1. Goggles, gloves and masks are available for a reason! Whenever you are dealing with glass, solvent based paint and other potentially harmful or dangerous materials, make sure you wear the correct protective clothing. Spending a few extra pounds on safety equipment is better than spending a week in hospital!
2. Ventilation is important! When using ANY type of paint or varnish, chemical products (paint stripper, etc) or other potentially toxic materials, always ensure adequate ventilation.
3. The right tool for the job! Not everyone can afford to pay hundreds of pounds for a semi-professional drill, but simply making sure the tools you do have are suited to the job can save you from serious injury.
4. Storage! Store tools in a safe place, out of the way of children and pets. Secure them in a box or on a rack and do not let children play in areas where tools are stored unless they are supervised.
5. Cut the material, not yourself! Always cut away from yourself whenever possible. Wear gloves and use a straight-edge when scoring wood, etc. When sawing, keep your hand away from the blade as it cuts. Saw blades can stick and jump out of the cut, causing nasty wounds if you are not careful.
6. When fixing or checking electrical appliances or connections, always switch off the power and remove the fuse or circuit breaker (MCB). If you're fixing an electrical appliance, switch off the appliance at the socket and pull out the plug. Always try to wear rubber-soled shoes when working on electrics.
7. Fire! Always keep a chemical fire extinguisher in the house (even if you are not planning DIY). You should NEVER use water to put out a fire in an electrical appliance, so a chemical extinguisher is essential.
8. Plastic is good! Almost all modern drills have a plastic body (many older drills will be encased in metal bodies). This is to reduce the risk of electric shock if you hit a wire or if the drill malfunctions.
9. Don't hang loose! Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewellery, which could get caught in the drill. Overalls may not look very cool, but they serve to both save your clothing from damage and to keep loose clothing safe.
10. Ladders are one of the main causes of DIY accidents! Always erect the ladder according to the manufacturer's instructions. If possible, have someone holding the ladder at the bottom whilst you work. Never lean to one side as you could lose balance. It is far better to move the ladder a few feet, than to risk leaning.
11. Don't rush! You are many times more likely to have an accident if you do. Carefully plan the job before you start work and know your limitations. Consult a professional if you are unsure.
12. Take care when removing artex or textured paint from walls as these materials may contain asbestos. Safety precautions must be followed when handling and disposing of asbestos. Contact your local environmental health department for advice.
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