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They used to say that the UK was a nation of shopkeepers, but it’s probably more apt to say that we’re now a country that’s incredibly keen on DIY.
The UK DIY retailing market was worth an impressive £7.2 billion in 2019, while it’s thought that this number increased further during the coronavirus lockdown when people spent an extended period of time at home.
If you are a DIY enthusiast, however, what steps can you take to ensure that you work safely while achieving your goals? Here are some ideas to keep in mind:
#1. Start By Dressing Correctly
Every DIY project starts with dressing correctly and appropriately, depending on the precise task that you’re looking to undertaking.
If you’re painting, for example, be sure to wear old and outdated clothes and create an additional layer of protection in the form of an overall.
Conversely, more awkward tasks my require you to wear old and loose-fitting clothes, in order to optimise comfort and allow for easy mobility while working.
Try to avoid wearing excessing jewellery and accessories too, as this could create additional hazards that you’d do well to avoid.
#2. Invest in the Right Equipment
There’s an old adage which suggests that a worker is only ever as good as their tools, so you’ll need to invest in the right equipment to complete the task in hand.
As a general rule, you should have permanent access to diverse and universal tools, such as a screwdriver set, hammer and a purposeful step drill bit.
Of course, there may be tasks where niche or more unusual tools are needed to work effectively, but in this case, we’d recommend investing in short-term tool hire that minimises your spend while making it easier to complete certain DIY chores.
For example, if you’re drilling an internal wall and hit concrete, consider hiring a more powerful rotary drill on a daily basis to complete the task quickly and more safely. While you may have to pay an initial deposit, the actual cost is as little as £15-per day and offers genuine value for money in most instances.
#3. Set Up Your Room or Workspace
Your preparation should also include preparing the room or workspace in which you’re carrying out tasks.
Once again, your precise preparations will depend on the task in hand. For example, if you’re painting a room, you’ll need to ensure that the floors are covered and that any potential hazards are removed.
Dust sheets can play a key role here, while you can use tap to secure them to the skirting boards to prevent any debris or paint from reaching your floors.
If you have items of value, be sure to move these out of the way completely, storing them in an organised and accessible place that’s entirely safe.