HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2018-05-10, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018.
A how-to for avoiding injuries and DIY blunders
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Be tool savvy
From obvious hazards like the throbbing thumb after a
hammer blow, to the less damaging, but still frustrating
pinching one's self with an adjustable wrench, there are all
sorts of minor and major injuries that can result from DIY
projects. Be prepared and safe to prevent them. IMS photo)
MS — Accomplishing a do-it-
yourself (DIY) home repair or
renovation can elicit feelings of
pride. DIY projects can be cost-
effective and completed on
homeowners' unique time schedules.
Although people can do many
repairs themselves, using the wrong
tools or equipment, or having
insufficient knowledge of the task at
hand can increase the risk of injury.
The home security resource A
Secure Life says that more than
18,000 Americans die every year
from injuries that take place in the
home. Unintentional injuries can be
traced to many factors, but making
repairs around the house can
contribute to accident risk. Falls,
electrical shocks, broken glass,
carpentry tools, and carrying overly
heavy loads repeatedly result in
injury, says The Home Depot.
Recognizing these potential
hazards and always employing safe
tactics can help DIYers stay healthy.
• Ladder safety: A fall from even
a few feet can cause severe injuries
and even death. Ladders should
always be put on a level, stable
surface. Individuals should not
climb higher than the second rung on
a step ladder or the third rung on an
extension ladder.
• Tools: Every tool has the
potential to cause injury. This injury
risk increases when tools are not
used properly. Before a tool is used,
it's important to read the
instructions.
• Wear protective gloves: Gloves
can help protect against burns,
Tips to keep the party outside
Continued from page 21
cooking meals outside? Is the pool
the central focus of the yard?
Answering these questions and
more can help homeowners decide
how to design their entertaining
spaces. Remember, however, that
goals may evolve as landscape
designers and even architects make
their own suggestions for the space
or present limitations.
• Evaluate the space: Look at the
lot and decide what will go where,
such as where to place the party
space, where to create a quiet
hideaway and where to locate a
poolhouse or outdoor shower.
A large, flat yard can be divided
into a series of patios that serve
different purposes. Yards that are
built on a hill or a slope can still be
utilized with creative design
elements, such as multi -tiered
decking. By working with qualified
designers, homeowners can bring
their ideas to life.
• Easy food and drink access:
Traipsing in and out of the house for
refreshments can become tiresome
when entertaining outside. In such
situations, people also can track dirt
inside of the home or leave a trail of
pool water in their wake.
Outdoor kitchens allow easy
access to food and drink that makes
outdoor entertaining much easier.
The experts at Angie's List suggest
outdoor kitchens be built close to the
house to make it easier to run
electricity and plumbing to the
outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens should include a
sink, small refrigerator, built-in grill,
and bar area.
• Creature comforts:
Homeowners should think about the
things that make the inside of their
homes so comfortable and then
replicate that outside. Sofas and
loveseats covered in fabric suited for
outdoors and plenty of pillows can
make for great lounging.
Lighting that can be adjusted for
day or night, or even to set the mood,
is another consideration. Shade
structures, like a trellis or retractable
awning, will keep the area
comfortable and can also define
outdoor "rooms" and establish
privacy.
• Fire it up: Many homeowners
enjoy having fire elements in their
yards. Lanterns and candles may
create a romantic feel, but a fire pit
or outdoor fireplace may help extend
use of the outdoor entertaining area
beyond summer.
Entertaining outdoors is made that
much more enticing with a dream
outdoor living space full of
amenities.
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electrocution, slippery grip, and
even deep cuts or finger amputation
when using sharp tools. Gloves also
are essential when handling broken
glass.
• Power tools: Power tools have
momentum and torque behind them
to make fast work of various jobs. If
using power tools, DIYers should
ensure they are the right tools for the
job, not something that is handy or a
quick fix. Power tools should only
be used if a person can devote
attention to the task and stay
focused. That means never
consuming alcohol, drugs or
medications that can impair function
when using power tools.
• Working with electricity: An
electric shock occurs when a person
is exposed to a source of electricity
and the charge runs through the
body. It can cause burns, cardiac
arrest, changes to heartbeat, and
even neurological injuries,
according to the Mayo Clinic.
DIYers should take precautions
anytime they are working with
electricity, including turning off the
supply of electricity to the outlet or
fixture being worked on.
• Heavy loads: It is important to
exercise caution when moving
around heavy loads. A friend or
family member can help with the
transfer of building materials or to
relocate furniture.
• Distractions: Avoiding
distractions is essential when doing
home renovations. Keep pets and
children away from work areas to
focus entirely on the job at hand.
Injuries can derail home
renovation projects if safety
measures are ignored.
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