Home Safety

The Handyguys Discuss DIY Home Safety Tips

Much of the safety information discussed here is courtesy of www.homesafetycouncil.org. The Handyguys use this as the basis for discussion. Listen to the podcast for our thoughts on these safety items.

Non-Skid Treads from Handi-RampThis show was made possible by the support of Handi-Ramp, manufacturers of the unique, dimpled aluminum non-skid treads. Don’t let slippery steps get you down. Do something before winter sets in.

Taking on home improvement projects can be fun and appealing. However, being handy around the home could lead to serious injury if you don’t take appropriate safety precautions. The State of Home Safety in AmericaTM report (2002) found that emergency departments reported more than 330,000 visits due to injuries with home workshop equipment in a single year.

Safety practices will shield you and your loved ones from injuries related to home improvement projects:

First Aid Keep a stocked First Aid Kit in every location that an injury may occur. First aid may make the difference between a quick recovery and permanent injury.
Emergency Numbers by Phone Post emergency numbers, including the national Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) by each phone.
Fire Extinguisher If you decide to install a fire extinguisher in your workshop, contact your fire department to learn how to select the proper type of extinguisher and when to use it.
Childrens Reach Safety Keep hazardous materials out of children’s reach.
Follow Instructions When working with any product, check warnings and content labels to identify hazards.
Read Labels Follow manufacturer’s instructions and heed warning labels.
Motor Fuel Only Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. Gasoline must never be used indoors, because its flammable vapors can be ignited by even a tiny spark. Store gasoline in an outdoor shed or garage, out of children’s reach, in a vented container approved for gasoline storage.
Fire Use caution with other flammable and combustible products. Properly dispose of oily rags after use and hang them outside to dry.
Safety Glasses Falling and flying objects, especially when working in tight spaces, can pose a hazard to your head, face and eyes. Consider wearing hard hats, safety vests, protective eye wear and ear plugs while working. If you allow someone to watch you work, make sure they wear protective gear too.
Eye Armor Wear chemical safety glasses when using hazardous solvents and cleaning products.
Eye Armor with Power tools Wear safety glasses with side shields when using power tools.
Designate your work area as a kid free zone to keep young children out of harm’s way and out of the reach of tools and equipment.
Carhartt 7.5-ounce work pants Do not wear any loose or dangling clothing or jewelry that could become caught in moving parts. Check out our sharp dressed Handyguy episode.
Organized Keep your work area clean and free from clutter.
label Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and warnings on tools, power equipment and building materials.
UL Use heavy duty extension cords for tools such as trimmers and edgers listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for outdoor use.
Saw Keep power equipment in good condition. Repair or replace damaged tools. Unplug the power cord before you do any trouble-shooting on a tool that is jammed or won’t start, and never walk away from a plugged-in-power tool — even for a few minutes.
Ladder Safety Follow basic ladder safety rules whenever climbing.

Stay tuned – Next week we will have our Stocking Stuffer episode. We will discuss a unique collection of inexpensive gift ideas for DIYers.

2 thoughts on “Home Safety

  1. A couple of other things:
    – Keep the shop / area clean – reduces trip hazards
    – Unplug all cords when you leave the area, even for a few minutes. Helps protect kids.

  2. Thanks Troy – Good tips for the list. My shop often has extension cords and air hoses laying around. Also, I only unplug my stationary power equipment when we have guests with little ones that may wander into the shop. I think we mentioned these things in the podcast itself. Make sure you give it a listen and subscribe if you haven’t already. Thanks again.

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