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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-10-20, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011.Keep safe and alert while ‘doing it yourself’ MS – Tough economic times call for even tougher measures – and for many homeowners this means getting hands-on with home improvement projects. Although do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can save money in theory, they also may result in a trip to the hospital if safety precautions aren’t followed. According to recent statistics, 85 per cent of homeowners are tackling some projects around the house rather than hiring outside contractors. In this difficult economy, emergency rooms are seeing an influx of people coming in with injuries ranging from lacerations to puncture wounds from nail guns. John and Jane Do-It-Yourselfer have easy access to home- improvement supplies and tools at the local home centre. He or she also may be inspired by any of the myriad shows on television instructing individuals to give renovations a try. However, many homeowners are not schooled in proper safety procedures or do not know how to use tools correctly. This is a recipe for injury. Common injuries include: • Falls from ladders or scaffolding. • Hand and finger injuries – including amputation – from power saws and grinder/sanders. • Nail gun injuries; since 1991, these injuries have increased by 200 per cent. • Eye injuries and breathing difficulties. Homeowners should consider the risks of improvements before beginning. They should also take precautions to do improvements in the safest manner possible. • Always read the manufacturers’ safety information and usage guidelines for any tools before the are put to use. • Turn off electrical current to rooms and outlets prior to doing any electrical repairs. • Wear proper safety equipment, including goggles, dust masks or respirators, boots and gloves. • Store chemicals in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf out of reach of children and pets. • Be cautious of power cords. Always unplug tools and turn off the switches when the item is not in use. • Do not climb past the top rung of ladders. Do not use furniture or stacked items as a ladder. • Jobs such as electrical work, roof work, gas projects or major plumbing issues are better left to a skilled contractor. • Make sure drill bits and saw blades are sharp. Dull tools can result in injuries. • Keep fire extinguishers and a good first aid kit readily available at all times. There is no cost savings that make risking a disability worth it. If a project is beyond an individual’s scope of ability, hire a professional instead. PAUL COOK ELECTRIC • Home, Farm & Commercial Wiring BELGRAVE Paul 519-357-1537 McGavin Compact Equipment 519-887-6365 Walton 1-877-887-6365 For Fall Clean-up and backyard projects we’ve got the equipment you need. Rental Equipment Available - skid steers - excavators - garden tillers and much more - call for availability & details Equipment Also Available For Sale - chainsaws - wood chippers, etc. Aim and go With the amount of do-it-yourselfers out there at an all-time high, injuries can also be on the rise. Safety is paramount when tackling a home improvement project on your own. (MS photo) Find a job or advertise a job on the Jobs In Huron section of our website www.northhuron.on.ca E-mail: sales@watsonshomehardware.com www.watsonshomehardware.com • Spruce and Pressure Treated Lumber • Pressure Treated Poles up to 30’ Long • Steel Roofing, Siding and Trims • Plywoods • Barn Pine • Barn Door Track and Hardware • Windows and Doors • Flooring • Cabinets • All Types of Insulation and Door Cut Outs • Pressure Treated • Cedar • Composite Decking • Aluminum Railing System “WE’VE GOT YOUR LUMBER” Watson’s HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE Gorrie, ON N0G 1X0 Phone: 519-335-3551 Fax: 519-335-3427 Toll Free 1-877-335-3551 Supplier of quality Vicwest Steel