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Home improvement projects can be dangerous. Many tasks call for sharp tools or power tools that can cause injuries. You can't successfully repair or tackle home improvement projects in your home if you're not careful. With a little careful organization and forethought, even the most difficult home improvement tasks can be conquered safely and successfully.
Some Safety Concerns
Be sure to completely read the instruction manual for your power tools and follow the manufacturer's safety cautions. Tighten any adjustments and check that the guard is working before you operate a tool. Keep power tools dry, and plug them into grounded electrical outlets. Take care not to cut the power cord. Never store your power tools while they are still connected to the power supply.
Keep fingers well away from a power blade. Clamp small pieces of wood before cutting them, rather than holding them. It's imperative to wear work gloves when you're handling rough materials such as wood, glass, or metal, but take them off when using a power tool so you have complete control over it.
Never use any kind of power tool without proper protective eyewear. Unplug a power saw before changing the blade or doing any other kind of maintenance or cleaning to it. Learn how to properly support a board when you cut it with a power tool so it doesn't kick back towards you during use.
Always completely shut off power or water when working with the electrical wiring or the plumbing. One of the first questions you should ask as a new homeowner is where your shutoffs are located.
When working on a ladder, don't lean out to either side. Keep your body weight between the sides of the ladder. It may take longer to get off the ladder and move it to reach farther, but it is well worth your time. Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in the home.
If you're not used to the physical element of doing construction, remodeling, or renovation work, you might easily injure yourself or strain your muscles. You may not even notice the aches and pains until you wake up the next day. Don't take chances and overexert yourself when lifting heavy objects, or when repeatedly lifting lighter loads. Get a helper to do some of the work, and take plenty of breaks. Listen to your body's signals and realize when enough is enough. Learn to bend and lift with the knees and not your back.
You're going to find a great satisfaction and pride knowing that you're able to safely and successfully accomplish repair, remodeling and renovation projects around your house as long as you're smart, safe, and keep yourself organized, focused and on task.
This is why is it is important you take no chances and therefore make sure that the kitchen area is a safe place to work in during your upgrading phrase. It is equally necessary to build your kitchen according to the local codes. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the local building codes in your country.
Summary of Important Safety Tips:
- Make sure the work area is large and wide open as possible.
- Make sure you have the necessary tools, toolboxes, plus materials and placed in a designated work area with enough space (most contractors prefer this are outside but close to the kitchen area).
- Saws and chop saws should be covered when not in use.
- Protect floors during work to keep them in good condition. You can sweep and vacuum often, avoid dropping heavy objects onto the floor, and cover the floor with an old carpet or sheets of 1/4 in plywood or paneling.
- Some plants may be trampled on and you may need to cover them or transplant them.
- Protect pets by placing them in a secure area away from the noise and movement of the workers.
- Rent a dumpster to collect debris, or rend a small hauler or truck to carry the debris to the landfill. The load should be secured and covered in transit.
- Locate the dumpster near a door or have it pile near the kitchen door or window to shorten the handling efforts.
- Ensure that every one is using their safety equipment during any demolition, such as shoes with hard tops and hard soles; safety glasses or googles, earplugs/earmuffs; dust masks; respirators if working with finishes or solvents; and GFCI outlets.
- Make sure tools are in good condition.
- Make sure the is a good light source.
- Ensure the availability of tough leather gloves for workers. Make sure you have a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
- Install children safety gates at kitchen entrances and keep them from wandering into the kitchen area.
These are safety tips you should take into consideration to make sure the work is done with the least interruption and prevent some major accidents that could happen during the project.
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You made a good point when you explained that you can have a successful kitchen remodeling project with some careful organization. I would imagine that the best thing you can do when remodeling your kitchen is hiring a contractor. A contractor will know how to stay organized and complete a successful project.