Home improvement projects can greatly add value to your property or give your living space a much-needed makeover. However, they often involve a degree of risk. The good news is that you can mitigate these risks by wearing the right safety gear. Here are eight examples of must-have safety gear for home improvement.
Safety Gear for Home Improvement Projects
Work Gloves
Work gloves are important for preventing cuts, scrapes, and blisters when handling sharp tools, abrasive surfaces, or household chemicals. Depending on your project, look for sturdy leather, latex, or Kevlar gloves with reinforced palms and fingers.
Safety Glasses: Essential Gear for Home Improvement
Safety glasses protect your eyes from dust, wood chips, and other debris when cutting, drilling, or hanging drywall. Choose a pair that fits snugly, covering your eyes completely and with a high impact resistance.
Hard Hat
A hard hat is a must if you’re working on a project involving overhead work or heavy equipment. It will protect your head from falling objects or impact from low-hanging obstacles. Choose a hard hat that fits comfortably and snugly enough to look up or down without the hat falling off, and verify it meets current safety standards.
Respirator Mask
Dust, fumes, and vapors from paint, insulation, and other materials can harm your lungs and respiratory system. A respirator mask will filter harmful particles and keep your lungs safe. Choose a mask that fits well and is rated for the specific materials you’ll be working with.
Safety Gear for Home Improvement: Earplugs
Loud noises generated by power tools and equipment can cause hearing damage over time. Wearing earplugs reduces the risk of hearing loss. Choose earplugs that fit comfortably and provide adequate noise reduction. Wear them when using power tools or working with loud, droning equipment like saws, mowers, and leaf blowers.
Safety Shoes
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes on any job site, and if you’re working with heavy equipment or power tools, purchase steel or composite toe shoes to protect your feet from injury. Insulated shoes or boots are a must when doing electrical work. Invest in high-quality shoes that fit well and are comfortable enough for working all day.
Dust Mask
Dust masks are great for projects where you want protection but don’t need a full respirator. These masks offer protection from non-toxic dust that occurs when mowing the lawn, sweeping, and dusting. However, a dust mask cannot protect against hazardous dust, paint or chemical vapors, and gases.
Safety Gear for Home Improvement: Knee Pads
Knee pads prevent pain and injury if kneeling on a hard surface, like when working on flooring or trim work. Shop for knee pads that fit comfortably over your knees and provide adequate cushioning while giving you room for a full range of motion.
Wearing the right safety gear is essential to protect yourself from injuries and hazards. The above are eight examples of protective gear for various home improvement projects. No matter the task, safety should always be a top priority when tackling DIY updates and improvements.
Checkpoint Home Inspections provides professional services to customers near the North Coast of Oregon. Contact us to schedule an appointment.