Are you someone who enjoys taking on projects around your house? I know I do. There’s something incredibly satisfying about saving money and achieving that sense of accomplishment when a project is completed. I love the transformation from before to after and knowing that I made it happen. I’m sure I’m not alone in my passion for working on home improvement projects. However, it’s crucial that we prioritize safety, which is why I’ve put together this article on safety gear for homeowners.
When we decide to upgrade something in our home or tackle a cool DIY project, what’s our usual approach? We go online to gather ideas, read various DIY instructions, and prepare by gathering all the necessary tools and materials for a successful start. While this all makes sense, we often skip over the first and most important step: ensuring safety. Every year, many people end up in the emergency room due to injuries sustained during DIY work and while using power tools. It’s important to remember that power tools can be dangerous. Even when used correctly, they can still pose risks. Just think about the immense power that’s harnessed in your hand. These power tools can propel debris at high speeds, causing potential harm.
Given these risks, it’s crucial to take all necessary precautions when working with power tools. As a homeowner, your safety gear will differ slightly from what a professional contractor might use, but there are three common items that are essential for homeowner safety. Remember, you only have one set of eyes and ears, so it’s crucial to protect them. Safety glasses and hearing protection are indispensable. Additionally, work gloves are another must-have safety item for homeowners.
Safety Gear for the Homeowner
Safety Glasses
I use the term “glasses” loosely, as you can choose between safety glasses and safety goggles. The primary distinction is that safety goggles provide more extensive eye coverage, including the sides, ensuring that nothing can get near your eyes. Safety glasses, on the other hand, have a small gap between your face and eyes, leaving a slight chance for debris to enter your eyes. Your choice between glasses and goggles should depend on the type of work you’ll be performing. Personally, I prefer safety glasses because they offer better ventilation and are more comfortable to wear. I own two types: a clear pair for regular use and a shaded pair for outdoor work on sunny days.
When selecting safety glasses, don’t base your decision solely on price. Focus on quality and protection. If you need to pay a bit more for high-quality glasses, it’s worth it because you’re protecting your eyes.
For me, I prioritize two factors: ensuring the glasses meet ANSI standards and are scratch-resistant. Dealing with scratched glasses while working is incredibly frustrating. How much do you think a good pair of safety glasses would cost? How about under $10? That’s a small price to pay for protecting your eyes. Here’s a pair of safety glasses I would recommend, which has great ratings, is affordable, and meets my two requirements.
Amazon offers a wide range of safety glasses, and you can also check your local hardware stores, such as The Home Depot or Lowe’s, for quality options. While you may pay a bit more at these stores, you don’t have to wait for shipping if you plan to start your project within the next few days.
Always remember that you have only one set of eyes, which help you see the world in all its beautiful colors. Why take any chances that could potentially jeopardize your vision?
Hearing Protection
Just like your eyes, your hearing is highly sensitive and can be easily damaged. The key difference is that when you harm your eyes, you typically notice it right away. Hearing damage, on the other hand, may not become apparent until later in life.
When it comes to hearing protection, you have a couple of options. You can use foam inserts that go inside your ears to protect your hearing, or you can opt for full ear protection that covers your entire ear. The choice largely depends on your personal preference. Foam inserts are more affordable, but price should not be your sole deciding factor. Select what suits you best and go with it. If you’re searching online, the proper terms for these items are “ear plugs” and “ear muffs.”
I personally prefer ear plugs. Although they can be a bit tricky to position correctly in your ears, they are more comfortable for me compared to having my entire ear covered with earmuffs.
Work Gloves
The third and final safety gear item you should utilize is work gloves. When it comes to gloves, there are numerous options available on the market. You don’t need anything too fancy, but you should choose gloves that protect your hands. The type of work you’ll be doing will determine which gloves are the best fit for you. Some gloves offer extra protection on the palms, while others focus on the knuckles.
It’s important to note that work gloves can sometimes make tasks more challenging. For instance, when dealing with small screws, gloves can get in the way. However, when working with wood, gloves can help protect against splinters. If you’re working with metal, gloves can prevent small metal shards from embedding themselves in your fingers. If you’ve ever had a piece of metal in your hand, you know it can be quite bothersome and challenging to remove.
Side Note
When using any type of saw or other power tools, be sure not to wear baggy clothing. Loose clothing can be dangerous, as it can get caught in a saw or another power tool. When working around electricity, make sure to remove all jewelry, including rings, before you start. These precautions will help ensure your safety when working on DIY projects.
In The End
In the end, for about $30, you can protect your ears, your eyes, and your hands. This is much cheaper than dealing with insurance deductibles and, of course, much less painful. Whenever you embark on a home improvement project, always prioritize your safety. Remember, safety first.