The home can be a highly dangerous area so every diy'er needs to take some precaution and, more importantly, use common sense. The following are some basic principles for the do it yourself person.
DIY do's
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Always keep safely in mind before you do any diy activity,
use caution, care, and good judgement - if in doubt, don't !
•
Always read the labels on cans containing paints, solvents,
and other products; AND always follow the guidelines and any
other warnings.
•
Always read the manufacturer's instructions (especially the
warnings) before using any tool, especially power tools with
cutting blades/bits.
•
Always pay deliberate attention to how a tool works, if you
understand it's operation, you are less likely to cause injury.
•
Always know and accept the limitations of your tools - use
the appropriate tool for the task. Do not try to use a tool
for anything it is not designed to do.
•
Always remove the key from any drill chuck (hand or stand
mounted) after you have removed/fitted a drill bit. Do not leave
the key in the chuck even when the drill is switched off.
•
Always wear the appropriate protection for the job in hand.
This may involve gloves, facemasks (to filter dust etc.) and/or
eye protection.
•
Always keep your body (especially hands) away from the business
ends of power tools using blades, cutters, and bits.
•
Always make sure that any tool adjustment is secured before
using the tool - it is always better to double check an adjustment
- e.g., always check the fence on a saw bench - this will avoid
possible injury and scraped material.
•
Always be sure that the electrical supply is safe before using
it; do not overload any circuit. Make sure all power tools,
extension cables and electrical outlets are serviceable and
undamaged. Do not use power tools in wet conditions.
•
Always check for possible cables/pipework before drilling
or cutting 'blind' into any wall or other surface. Take care
when you cannot see the reverse side of what you are drilling
or cutting.
•
Always use special care when using a saw bench; older benches
may not have the latest safest features (blade guard, safety
cut-out etc.). Avoid sawing short pieces if you can, as these
can be hard to keep a firm grip of.
•
Always clamp small workpieces firmly to a bench or other work
surface when using a power tool on them.
•
Always remember that things can go wrong very quickly and
the body's reaction will not always be quick enough.
•
Always use both hands where a tool is designed to be used
two handed.
•
Always ensure that the work area is adequately lit.
•
Always check your local building regulations before carrying
out any new construction or major remodelling. The regulations
are intended to avoid safety hazards and should be observed
- they should not be considered obstructions to be circumvented.
•
Always check ladders and steps before use, make sure the rungs
and sides are undamaged.
•
Always check the security of a ladder or set of steps before
you start to climb.
•
Always be aware and alert!
DIY don'ts
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Never wear loose clothing, hanging hair or jewellery when
using power tools.
•
Never try to use a tool (especially a power tool) for any
task it was not designed to do.
•
Never work with power tools when you are under the influence
of alcohol or drugs or are tired. If in doubt - don't. Any of
these factors can impair judgement of your ability, your physical
state and general safety aspects - if always better to delay
a job than risk serious injury.
•
Never use a power tool which is damaged in any way (case,
switch or cable etc.). If it starts to make an odd noise or
emit smells - stop and investigate.
•
Never cut small, loose pieces of wood, metal or other material
using a power tool - small off-cuts which you cannot hold or
secure, will tend to fly off with potential for injury.
•
Never change a drill bit, router cutter or saw blade or make
any adjustment to a 'cutting' power tool - until the power cable
has been unplugged. Do not rely only upon the switch on the
tool or outlet.
•
Never use power tools is you are at risk of overbalancing,
reposition any ladder, scaffold etc. to make the job comfortable.
•
Never work with blunt tools (saws, drill bits, cutters etc.).
Sharpen the tools yourself, have them sharpened, or throw them
away and use a new tool.
•
Never use a power tool on a workpiece which is not firmly
secured.
•
Never drill or cut 'blind' into a surface before checking
the possible location of electrical cables or pipework.
•
Never saw a large workpiece unless it is well supported both
sides of the cut or there is someone else to support the off-cut.
•
Never saw a workpiece supported on any part of your body (or
anyone else's body !).
•
Never carry sharp tools in your pocket. If you want to carry
such tools, use a special-purpose tool belt.
•
Never relay on your weight to stabilise a ladder or mobile
steps, if necessary get someone to stand at the bottom or use
stabilisers.
•
Never overreach when working on a ladder or steps, always
re-position the ladder/steps.
