When you are taking on household repairs or home improvement projects on your own, it is important to put safety first. This includes using sturdy equipment, choosing the proper materials, knowing how to operate your tools, and more. In fact, one of the most neglected safety factors is taking the proper precautions to protect yourself from harm. In fact, it only takes a handful of items to do so successfully.
Continue reading to learn the top recommended types of personal protective gear to have for your home repair projects.
Whether you are after a leaking faucet or in need of some seasonal window washing, using safety gear is gravely important. Even just a pair of gloves and safety goggles will get you started on the right track. In fact, those are the first two items recommended for personal protective gear!
☭ Safety Goggles
The eyes are inexpressibly important, so you want to always have them protected when you are working with your hands. This is especially true for projects that involve any sort of heat, sharp objects, shards, or dust. Best of all, safety goggles are very inexpensive. You can get a quality pair for as little as a few dollars. And with good care, they will last forever.
☭ Work Gloves
You use your hands for almost everything, so it is very inconvenient when they are scraped, burned, punctured, or hurt in any way. If you are going to partake in at-home repairs and renovations, it is wise to invest in a quality pair of work gloves with good lining and thick, waterproof material. Expect to pay anywhere from $6 to $22 for a good pair of work gloves.
☭ Ear Protection
In addition to work gloves and goggles, it is best to protect your ears from flying shards and ultra-loud noise. You can do this by using earmuffs and ear plugs while you work. You see, your ear drums are more vulnerable than you think. Not only are they sensitive to loud noises, like those produced by your power drill and scroll saw, they are also bothered by airborne debris. Look for earmuffs with a decent noise reduction rating (NRR).
☭ Knee Pads
Projects that require a lot of kneeling and floor time can lead to aches, pains, and bruising on the knees and joints. You can help alleviate these symptoms by using knee pads or portable floor mats. These items can be found in the gardening section of your local home improvement store. Your knees and legs will thank you the next day!
☭ Steel-Toe Boots
If you ever intend to do projects that require heavy lifting or materials, like concrete, masonry, or appliance replacement, you will benefit from protecting your feet. A good pair of steel-toe boots will do the trick! Not only will they protect your toes, they will also protect your feet from orthopedic and dermal injuries. Be prepared to pay between $80 and $200 if you want a quality pair that will last.