Top 10 DIY Safety Tips

If you've ever been serenaded on a sleepy Saturday by the sound of your neighbor's chainsaw, you've been introduced to the wonderful world of tree maintenance. It seems like every big storm causes a few faltering branches to lose their struggle with gravity. Unfortunately, it's up to you, the homeowner, to clean up the mess.

Chainsaws are efficient tree trimmers, but they can be dangerous, too. The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission has released a hazard warning for old style chainsaws recommending a replacement chain to reduce the chance of kickback that can occur when the nose-end of the guide bar encounters an obstruction. If you have an old chainsaw, get a replacement chain for it. If you're in the market for a new chainsaw, look for one with added safety features like:

You may not think a quick trip around the yard with the weed whacker or a little mold cleaner justifies the use of safety glasses, but airborne particulates can and do cause eye injuries. About half of the 2.5 million eye injuries that occur in the United States every year happen at home, so you're not as safe as you think you are.

Invest in tight-fitting protective eye wear that conforms to the contours of your face. You'll probably pay a little more, but it's worth it. And once you do buy protective eyewear, it won't do you any good if you leave it in a drawer. Get into the habit of putting on protective glasses whenever there's even a small chance of flying dust.

A ladder can be a great tool, but only if you show it the respect it deserves. When you use a ladder, keep reminding yourself that heights are dangerous, and be carefully observant at all times.

Just because you're covering your mouth and nose with a mask of some sort doesn't necessarily mean you have all the protection you need. Some respirators are designed to filter out particulates, while others will also protect you from harmful fumes. No single respirator will protect you from all potential threats, though.

When evaluating a job, the materials and tools you're using will usually provide information about the right respirator to buy. Check all the reference documentation before you start a project, and add the right protection to your shopping list.

The electrical current in your home is powerful enough to kill you. There, we said it. Electricity can kill you if you're not careful, and even though everyone knows this in theory, it's easy to make a stupid mistake -- with tragic results. Keep these electrical safety tips in mind:

If all this sounds scary to you, consider hiring a professional instead of performing electrical repairs yourself.

Gas is an efficient power source, but it can be extremely dangerous, too. One big problem is that you can create a leak and not realize it until there's a dangerous gas build-up in your home. The smell will tip you off, but by that time, static electricity could set off an explosion.

If you have an upgrade in mind, call your local power company for information. If you smell gas in your home, don't stop to call anyone or diagnose the problem yourself. Get your family together and leave. Call for assistance from another location.

The thing about DIY accidents is that it's often the small things that end up hurting you. You know to be careful around electricity, saws, riding lawnmowers and other obviously dangerous stuff, but what about your jewelry or long sleeves? If you're around anything that spins (like a saw) dangling sleeves, jewelry and even long hair can get caught up and pull you toward danger.

Wearing shorts or going barefoot in areas where things get hot or break can also cause problems. The lesson here is to dress for the task and take your wardrobe seriously.

If you don't like heights, maybe your body is trying to tell you something. DIY jobs that require walking on the roof or dangling from a second story window can result in an unscheduled trip to the emergency room. Professional roofers are required to wear protective harnesses for a reason. It's easy to become dizzy and disoriented up in the stratosphere, and successfully swapping out a roof shingle doesn't seem like adequate compensation for the risk.

If you have a roof repair in mind, call a professional. If you absolutely refuse to farm it out, invest in a roofer's fall-protection kit. You can usually find them at home improvement outlets for around $100. They're a harness with mounting gear designed for the DIY enthusiast. If you take a tumble wearing one, you'll only hurt your pride.

Fires can be tricky, and dousing a fire with water won't always do the trick. Invest in a couple of fire extinguishers for your home, and inspect them periodically in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A general purpose A-B-C rated fire extinguisher will provide protection from burning liquids like grease, materials like paper and wood, and burning electrical insulation and components. Keep one in your kitchen and another near your DIY workbench.

Research your DIY projects thoroughly. Read the labels on all project materials you buy, and pay particular attention to the safety directions. Reacquaint yourself with the proper use of your tools before each project.

The Internet is a great source for guidance when it comes to home improvement, and many manufacturers will have a presence on the Web you can tap for additional information and support. The more you know, the safer you and your family will be.