Avid handyman shares a few safety tips after DIY takes a nasty turn
A DIY project turned nasty for a father and son duo when little JJ Klopper got injured "on the job".
POLOKWANE – Daan Klopper and his son, were working on a bench outside their home in Fauna Park a fortnight ago when the incident occurred. Daan took a break from working on the bench and stepped inside to make a cup of coffee when he heard noise.
“I had just started the kettle when I heard a commotion and heard my son crying. I came out and found that while I was going in he was trying to help me and got hold of the drill cord and pulled it down on himself,” Klopper told Review.
Thankfully, the drill was not plugged in, but the tool hit JJ on the head which left a deep cut that required stitches. He said he is thankful he did not leave the drill plugged into the electricity socket because the consequences could have been much worse.
“I think what scared me the most is the fact that I had just walked away from the area where I was working for a minute or two. Things happen so fast and the most important thing I think is to make sure that children are kept safe when doing Do It Yourself (DIY) projects, especially where power tools and other dangerous items are used,” he continued.
Daan is a handyman and shared the following tips with Review:
1. Keep a first aid kit handy. Anticipate those bumps, scrapes or something more serious with a basic first aid kit that is easy to carry and latches onto surfaces securely, but can be opened quickly when needed. Ensure it is well stocked and within reach.
2. Incorporate safety accessories. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris, and if you’re operating a loud power tool, wear earplugs to minimize damage to your ears.
3. Follow instructions, not intuition. As with any household appliance, power tools need to be maintained and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s warnings, precautions and instructions. In addition, be sure to check the switch on a power tool or garden appliance to make sure it’s off before you plug it in.
4. Don’t step away from the power tool. Never leave an active power tool unattended. Unplug power tools before leaving the room. Store them out of children’s reach.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of who enters your work area, and keep children and pets away from tools and projects.
6. A clean work space is a safe work space. Properly store or place power tools, sharp tools and dangerous materials on high shelves out of a child’s reach. Consider placing them in a locked storage cabinet. Lastly, make sure your work space is well-lit.
