When you're working on a home project that requires tools or machinery, always wear sturdy shoes with slip-proof soles. Roll up your sleeves and tie back your hair to keep it out of the way as you work. So that you're not juggling a thousand things, carry your hand tools in a tool belt, and keep nails and screws in a canvas nail apron. Above all, use the appropriate safety equipment:
- Wear heavy work gloves when you're doing anything that could smash or scrape your fingers. Use rubber gloves when handling toxic materials. Don't wear gloves when cutting or drilling; the tool could slip out of your hands and injure you.
- Whenever you do grinding, filing, chiseling, or any other work that involves dust or flying chips, wear safety goggles (or even a full face shield) to protect your eyes.
- Wear a dust mask when sanding or doing other work that might stir up particles that could irritate your respiratory system. The most effective masks are marked “NIOSH-approved” approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. They are generally thicker than cheaper masks and have straps for a tighter seal.
- If you're going to be subjected to harmful vapors or fibers (such as those from insulation), wear a respirator. The best models come with interchangeable, color-coded cartridges to filter out the harmful effects of toxic dust and fumes from specific materials, such as paints and adhesives.
- If you'll be kneeling a lot, wear protective kneepads or kneel on a folded blanket or thick layers of newspaper.
- When you use a loud power tool or otherwise make a lot of noise, protect your ears with foam earplugs or earmuff-style ear protectors.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case a small blaze breaks out.
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Always follow safety precautions.
