No kidding. Not even the virus can drown all the excitement that Christmas brings. And when the heart is full, the hands speak. Christmas may be the one time in the whole year when DIY projects seem to flow out of people’s minds like a river. Talk about a unique way of putting up the Christmas tree and lights. People put in the extra effort into creating their own decorations. In short, people are inspired.
Of course, DIY is fun – especially when done with the family. But don’t be too caught up at the moment. Christmas is also the time when so many accidents happen right at home. Indeed, if you don’t watch your steps, these DIY projects can get you in harm’s way.
The truth is that many of the accidents are caused by simple mistakes. Falling off the ladder and getting a cut while decorating are just some instances. But then again, it could get worse. Being proactive about it, therefore, is wise. Here are some essential tips to get you off to a good start.
Be careful when using power tools
When using power tools, extra caution is needed. One thing you should never do is leave the tools unattended. When you’re not using it, put it off. That way, it wouldn’t harm you or any other person. You never really can know what will happen when you leave power tools around. A child walking into a fully-functional one may think it’s cool and have fun with it.
On the other end of the spectrum, opting for more reliable power tools may be wise. For one, cordless power tools such as Bosch cordless power tools may come in handy when you talk about safety. For starters, they are lighter and easier to handle compared to corded ones. And as you don’t have to worry about cords getting in the way, you minimize the risk of untoward incidents.
Dress appropriately
You may think it’s funny. But dressing appropriately can go a long way in keeping you safe and sound. To begin with, avoid excessive dressing. All the frills and extras in your clothes can complicate your movement while working. The rule is wearing something comfortable and protective.
By the same token, you need to wear proper gear. If you need to weld something, you need as much eye protection as you can get. The intense light and hot metal debris that comes off when welding can potentially damage your eyes.
Further, remove any jewelry or any other accessory not useful in completing the task at hand. It’s also important you avoid long sleeves as they could get cut up in the equipment.
And if what you would be doing involves a lot of noise, then opt for earplugs. You definitely need your ears functioning properly before, during, and after Christmas.
Be conscious of your surroundings
Tip number 3 here is significant. When you’re doing DIY projects, it’s not just about you and what you are doing. Your surroundings matter. Unassuming people, like a toddler, could get hurt. So be very conscious of your surrounding.
If you have small children, get someone to keep them out of sight for a while. Having children play around while you’re deep in the middle of a DIY project is a formula for disaster.
Tell your children to play somewhere. You are doing them a favor when you do. Also, make sure your pets are also out of sight.
Place the ladder well
If you’re using a ladder, make sure the placement is right. Falling from a ladder isn’t a great experience. So save yourself by taking the time to place the ladder properly. To know how much weight it can carry, go over the ladder instructions to use the ladder best.
This way, you ensure that the ladder would be able to support your weight without any problem. Plus, you need to ensure your ladder won’t fall short and is up to the task. Many people have gotten into ladder accidents just because they used the wrong ladder for the job.
Have a first aid kit ready
A first aid kit is a must-have. Make it accessible, just in case you encounter any scratches or cuts while working. Sometimes, things like this are avoidable.
The important thing is you arrive at Christmas Day whole, without any injury whatsoever. Err on the side of safety. While DIY projects are a great way to make the whole family bond, safety is the primary concern. Keeping it in mind ensures your Christmas is as happy as can be for everyone.
