8 Health & Safety Factors to Remember When Undertaking DIY Work
Given the pressure tradespeople have been under and, of course, our DIY nature, it’s only natural to want to take care of as many renovation jobs around the house as possible.
As long as you’re aware of all building consent requirements and restrictions around tradespeople-only tasks, there’s no reason why you can’t whip out your tool belt and get to work.
However, before you do, let’s take a moment to review your health and safety measures. Do you have any? Don’t plug in the power tools before considering this crucial information below.
Wear Protective Clothing
Whether you’re cutting through timber or sanding plasterboard, don’t forget to wear the most appropriate safety equipment for the job. Gloves, goggles, masks, ear protection, and even helmets can all be necessary for particular tasks.
Always wear a mask when cutting or sanding plasterboard, and don’t forget your eye protection while using saws, drills, and other power tools. Gloves are a must-have in your tool kit, as they can protect your hands from injuries that may later become infected.
As tempting as it can be to get stuck in without doing any pre-planning, having this personal protective equipment should be at the forefront of your mind. This is especially true if you plan on undertaking any asbestos removal tasks.
Take Care Around Electrical Equipment
If you were to walk into any home in Aotearoa, you’d find at least one electrical appliance. Even most entry-level homes have a toaster.
When you notice that electrical equipment or an appliance is not working as it should, do one of two things: request help from a licensed electrical worker or replace the appliance.
Even if you know your way around the inner workings of a heater, having the experts take the lead can protect you and your household from danger. If you are going to be carrying out any DIY work around electrical equipment, it may also be a good idea to turn it off and unplug it before you start work.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
When you are so busy focusing on the task at hand, it can be easy to forget about what’s happening around you. However, your surroundings could be a hazard.
Pay careful attention to who is in the building while you’re working your DIY magic and where they are when you’re undertaking potentially dangerous work. The more awareness you have, the safer you and your home’s occupants can be.
The same rule applies if you are working at height or near powerlines. If you are uncomfortable or not confident carrying out a task, call in the experts to lend a helping hand.
Make a Plan of Attack
Before you start any job, large or small, make a plan. Know what materials and tools you need to have on hand, and make sure you do your homework so you know how to use them properly.
Even take care with any chemicals you will be using, and ensure you understand best use practices. Given the need for safe storage and use, it may also help to consider where you will put any chemicals like paint thinners when you are finished using them. The more planning you do, the better off you can be.
Be Aware of Safety Regulations
Not every job you feel competent doing at home is one you’re allowed to do. For example, friable asbestos removal should only be tackled by licensed asbestos removalists with a Class A license. If you have more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos, you also need a Class B license.
Never attempt to undertake any work, such as asbestos removal, new plumbing installations, and electrical work, without a licensed and authorised professional.
Know Where to Dispose of Waste
Whether you’re working with asbestos waste or another type of waste, it’s crucial to have a plan for disposal once you’ve carried out the job. Not all dumping facilities will accept all materials, which means pre-planning may be required to ensure you have somewhere safe to take your waste.
It may be in your best interests to do this before you get started so that it’s quick and easy to transfer the waste from your home to the dumping site.
Identify and Minimise Potential Interruptions
Any DIY and trade company work can cause interruptions to your daily life. While there may not be any way around it, you can at least be aware of the disruption before work commences to make alternative arrangements.
For example, if bathroom renovations are taking place, hiring a toilet and shower unit may be how you keep disruptions to a minimum. Regarding asbestos removal, it can be worth making arrangements to stay elsewhere while removal is taking place to keep your daily life to a schedule as much as possible.
Leave the High-Risk Tasks to the Experts
There is a lot to think about when carrying out DIY tasks, like using the correct personal protective equipment and ensuring you’re working within regulations. With many tasks, such as asbestos material removal, it can often be in your best interests to leave them to the experts, particularly when so many health and safety measures must be followed.
If you leave such jobs in the capable hands of industry professionals like Chemcare, you can sit back, relax, and watch someone else do all the hard work for you.