occasionally come across dangerous situations and close calls. These instances are even more common in the world of amateur construction, where people without professional training often find themselves at odds with the tools and materials they’re working with.

There are plenty of reasons to consider amateur construction. It can save you money, especially on smaller-scale work. It gives people a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and lets them express their creative side exactly as they envision with their own hands. But such projects cause disasters every day. Mishaps can cause expensive damage to structures and severe injury to the builder. If you’re considering a DIY construction project, be sure to use extra caution and be on the lookout for these common mistakes:

1. Dehydration and Overexertion

Often it’s not a wild swing of a hammer or improper use of a table saw that causes mistakes, but physical fatigue and breakdown. Unless you’re a very active person on a regular basis, your body may not be prepared for the rigor or heavy construction work. Exhaustion and dehydration make people clumsy and cause them to make bad decisions. Only work when you’re rested and hydrated, and be sure to make time in your efforts for breaks and refreshment.

2. Disorganization

A poorly organized work space is the bane of construction workers everywhere. It decreases efficiency and makes the entire job take longer to complete. More importantly, though, it creates hazards. It’s difficult to be safe and effective if you’re navigating through a mess of lumber and machinery. Always make a point to keep your work place as neat as possible; the investment of time will pay itself off.

3. Working Alone

Doing anything strenuous on your own is rarely a good idea. If something happens, like a sudden injury, it can be tough to take care of yourself. Avoid doing heavy construction work without someone who knows where you are and what you’re doing in case an emergency arises.

4. Improper Safety Gear

It’s amazing how many do-it-yourselfers try to tackle a project without even the most basic of safety equipment. You don’t need a HAZMAT suit to stay protected in most situations. Even just investing in some good work gloves and decent safety eye wear will prevent an astonishing amount of injuries.

5. Electrocution

When many people undertake large construction projects, they often overlook the difficulty and danger of working with and around established electrical systems. Improperly fiddling with the wiring in your walls and appliances can cause a deadly shock. Always be sure you know how to correctly handle electrical installation or removal before starting any projects that will require it.

6. Hazardous Materials

Some construction work might involve the use of hazardous chemicals that people aren’t used to handling. This could include something as simple as gasoline, or something a little more complex like an industrial cleaner. Always be wary of any dangers related to flammability, toxic fumes, and chemical reactions due to exposure.

7. Unwelcome Visitors

Even in a relatively safe work site, it’s easy for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing to hurt themselves or someone else. I see this commonly in homes with children and pets where boundaries aren’t properly established. Be sure to make clear to any kids present that the construction area is dangerous, and take care to zone the area off from a curious dog or cat.

8. Excess Stress on the Body

A lot of construction work is physically taxing. There’s a high amount of pressure put on sensitive body parts repeatedly. Your shoulders, wrists, knees, and back are especially at risk. To reduce the danger, follow best practices for lifting and moving heavy objects and using tools.

9. Working from a Height

Some of the nastiest construction-related injuries I’ve witnessed were due to someone getting careless and falling from a roof or ladder. Always take extra caution when working from a position where a fall could happen, even if you’re just a few feet off the ground. Learn ladder and harness safety as necessary to prevent a fall.

10. Incomplete Tool Knowledge

As tempting as it may be to skip, you should always read the manual for any tool more complex than a hammer or screwdriver. Always know the ins and outs of all your power tools, from power drills to nail guns, so you’re never taken by surprise.

Doing a personal construction project is rewarding both personally and financially, but only if you avoid causing any damage to yourself or the area around you. Always be sure to follow all general safety precautions before getting started. Happy building!

Author Profile:

Author Profile: Home-shield Mike Thomas is a private contractor and writer for HomeWarrantyDeals.com.  He enjoys DIY projects, college football and is also deeply passionate about restoring antique homes.

TIPS FOR DIY’ERS

“Do It Yourself” projects became popular in the 1950’s, when people decided to make repairs or home improvements without paying professionals to do the job.  Fifty-plus years later, there are many home improvement businesses that sell materials and tools for these projects, and even offer classes to “weekend warriors”.  Television launched the idea with “This Old House” with Bob Vila in 1979.  Today, there are so many Do It Yourself programs on television, that it all looks very easy!

Ambitious persons who tackle these jobs are to be admired.  They have a lot of determination and are willing to do the work involved, and take pride in their accomplishments.  These people are also aware that safety plays a big part in a successful project.

While planning the project itself, the safety aspect should be kept in mind as well.  Things to consider are:

  • Wearing the right types of safety gear for the job involved:
  • Respirators
  • Earplugs/earmuffs
  • Coveralls
  • Gloves
  • Shoe Covers
  • Kneepads
  • Never wearing jewelry or loose clothes when operating power tools

If the project is a large undertaking, you should be able to leave it for a while and return when you are rested.  Spare time jobs don’t turn out as well if you are tired from your regular job, so pace yourself.