Occupational Health and Safety has become the bedrock of the building industry; similarly, if you consider yourself to be a DIY king or queen, the security and wellness of your family and visitors (especially those lending a hand) should be at the forefront of your mind. Before you walk around your abode or commercial building pondering what it may look like months from now, after the last lick of paint dries and furniture takes up residence, implement these safety measures to ensure nothing goes pear shaped and everybody goes home in one piece. DIY maven or not, you can never be too safe!
Eye on the Sky
The roof is a potentially hazardous renovation location on a good day; not only are you high up, but the tiles are rarely stable supports, particularly if you’ve never been up there – who knows what conditions you’ll meet? Standing on the top of the world has its perks, although, before you get caught up in the fantastic views, consider these three roof safety essentials: ladder safety, anchor points and personal protection equipment. Falls are a very real consequence of working at heights, as the right safety equipment (including PPE essentials like a harness, lanyard, and rope) can save you from taking the fast trip down, sans ladder and ending in broken limbs. Start your roof top journey by contacting a height safety business like www.safeatheightsqld.com.au to take you through the finer points of ladder safety, PPE Equipment and everything in between.
What’s in the Box?
Have you ever wondered where the streams of electricity come from, as they flow from power point to light socket? The circuit breaker box is the conduit of electricity, directing currents to your whitegoods, entertainment units and phone chargers; it’s the brain of the house, basically. When you’re DIY renovating, or even getting help, accept nothing less than the utmost care and attention around this live wire environment. Always ensure everything is clearly labelled (turning everything off is not a solution, as you’ll need electricity to power most tools) and the correct awareness of circuits and wire safety is disseminated among your unofficial work crew.
Let There Be Light!
Renovation brings on disorder, as things get moved, debris piles up and stray materials litter walk ways, prepared for the next day. Suitable lighting is essential to ensuring the safety of your family, particularly if you’re living on your own worksite. Assess the weaknesses of your current setup and consider investing in flood lamps and other portable solutions to avoid potentially painful or dangerous situations.
Chemical Containment
Power tools secured? Check. Circuit Box labelled? Yes. Paths cleared? Definitely. Well fitted PPE equipment? Always…Forgetting something? Chemical containment or management is often left until last, acted upon as an afterthought. Even if you don’t have curious little kids running around your ankles, chemicals are prone to react with each other, give off fumes and damage the environment. Minimise risk and harm by storing containers in a dry place, away from any pets or children; police all chemicals to make sure nothing is left out overnight.
Do you have anything to add to the safety conversation? Do you fancy yourself a DIY expert? Join the conversation below and share your home grown tips!