Safety tips for your next DIY mission

Judging by the conversations taking place in our Kingsfold depot this month, it seems our customers have turned their attention to interiors. Now is the time to tackle any DIY projects on your to-do list before the family starts arranging to stay for Christmas.

But, before you dig out your toolbox and leap into action, it’s a good idea to consider the safety side of things. According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, over-ambition and lack of knowledge are two of the biggest factors in DIY incidents around the home. In fact, 200,000 people find themselves in A&E every year due to decorating mishaps. Luckily, accidents are easily avoidable if you take the necessary precautions.

Here at D. W. Nye, we’ve put together a checklist of things to think about before you begin:

Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes…

It’s important to select the right equipment for the job and that starts with the gear you put on. Different projects require different clothing. You wouldn’t wear your work suit at home, and your pyjamas to work. So why wear any old clothes when doing DIY? If you’re planning to work outside, padded work shirts are warm and durable enough to withstand the most rigorous tasks.

Heavy duty gloves are an essential piece of kit for any task, particularly when handling harsh chemicals, glass, or wood, to protect against skin reactions, cuts, or splinters. As temperatures drop, thermal gloves will keep your hands warm, while latex ones offer extra grip. Both are available for less than the price of a cup of coffee.

A good pair of boots is an absolute must-have even when working inside. When lifting heavy objects, or handling power tools, there’s always the risk of dropping something on your toes. To protect yourself, invest in a pair of steel toecap safety boots or wellingtons with slip resistant soles.

An unbelievable 41,000 people are injured while using a stepladder each year. But there are several things you can do to minimise the risk, such as wearing non-slip footwear and a hard hat to prevent head injuries.

Look out

Flying debris can cause blindness if your eyes aren’t protected, and wearing glasses or contact lenses isn’t a sufficient guard against injury. Safety goggles are a safer option – select a scratch and UV-resistant pair that can withstand high speed impacts. And remember to keep them on! Try to avoid removing your goggles to take a closer look at your work as particles can still be present in the air.

DIY is a great way to save money and feel the satisfaction of a job well done, however rushing into it without the right approach to safety could prove to be a costly mistake. We’re here six days a week to offer advice on how to stay safe.