This article has been written to raise awareness about mesothelioma.
Home renovation shows and tutorials available online have made
finding inspiration for all of your renovation needs easier than ever. Before
jumping into these projects on your own, it’s important to be conscious of the
unexpected dangers of DIY that could affect your safety and health. If you’re
thinking about starting a project, here are some safety tips that can help keep
you protected as well as reduce the costs of giving your space the upgrade it
needs.
Have The Right Gear
Before starting your DIY project, it’s important to realize that
different projects will require necessary protective gear forsafety.
During the renovation process, it’s likely that you will be working with a
variety of construction materials. Protective gear like safety gloves will help
you avoid skin irritation, splits, and cuts, but most importantly keep your
eyes out of harms way. If you’re sanding, plastering, or working with paint
fumes, make sure you have masks and eyewear that will properly shield you. For
projects that require louder power tools, wear earplugs or noise-canceling
headphones to protect your hearing.
If you will be using power tools, be aware of additional
precautions. Power tools make renovating projects easier due to their
simplicity and efficiency but often propose higher risks of danger. Always be
aware of the tools proximity to your body. When you are finished with the tool,
turn the safety back on, unplug it and keep it out of reach of small children
and animals.
Finally, before starting your project make sure that your attire
is free of any possible loose strings or fabric that could get caught or
tangled in machinery. To avoid particle pollution in a space work in a properly
ventilated room. Taking these additional small precautions is an easy way of
protecting yourself.
Protect Your Furniture and Valuables
Home renovations can be messy and have the potential for leaving
behind a stain or two, having the proper
coverage is essential for protecting
your irreplaceable valuables. Before starting, invest in tarps and plastic
coverings that can be applied to cover furniture, flooring, carpets, and other
surfaces that you want to keep clean. If you’re working in the kitchen, cover
your countertops, eating utensils, and kitchen appliances to avoid any
contamination and ultimately protect your health. Covering your valuables might
seem like a tedious task, however, in the long run, this step will protect your
belongings from any possible DIY mishaps.
Identifying and Handling Harmful Substances
Depending on when your house was built, there could be harmful
and toxic substances located within the structure, paint, and finishings of
your home. For houses built before 1978, there is a high chance that lead-based
paint is located across the interior and exterior of a home. Toxic metals in
this paint can cause serious health problems if the paint chips or dust is
inhaled. Although lead is poisonous to everyone, it has a significant impact on
young children and pregnant women. To avoid the dangerous health risks associated with lead paint, seek out professionals for lead paint
testing or try an at home testing kit to identify any possible problems.
Testing for asbestos is crucial before beginning your home
renovation projects. Prior to 1980, asbestos was used in a variety of building
materials. Inhaling asbestos fibers that have been disturbed can cause
inflammation and tumors to develop in the lungs. Over time, this damage may
lead to a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.
These airborne fibers are extremely hazardous and homeowners should not attempt
to remove or disturb asbestos on their own. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), suggest having a licensed and certified asbestos abatement
professional inspect the home to determine if asbestos-containing materials are
present and what steps to take for a safe removal.
In addition to toxic substances like lead paint and asbestos,
beware of the threats caused by mold that thrive in damp locations like drywall,
basements, and bathrooms. Exposure to these types of substances could
ultimately be damaging to you and your loved one’s health. Seek out
professional removal services for assessments as well as the best procedure
before starting your renovation project.
Always Be Prepared
Despite taking protective measures, accidents are likely to
occur. At the start of your DIY project, make sure you have a first aid kit
ready for any small scrapes or cuts. If a serious injury was to occur, seek
care from a medical professional as soon as possible. Update the fire
extinguisher at your workstation in case of a possible electrical or chemical
fire. Finally, if you are unsure of the next steps for your DIY , seek out
professional help. Stay cautious, never start a project well tired, and remain
positive when tackling your renovation projects.
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