Building a Home? 5 Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
When building a home, safety should be the number one priority. Whether you are a first time builder or have been through the process many times before, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind. Keep these five tips in mind to help ensure that your building experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
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Seek Professional Help If You Need It
One of the most important points to remember when building a home is that if you are not confident in your abilities or do not have adequate experience, it's best to hire professionals. There are many people out there who specialize in everything from plumbing and electrical work, landscaping services and more. When hiring someone for any task on your project, make sure they have all the necessary qualifications including licensing and insurance coverage.
Safety Starts With Site Selection
If you're thinking about building a single-story ranch style house with an attached garage then one thing you'll want to consider before laying down any blueprints is how close your lot line will be to busy roads or high-traffic intersections. If building near these areas is unavoidable then at the very least consider installing a security fence and adding safety features like motion lights, video surveillance cameras or an alarm system to keep burglars away.
Keep Your Tools Safe
It goes without saying that when you're working with power tools such as circular saws, drills and nail guns there's always some risk of injury so it's important that they are used properly - this includes wearing all appropriate protective gear which can include ear protection and eye goggles for any dust created by the project. You should also make sure your tools have been serviced before starting work on site in case they need parts or repairs (which will help avoid potentially hazardous situations). Using a tarp to cover the construction area will also ensure that tools can be easily seen, with the added benefit of keeping your area clean.
Be Careful Around Electricity
It's a good idea to take the time and do some research before you start any work on your new home so that you can be aware of what sort of electricity is being used. If it is overhead power lines then make sure there are no trees nearby which could potentially cause problems if they were to come into contact with these wires; this includes trimming them back as far as possible (within 30 feet) for safety reasons. You should also hire an electrician who has all the necessary licenses and certifications in case unforeseen issues arise or something needs fixing. It's not just electrical wiring: gas pipes also need to be taken care of and kept away from other potentially hazardous areas.
Holding Materials Safely When Building Your Home
One thing that people should always avoid (especially when storing tools) is leaving materials carelessly on the ground. This leaves them vulnerable to being knocked over and can result in accidents which have the potential for serious injury, so always store your materials as securely as possible, using platforms or pallets at least 18 inches off of the ground to ensure they are safe.
Always Be Prepared
It's important that you're prepared with all necessary safety equipment such as protective eyewear, ear protection and more before starting any work on a new home project because even if there isn't anything hazardous happening it doesn't mean that you won't be exposed to dust (which could lead to irritation). It also means that those working close by will know what you'll need to do in case of an emergency (such as bringing glasses or changing a battery).
Look Out For Other People
It's important that your site is kept safe for other people - this includes children who might be passing by and could easily get injured. You should make sure all materials are stored securely so it can't fall off the back of trucks, for example, which will help ensure no one walks into anything they shouldn't have access to. Traffic cones should also be used at busy intersections when construction work is being done on-site so that pedestrians know to keep their distance.
Author Bio: Morgan Smith is a contributing writer and media specialist on behalf of Brumleve Industries.
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