Toolbox: Safety Equipment

Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

Safety is always a very important part of any home repair project. Here are a few basic items that can help keep you comfortable and safe when working on a home improvement or repair project.

If you're working on flooring or in the garden, a good pair of kneepads will keep your knees from getting sore (figure A).

Whenever you’re working with chemicals or other caustic substances you’ll need heavy rubber gloves to protect your skin (figure B).

Whenever sawing, drilling or performing any job that stirs up a lot of dust, use a thick dust mask to filter out particles before they can get into your lungs. Look for a mask with a metal strip across the top that can be bent to fit the contour of your nose (figure C).

Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or doing other jobs that may cause things to fly at your eyes. Choose either standard issue safety glasses, or get a pair of inexpensive safety goggles (figure D). The goggles provide maximum protection for your eyes and have little ports in the sides that keep them from fogging over. You can also wear goggles over eyeglasses.

Always wear a pair of earplugs when working with loud power equipment or tools.

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-250
•	Wooden Door Repair
•	Vintage Bathtub Fixture
•	Replace Vintage Stairway Baluster
•	Toolbox: Safety Equipment