If you are planning to refurbish your home in the near future then it is essential you consider the safety elements of the project. We all hear of the many horror stories in the news in relation to refurbishments, scaffolding, manufacturing and so forth and therefore it is important to put actions in place before you start, in order to minimise the risks involved.
Health and safety is a key factor in all walks of life so ensure it is at the forefront of your mind when reviewing and planning in works. If you are working with any third parties or getting friends to help out with your refurbishment, always make sure you are aware of your processes and anything you have put in place to increase safety at your home during the works.
Wear the Right Uniform
Depending on what work is being carried out, you should consider the uniform you wear whilst you are carrying out any work. If any heavy lifting is required then steel capped boots would be recommended, whereas if it is paintwork then the only real uniform you will need to wear is an apron or something to cover your clothing from getting paint on. If you are hiring another company to complete the work then it is very likely that they will be instructed to wear this on the job.
Protect Your Ears & Eyes
Again this is dependent on the work you are having done but it is always recommended to wear protective equipment for your ears and eyes as these are the most exposed parts of your body. Earplugs and safety goggles can go a long way during this type of work when it comes to protecting your health. It is always better to go the extra mile to protect yourself, rather than risking it.
Get An Asbestos Survey
If your house was built before 2000 then it is likely that there will be asbestos present in some parts of the home, particularly if there are artex ceilings or old insulation and piping throughout, these are the most common areas you will find asbestos. Before any refurbishment is carried out at your home you must have a survey done.
You will need to flag this at your earliest convenience to a local asbestos expert, who will need to conduct testing and samples to establish whether it contains asbestos. Once your asbestos survey in Kent has been completed, you will then receive a report detailing if any asbestos-containing materials are present. The company will then advise on whether a removal is necessary before conducting works.
Take Regular Breaks
For major refurbishments in your home you will want to be wary of dust and other chemicals that may be present. Especially if you are the one doing the work, the best point of action to consider is regular breaks during the day. Being exposed all day to dust, dirt and other damaging things could affect your health and although this doesn’t pose a huge risk for day to day renovations, it’s important to consider everything around you.
At the end of your refurbishment you should give the area a good clean and hoover throughout to ensure there is no more dust or debris in the surrounding area.
Your Home Refurbishment
Once the safety components of your refurbishment are complete and you are happy with the set up, you can get started on the work. The suppliers you use and your friends and family will appreciate all of the precautions in place to protect their safety.
Happy refurbishing and stay safe!
