Friday 8 November 2013

Safely Renting Equipment

By Skylar Decker


Renting equipment for a home improvement project or work site is often a great way to reduce the time and effort a job requires. But with any type of construction or renovation project, the top concern should always be safety. If someone doesn't use equipment the way it was intended, or in an inexperienced manner, it could easily prove more destructive than constructive.

The most basic safety precaution that should be taken in any sort of renovation or construction project is proper apparel. On a work site, be sure to always be outfitted with safety gear, including, but not limited to: safety glasses, a hard hat, and sufficiently protective gloves and boots. When working with other people and large equipment, it would be a good idea to wear a safety vest as well, to ensure that you're visible at all times.

Many job site accidents are avoidable. A large number of them stem from workers using equipment in improper ways, or not fully knowing how to use a certain machine. A piece of equipment should be applied ONLY for its intended purpose. Misuse can result in damage or injury. When using machine, keep things professional and responsible. Avoid the urge to use potentially dangerous machines to play jokes. And before attempting to use any kind of machinery, be sure that you are fully qualified and educated on its use.

Nail guns are a very commonly rented piece of equipment, being small and easy enough to handle by almost any DIYer. A nail gun can make a job easier and more efficient, but as with any piece of equipment, if you don't follow proper procedures, you can easily end up causing a lot of damage. Just because something is easy to use, that doesn't mean it's not potentially dangerous.

Getting overconfident in operating skills can be a danger as well. Workers who have a lot of experience with something have a tendency to get a bit careless. Never overestimate your abilities, and try not to get fatigued or sloppy while operating hazardous machinery. Put the safety of others and yourself at the front of every project, and be alert with a responsible demeanor, and you can help any task go as smoothly as possible.




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