Safety Tips

Although we emphasize saving money on home improvements, we recognize, and so you should protect yourself and others from harm comes first. Making repairs, even walking about a work site inspecting the work of others, can be dangerous, and you must keep safety foremost in your mind.
Wear protective clothing and equipment. Wear goggles when working around debris that may fly into your eyes. Wear a respirator to protect your lungs from dust; wear a respirator with a charcoal-activated filter if there are toxic fumes are present read manufacturer's labels when working with paint, stains, or other chemicals, carefully, and heed warnings about proper ventilation. Wear long sleeves and gloves when needed to protect arms and hands.
When working outdoors, keep ladders well away from any overhead electrical lines. When performing electric chores be sure you have turned off live circuits and use a circuit tester to ensure that they are off before beginning work.
Use tools with care and only for their intended purpose; even a simple screwdriver can gouge a finger if used wrong. Be especially cautious with power tools, and make sure that their safety features, such as the blade guard on a power saw, are working as they should.
If you are stuck and cannot figure out a problem, stop. Consult an expert. It is better to get the job done right than to risk a mistake and possible harm to yourself. And when you get tired, stop injuries that often stem from fatigue.
Be sure there is a first aid kit nearby in the case of an accident, and always know the location of the nearest telephone.
Getting the job done correctly also means being responsible for the safety of others. If your work creates toxic fumes, see that those around you also have respirators; if you are working with fallen debris, be sure they have hard hats and goggles. Tell others around you when you move electrical extension cords or ladders in their vicinity. Be a "safety officer" all-around your work so everyone will be safe from harm.