RedGage

One of the things that scare many homeowners away from doing their own repairs and renovations is the fear of causing accidents, which could lead to serious injury. In the US, an estimated 20,000 people a year suffer from DIY injuries caused by repair accidents. That’s a scary statistic, and that’s why there a number of products that will help you do the job not only safer, but easier as well - DIY (do it yourself) safety products and procedures are a prime concern. Let’s look at a few ways working with DIY safety tools can work to your benefit:

Nail Bags

It’s amazing how many home handymen don’t have something as simple, and accident preventing, as the common nail bag. These devices slip easily onto your belt, keep tools on your hip, and nails in the storage pouches. The alternative is having tools sprawled about on the floor, along with whatever nails are needed to do the job. See the danger here? Tools can be tripped over, nails – well, who knows what they can do if a few get left behind after the job is completed. Excuse us, but is this not the proverbial accident waiting to happen?... You bet it is!

Panel Lifter

What’s one of the hardest parts of working with plasterboard sheets? That would be lifting and positioning plasterboard onto walls or ceilings. The boards are heavy, the positioning is difficult and awkward, and there’s a great likelihood that that the plasterboard could tip or fall, causing injury The panel lifter has a hoist and tilting action, can handle up to 68kgs and, up to 4.8m x 1.2m panels. The panel lifter not only does the work, so you don’t have to, but does it in a much, much safer way. Always a good thing!

Panel Cart

One of the most accident fraught procedures when working with plasterboard, is moving the board from one location to another. The plasterboard can slip, which in turn can cause foot and leg injuries, plus place severe stress on the lower back and arms. The panel cart eliminates this potential hazard. It rolls easily, can handle up to 20 sheets, and is very maneuverable. It can also handle up to 800kgs. For any home handyman who is interested in doing some serious remodeling, the panel cart is a very wise investment.

Trestles

When you’re working with plasterboard, vinyl, or lumber, the key element is strength and support. Anything less, and the danger of tipping or collapsing increases greatly. Trestles generally come fully welded for extra strength, and can carry up to 250kg of material. They are sturdy, set up easily, and available in multiple sizes to fit every job need. 

DIY home repair safety depends entirely on you

All the safety products in the world can’t prevent injury if you take a cavalier attitude towards your project. Some simple procedures can help you complete the job not only safely, but easily as well. What can you do?

• Organize the project area… Make sure you have all the necessary tools you’ll need, and that they’re safely positioned so you don’t stumble over them.
• Ear protection… Using loud power tools? Prolonged use can cause severe ear damage, even deafness.
• Eye protection… This goes without saying. Get a strong pair of impact resistant safety glasses.
• Dust Mask – It may look funny, but it’s important to protect yourself from the fume and particles that begin flying about when you’re sanding something.
• Be aware of your environment… In a work area many things can change that would put you at risk of injury. Exposed wires, unsecured fixtures, and dozens of other items can be altered by vibration, and materials movement. Keep on top of them!
• Use the right power cord… Check the thickness of your extension cord. It should be as large, or larger, than the cord of the power tool you’re using. Anything less and the cord could overheat, resulting in burns, or a fire.

Finally…

DIY repairs or remodeling can be a lot of fun. They can add value to your property, provide a more comfortable and attractive environment, and give you the satisfaction of looking at a job well done. And as you grow more proficient, you can tackle even bigger projects! However, none of this will happen unless you put safety first. If there’s something you’re not sure you can do by yourself, don’t do it! Get someone to do it for you, or someone you can work with. Be prepared! Be aware! Be safe!