Staying Safe While Making Home Repairs

When it comes to home maintenance, flexing your DIY muscles gives you the chance to build confidence and learn valuable skills, providing that you get the job done safely and properly. While simple tasks like fixing a leaky faucet or repairing a broken step may seem fairly straightforward, unsafe practices can spell disaster. Before you haul out the tool box or step onto a ladder, review these safety tips from the experts at Handyman Connection of Boise.

Check Your First-Aid Kit

Accidents can occur anywhere in your home, so make sure that you keep a well-stocked first-aid kit close at hand. Your kit should include basic supplies like bandages and dressings, medicines for cuts and injuries and health equipment like latex gloves, instant ice bags, cotton swabs and tweezers.

Dress for Success

Protective clothing like safety goggles, gloves, hearing protection and sturdy work boots may not make a fashion statement, but they can help safeguard you against accidents. Tie back long hair, skip the jewelry and avoid wearing anything that can get caught on loose nails, dangling wires or power tools.

Get Schooled on Tools

If you’re new to home repairs, you may not have much experience using power tools, so take the time to read the owner’s manual before getting started. Pay special attention to any manufacturer warnings. Familiarize yourself with the tools by practicing your skills on some scrap lumber.

Organize the Work Area

It’s all too easy to dive into a home repair project only to realize later that you’re missing a piece of vital equipment. Organize everything you need beforehand so that you can complete the job uninterrupted. Make sure that your work area is well-lighted and that it gives you plenty of room to move.

Power Down for Safety

Most safety experts recommend leaving electrical work in the hands of qualified professionals. If you choose to tackle an electrical project on your own, always turn the power off first, and then use a circuit tester to verify that the circuit isn’t active. When using power tools outdoors, make sure that the electrical socket you use is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Ladder Logistics

Falls top the list of accidents at home, so take special care whenever using a ladder. When climbing the rungs, never carry tools into your belt or pockets that could injure you if you fall. Have a helper pass the tools to you and secure the ladder while you work. Never use a too-short ladder that forces you to perch precariously on the top steps.

Don’t Get Caught Up in Your Work

Concentrating on your tasks helps you complete DIY chores correctly and safely, but don’t become so focused that you lose track of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for pets or children that may wander into your work area. Make sure that power tools are switched off when not in use and that the area is cleared of any trip hazards.

Stay Safe with Handyman Connection of Boise

If safety concerns are keeping you from undertaking or finishing a DIY project, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Handyman Connection of Boise for assistance. Our experienced handymen are experts at home repairs, and we have the necessary tools on hand for virtually any job too. Whether it’s a simple task or a complex project, you can trust our skilled contractors to complete your home repair quickly and safely. Contact us today to request a free, no-obligation project estimate!