| Most of the time, you want to fix things that | | | | 6. Protect your years |
| don't work yourself. But, have you fully | | | | Just because you're doing a cut or two with the |
| considered that fixing these things is perfectly | | | | power saw does not mean that you are not |
| safe? Here is some advice on how to make sure | | | | going to need hearing protection. Protecting your |
| you are fully safe, when you cannot turn to | | | | ears is even more important when you are doing |
| professional help and try to do things yourself. If | | | | more noisy stuff like hammering or heavy-duty |
| you follow some basic safety rules and resort to | | | | pounding. Continuous loud noise can damage your |
| your common sense, you can deal with the home | | | | ears more than you think. |
| plumbing projects quite easily. Also, remember, | | | | 7. Protect your hands |
| when in doubt, call in a pro! | | | | The types of gloves that you may need depends |
| 1. Don't get electrocuted | | | | on the type of job that you are doing; if you are |
| If you want to make a plumbing repair near an | | | | working with chemicals, some rough rubber gloves |
| electrical source, you need to turn off the power | | | | will be needed. If you are doing some soldering, |
| near that source. Remember that water and | | | | some heavy-duty leather gloves will protect you |
| electricity 'mix' themselves together very well so | | | | from accidental drip of hot water. Wearing long |
| you can get into trouble quite easily. | | | | pants and long sleeves for waste water |
| 2. Have the emergency numbers at hand | | | | protection containing chemicals and bacteria will |
| It is highly advisable that you should have | | | | also protect you from any unwanted accidents. |
| emergency numbers at hand. These numbers | | | | Remember, doing the laundry afterwards is |
| should include phone numbers for fire, medical | | | | important as well. |
| emergency, police, utilities, etc. | | | | 8. Protect your Lungs |
| 3. Calm down | | | | When working around chemical fumes, wearing a |
| Even if you face a bursting pipe and water is | | | | respirator 'might' be a good idea. |
| leaking everywhere, you need to keep your head | | | | 9. Use the right toolsOne of the first lessons that |
| on your shoulders and shut off the water as soon | | | | you have to learn in diy projects is using the |
| as possible in order reduce further damage. | | | | rights tools for the jobs that you are doing. A |
| Remember, keeping calm will help you make the | | | | screwdriver is not a chisel, while the wrench is not |
| best decision and act quickly and wisely. | | | | a hammer. Using wrong tools for the wrong job |
| 4. Practice | | | | not only will make jobs more difficult, but they will |
| In case of emergency, you should be ready. It | | | | also do more damage to what you are working |
| shouldn't be your first time using a plunger or an | | | | on. Also, not only the repair is going to take |
| auger. You shouldn't use these tools for the first | | | | longer, but you also risk of losing money in the |
| time when you are under pressure. | | | | long run. |
| 5. Protect your eyes | | | | Safety should always be your top priority. A |
| Wear eye protection! Safety glasses are an | | | | work area that is clear of materials and tools that |
| absolute necessity when you are cutting, soldering | | | | you do not use. Hazards can be prevented this |
| or working over your head. Safety goggles | | | | way. In spite of being willing to repair things, you |
| particularly will provide the adequate protection for | | | | should note that your health and your life should |
| your eyes for most jobs. | | | | be your priority. |