You’ve just seen your favorite influencer on Instagram share his new backyard and the best part – they did everything themselves. A nail here, some paint there, and all of a sudden, you have a perfect backyard.
Not quite. That sleek deck and a cozy pergola aren’t that easy to do if you’re doing it by yourself. One slip, one safety step you overlooked, and your project is ruined. It takes a lot more than an expensive hammer and good intentions to actually make something, especially when it comes to construction.
But let’s say you’re handy and know your way around tools and materials. You still need to know how to stay safe, otherwise a bland backyard will be the least of your issues. This article isn’t trying to scare you; it’s just a reminder of how important safety is and how to keep all your fingers once you’re done.
Here are 6 Tips on How to Stay Safe
A DIY project of any kind can be extremely rewarding, unless you end up injured in the process. And this is especially true in construction since a lot of dangerous tools AND materials are usually involved. Also, the danger goes beyond that; if you fail to build any construction project correctly, the whole construction may fail or collapse, further endangering those near it.
The best thing to do would be to talk to a professional BEFORE you start and see if they have advice for you. Professionals are trained and educated (as mandated by the state) on a continuous basis with options like RocketCert courses and many others. These programs help professionals learn new things, refine things that they already know, and plan for safety, depending on their chosen profession. Whatever they’re able to share with you is welcome advice.
If you can’t get professional advice, then your best bet is common sense and following these tips.
1. Take Your Time to Plan and Prepare
You might be anxious to start, but make sure to plan everything thoroughly before you do. Organize all the tools you’ll use, materials, and timeline. This way, you’re less likely to stumble upon unpleasant surprises.
First, define the scope so you know what you need at every stage. Do your homework and research local building codes. Get all necessary permits or you risk legal and safety issues later.
For some extra security, try to come up with a plan B to handle any problems that might come up.
2. Use High Quality Tools and Equipment
The tools you choose can make or break your project. Literally. You should use only high-quality, durable tools that are appropriate for what you’re doing. If you have something that’s worn out and just bad quality, you’re at higher risk of getting injured.
3. Wear PPE
PPE is short for personal protective equipment, and you want to wear it every single time you work. The right equipment can protect you from a lot of injuries.
Always wear gloves to protect your hands, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots/safety booths (with a steel-toe cap). Imagine a hammer falling down on your foot and you’re in sneakers? Ouch. Or a ‘major ouch’ if the hammer’s huge, because that’s how you can lose a toe. And while this might not sound as bad while you’re simply reading it; it’s BAD once it actually happens.
If you’re working under a structure, you’ll need a hard hat, and if you’re using something really loud, use hearing protection.
4. Check Your Worksite for Hazards
You might not notice hazards at first, which is why it’s important to check for them. It can be anything, from uneven terrain to buried utilities, and if you don’t know they’re there, you can get injured.
Before you start, clear the area of debris, rocks, or anything else you might trip over and fall. Also, make sure the ground is stable enough to support ladders and heavy tools.
Check to see the location of underground pipes, electrical wires, or other utilities. If you’re not sure you’re able to do this yourself, get a professional to help you.
5. Use Ladders and Scaffolding Safely
One of the most common causes of injuries in construction is falls, and they often happen when people don’t use ladders or scaffolding in a safe way.
Your ladder should always be set on stable, level ground, and if you use scaffolding, it should be designed specifically for outdoor use. Follow the 3-point contact rule: always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder for stability. Don’t overreach and don’t lean too far because it will throw off your balance.
6. Electrical Safety
You’ll need electrical tools for a lot of outdoor projects, and they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to handle them. All your power tools have to be grounded or double-insulated, and you should use GFCI for outdoor electrical outlets to reduce the risk of shock.
Don’t try to work with electrical components if it’s wet or damp outside because, well… Water and electricity together won’t make you happy.
Conclusion
Outdoor DIY construction projects are creative and you’ll get a sense of accomplishment once you’re done. But unless you stay safe, you’ll be in the hospital instead of enjoying your new backyard. Nothing is worth risking an injury (or worse), no matter how much you want that deck or outdoor kitchen.
The good news is that there are ways of staying safe and it’s not complicated at all. Plan everything, use the right tools, wear PPE, and have fun!
