DIY do's and don'ts

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

1. Always keep safely in mind before you do any diy activity, use caution, care, and good judgement - if in doubt, don't !

2. Always read the labels on cans containing paints, solvents, and other products; AND always follow the guidelines and any other warnings.

3. Always read the manufacturer's instructions (especially the warnings) before using any tool, especially power tools with cutting blades/bits.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Always wear the appropriate protection for the job in hand. This may involve gloves, facemasks (to filter dust etc.) and/or eye protection.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Always clamp small workpieces firmly to a bench or other work surface when using a power tool on them.

11. Always remember that things can go wrong very quickly and the body's reaction will not always be quick enough.

12. Always use both hands where a tool is designed to be used two handed.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Always be aware and alert!

DIY DON'TS

1. Never wear loose clothing, hanging hair or jewellery when using power tools.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Never use a power tool on a workpiece which is not firmly secured.

8. Never drill or cut 'blind' into a surface before checking the possible location of electrical cables or pipework.

9. 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 !).

10. Never carry sharp tools in your pocket. If you want to carry such tools, use a special-purpose tool belt.

11. Never relay on your weight to stabilise a ladder or mobile steps, if necessary get someone to stand at the bottom or use stabilisers.

12. Never overreach when working on a ladder or steps, always re-position ladder/steps.


Source: www.houseprofessionals.com