“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.
It’s not a good idea to leave your home with your clothes dryer running. Leaving it on for a quick run to the store could result in tragedy. The U.S. Consumer Product Commission estimates that an annual 15,500 fires happen because of faulty clothes dryers. Eighty per cent of those fires are in residential settings.
Information that you should know regarding clothes dryers fires:
Reduced airflow and lint accumulation combine to be the major cause of dryer fires.
Lint should be removed from the dryer before or after each load of clothes.
Vent material should be made of metal, not vinyl or foil, which are combustible. Also, the spiral type of venting material collects lint, causing a build up.
Outside dryer vent should be checked while the dryer is operating to see if airflow is working properly.
When installing dryer, adequate space should be left between dryer and wall.
Use special care when clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals are being dried. Wash clothes twice if possible to reduce the amount of chemicals left in them.
A dryer that works harder to evacuate lint and moisture can trigger enough heat to cause overheating, which can set off a fire.
Never go to sleep with the dryer running.
If you are moving or building a new home, plan for the dryer to be near an outside wall.
This summer, everyone will be outside working in their yards. Young people mow lawns to earn a little spending money while out of school. But did you know that in 1990, of the 87,000 people injured by lawnmowers, 20,000 were under 25 and 10,000 of those were younger than 15 years old.
Many injuries can be avoided by taking the proper precautions:
>These products are readily available to you for your safety. Be prepared and be safe this summer.
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