Here are two safety tips to follow when doing DIY renovation work.
Ask a contractor for their recommendations regarding safety equipment
Safety equipment is essential when doing renovations (particularly when you're doing the work yourself and are, therefore, more likely to make the type of risky errors that a contractor would not). However, before you go on a safety equipment shopping spree, you should seek out some recommendations from a reputable contractor.
After you describe the type of renovations you'll be doing, they can advise you on the safety equipment that you will need as well as what safety items would be unnecessary. For example, if you tell them that you'll be replacing some of the joists or other structural components in a damaged upper floor of your property, they may advise you to buy a hard hat, in case this damaged upper floor gives way whilst you're on the level below it. This can protect you from head injuries if this incident happens.
Likewise, if you tell them you'll be renting a circular saw to cut timber for some new shelves, they might tell you to buy ear protection, as well as protective gloves that will minimise the depth of any cuts you get whilst using it.
In contrast, if you tell them you'll only be using manual tools, the contractor might tell you to opt for a cheap-and-cheerful pair of ear protectors, rather than a very high-quality pair, as these tools won't produce noises that are likely to damage your hearing and so you'll only need to wear ear protectors as a precaution; taking this advice could cut down on the cost of your safety equipment.
Keep an eye on your safety equipment's condition throughout your project
You'll also need to keep an eye on your safety equipment throughout your project. For example, if the contractor you consulted advised you to buy goggles to wear whilst tearing down plastered walls, you'll need to regularly check that the goggles' lenses are not scratched or that the arms or band that secure them to your head is not cracked or threadbare (damage like this might happen if someone steps on the goggles or if you leave them near sharp tools).
Examining the safety equipment periodically will mean that you won't realise it's damaged after you've already started using it and are in a vulnerable position, and can instead replace it before you do the work that requires this equipment. For example, if you can see that you've damaged the band on your safety goggles, noting this before you put them on will ensure that they don't slip off your head whilst you're removing plaster and result in you getting hit in the eye by a plaster chunk.
For more information on safety equipment, contact a company near you.
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