Time and again, you may take up the task of keeping your home well-maintained. If you want to mow the lawn, trim trees and hedges, repair sink tubs, or re-paint your walls, you don’t have to look for a handyman. Doing it yourself may save you time and money.
However, some of the necessary maintenance tools can pose a significant risk to you and the people around you. Therefore, essential precautionary measures must be put in place.
One thing you must do is get the right safety gear and equipment before starting your work. Different DIY home maintenance activities will require different safety gear and equipment.
Here is an all-inclusive guide on how to choose the right safety equipment for the work.
Research the Right PPE
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial during home upkeep. Whether they be high end safety glasses, aprons, helmets, earmuffs or protective gloves, having the appropriate personal protective equipment can save you from the dangers involved.
Finding the appropriate safety gear is the place to start. This requires taking time to research the specific gears and how they work, and what brands can be trusted to be high quality.
For example, when you live in the countryside, or near the mountains, your home could be surrounded by bushes or trees of different kinds. Branches may overgrow and cause damage to your house or nearby homes.
There is a need to trim and prune them regularly. When cutting, chainsaws, or trimmers are the most appropriate tools to use. Extra care is required when handling them. One wrong move and you lose your fingers or worse.
When using a chain saw for either bucking, de-limbing, or felling back trees, wearing chainsaw apron chaps come in handy to protect you from injuries especially if you momentarily lose concentration.
It’s essential to choose an apron that offers maximum protection. Find as many details as possible about the fabric it’s made of. You may research online and read different chainsaw chaps reviews before you can decide on the ideal one. A chainsaw apron should meet the standard requirements.
When trimming trees, you also expose your eyes to wood particles, dust, pine needles, and insects. Putting on goggles protects your eyes from such elements.
Falling is also a risk when climbing. Putting on shoes with slip-resistant soles, wearing well-fitting boots, or well-capped work boots is vital. It’s best to stay away from open-toed sandals. You may consider using an aerial lift to get to the tall branches.
A suitable helmet also comes in handy to protect your head when cutting aerial branches. Consider headwear safety glasses for the eyes to keep you safe from branches snapping back in your face and from UV rays.
Researching the safety equipment you need before a purchase is of paramount importance. This will let you make informed decisions.
Consider the Type of Work
Home maintenance work involves doing odd jobs, including cleaning gutters, trimming trees, pruning flowers, painting siding, plumbing, and more.
Choosing the right protective gear for each task is vital. This helps protect your body, head, eyes, and other areas from dangerous elements.
When fixing the sink, for instance, putting on hand gloves helps get a better grip on the equipment you are handling. This protects you from blistering, fingernail damage, and also it prevents bacteria from infecting any cuts on your skin.
When cleaning the roofing or the gutters, the facemask protects your nose and stops you from breathing in debris. Therefore, you need to consider the type of task you’ll be doing before choosing the safety equipment.
Pay Attention to the Weather
When working outdoors, the weather condition must be favorable. If the weather is windy, wet, or icy, it may be for your best interest to cancel any job that requires aerial access or climbing.
However, if you cannot cancel the project, consider picking safety equipment that would protect you from different weather elements. Be extra cautious as the tree may be slippery.
If you are using a ladder to climb, tie it on a secure branch. For very high climbs, use a fall protection harness, an aerial lift, or a climbing rope, such as those found from lineman climbing gear Everett.
If you trim trees when the weather is windy, you endanger your neighbors’ lives and property because you may cut a branch, and it gets carried away by the wind. It might land on a human being or a building, causing irreparable damage. So, avoid it or find a way to keep neighbors, passersby, pets, or children away from the spot.
Electricity and Power Lines Proximity
When trying to fix home electrical fixtures, you must be careful and be well-equipped with the necessary safety measures. To be on the safe side, always switch off the power when handling such.
Some devices may have capacitors that can result in shock if not careful. Keeping a flashlight handy is vital when attempting to do an electrical repair. It will light the area when you switch off the power. Many brands like Klarus, FlashlightWorld, and Fenix offer consumers tactical flashlights with high output brightness that is durable and affordable at the same time.
Also, wear rubber-soled shoes, or stand on dry floors to avoid electrocution. Never attempt any electrical repair if you’re unsure about how to go about it. Get a professional to help.
When working outdoors, for example, when trimming trees near power lines, don’t use conductive tools adjacent to power lines. This includes pole trimmers, ladders, or other tools that conduct electricity. If they come into contact with high power lines or other electrical conductors, they can be dangerous. To stay safe, assume all power lines are powered until you verify they are not.
If power lines are too close, find a way to avoid them. Alternatively, contact the energy company to insulate the wires with blankets or hoses before moving on with your work. You risk electrocution if too close to them.
Key Takeaway
Having the right protective gear for home maintenance work is crucial. Following these steps will help you choose the right safety gear to stay safe from the dangers involved.
