February 19, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • Page 23 Be sure to practice garage and workshop smarts A growing number of homeowners are dabbling in do-it-yourself projects, recog- nizing the rewards of such undertakings. As more and more homeowners perform their own renovations and other improve- ment projects, many are outfitting their homes with state-of-the-art workshops and transforming garages into a do-it-yourself- er’s paradise. Safety is vital in any workshop. During a typical home renovation, homeowners will use all sorts of dangerous tools and chemi- cals, and even the simplest mishap can result in a serious injury. Following safety rules can reduce the risk of injury. Know your tools: Before novice do- it-yourselfers begin working with power tools, they should familiarize themselves with their owners’ manuals and the operat- ing instructions. Some home-improvement retailers offer classes in various home ren- ovation projects and may be able to teach tool use. Do-it-yourselfers should consult professionals with regard to proper tool use and safety. Do not use tools for purposes other than what the tool was intended to do. If machine guards are provided, they should be used and never removed. Wear safety gear: Eye, ear, and breath- ing protection are key in any workshop environment. Dust and chemical gases may be present when working with certain products, and debris can be kicked up and enter the eyes, causing irritation or even blindness. Loud power tools can damage sensitive ears, especially when used in a contained room. Always wear goggles, sound-muffling earphones, and dust masks when working. Assess physical well-being: Do-it-your- selfers should never work with machinery if they are feeling sick or fatigued or while taking medication that can affect concen- tration or alertness. All it takes is a moment of distraction to cause an injury. Never surprise anyone who is working with power tools and keep unnecessary people out of the workshop, where they might chat and distract others from the tasks at hand. Factor in ergonomics: Failure to work in comfortable conditions can result in repetition injuries or muscle strain. Make the workshop as comfortable as possible. Ensure the work table is at the right height. Use a rubber mat on the floor to reduce standing fatigue. Have a stool or chair avail- able for taking breaks. Keep a clean shop: Power cords strewn around the workshop present a tripping hazard. They also make it possible to drag sharp or heavy tools off of tables and work- benches if the cords are pulled or tripped over. A neat workshop is a safer workshop. Pay attention to where tools are kept and keep cords manageable. Dress appropriately: Loose clothing and hair can become tangled or lodged in equip- ment. Do not wear jewelry. Dress comfort- ably, but appropriately for the workshop, being sure to wear sturdy shoes. Lock it up: Children and pets are curi- ous and may wander into a workshop to explore. They can become seriously ill or injured by the bevy of chemicals and tools used for common projects. Some items are flammable and sharp and should always be out of reach. Locking cabinets and draw- ers can keep tools inaccessible. Also warn youngsters against entering the workshop unattended. As more people engage in do-it-yourself projects, homeowners should reacquaint themselves with safety procedures.