Important Safety Equipment Needed for Remodeling Your Home

Even with summer drawing to a near, there is still time to make some remodeling improvements on your home. Before you get started however, safety is your number one priority. Whether you are planning to tackle a small project like replacing your bathroom sink or you’re planning a big project like tearing down that divider wall in the living room, you will need the proper safety equipment for the job.

The number one piece of safety equipment for any remodeling project is safety goggles. These are essential for protecting your eyes from any dust and debris that you may come in contact with. Please do not assume that your eyeglasses will suffice when it comes to the safety of your eyes. Your eyeglasses are just not the same. Eye goggles lenses are much tougher than your eyeglasses and they provide side shields that protect your eyes as well. Most safety goggles can be worn over your eyeglasses.

Another important piece of safety equipment that is a must for any projects where power tools and machinery will be used are earplugs. Some power tools can get very loud which can cause damage to the eardrum. Wearing earplugs will keep loud noise to a minimum.

If you’re planning to work with anything that could damage your hands, you’ll need a pair of gloves. Depending on the project will determine the type of gloves you will need to wear. If you are planning to work around anything that could irritate the skin, you will want to wear rubber gloves. For regular wear and tear, a pair of leather gloves will suffice.

When working around drywall or where harmful fumes may be present, a dust or respirator mask is vital. Breathing in dangerous fumes can cause severe health problems, so you will need to wear a mask for protection. But, when at all possible, always work in a well-ventilated area. An ideal mask is one that has a metal strip that runs across the top to allow you to shape the mask to the bridge of your nose.

If you’re going to be working around anything that might fall on you, a hard hat is needed to protect your head. A standard construction hard hat will do and if you’re not fond of the color yellow, you can spend a few extra dollars for a different color.

Many people may not consider a ladder to be a part of safety equipment. However, if you’re going to be working in high areas such as on a roof, you will need a ladder. Never think that your old wooden ladder will do either. Using a ladder that isn’t sturdy is asking for trouble. Instead, invest in an extension ladder for roof projects or a standard ladder for indoor remodeling projects.

Another not so thought of item when it comes to safety equipment is lighting. Adequate lighting is a must when it comes to your remodeling project. Without a well-lit area to work in, you’re putting yourself at risk for all sorts of accidents. Instead of working in a darkened area, shed some light on the subject. While there are hundreds of lighting possibilities, a drop light can be ideal for almost any remodeling project.