19 Aug Handyman Safety

Handyman Safety

Handymen and maintenance workers perform many different tasks, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, roofing, concrete work, and general repairs. Because the work changes frequently, so do the hazards. Before beginning any task, evaluate the work, identify the hazards, and make sure you have the proper tools, training, and PPE.

Plan the Job Before You Start

Before beginning work:

• Identify the hazards associated with the task and work area.
• Determine whether specialized training, authorization, or licensing is required.
• Select the correct tools and equipment.
• Inspect tools and equipment before use.
• Determine what PPE is required.
• Keep employees, occupants, and the public away from hazardous work areas.
• Do not perform work that is outside your training or authorization.

Never allow the simplicity or short duration of a repair to justify taking a shortcut.

Ladders and Work at Heights

When using ladders:

• Inspect the ladder before each use and remove damaged ladders from service.
• Select the correct type, length, and duty rating.
• Place ladders on stable, level surfaces.
• Set non-self-supporting ladders at approximately a 4:1 angle.
• Secure ladders when necessary to prevent displacement.
• When a portable ladder is used to access an upper landing, extend the side rails at least 3 feet above the landing surface, or provide an equivalent secure means of access when this is not possible.
• Face the ladder while climbing and maintain three points of contact.
• Use a tool belt, hand line, or other method that allows safe climbing.

When working on roofs or elevated surfaces, identify unprotected edges, holes, skylights, fragile surfaces, and other fall hazards and use required fall protection.

Electrical Safety

Electrical repairs can expose workers to shock, electrocution, arc flash, burns, and fire.

• De-energize electrical equipment whenever possible before beginning work.
• Follow required lockout/tagout procedures when servicing equipment that could unexpectedly energize or start.
• Verify that equipment is de-energized before beginning work when required.
• Inspect electrical tools, cords, plugs, and equipment before use.
• Use GFCI protection where required.
• Maintain required clearances from overhead and exposed electrical conductors.
• Never perform electrical work unless you are trained, qualified, and authorized for the task.

Hand and Power Tools

Use the correct tool for every job.

• Inspect tools before use.
• Remove damaged or defective tools from service.
• Keep guards and safety devices installed and functioning.
• Keep cutting tools properly maintained and sharp.
• Disconnect or de-energize equipment before making adjustments, changing accessories, or performing maintenance when required.
• Never bypass guards or other safety devices.
• Keep hands and other body parts away from blades, bits, and moving components.

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

Before using paints, solvents, adhesives, cleaners, pesticides, or other chemicals:

• Read the product label and applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Follow instructions for handling, ventilation, storage, and disposal.
• Wear the required gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, and other PPE.
• Never mix chemicals unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
• Keep chemicals in properly labeled containers.

Respirators may only be used when appropriate under the company’s Respiratory Protection Program.

Asbestos, Lead, and Other Hazardous Materials

Older buildings may contain asbestos, lead-based paint, silica-containing materials, or other hazardous substances.

Do not cut, drill, grind, sand, scrape, disturb, or remove suspected hazardous building materials until they have been properly evaluated and appropriate controls have been established.

Work involving asbestos or lead may require specialized training, work practices, containment, respiratory protection, and other regulatory requirements. Do not perform regulated work unless properly trained and authorized.

Lifting and Material Handling

Handyman work often involves moving tools, equipment, appliances, building materials, and supplies.

• Evaluate the load before lifting.
• Use carts, dollies, or other mechanical assistance whenever practical.
• Ask for assistance with heavy, bulky, or awkward loads.
• Keep loads close to your body.
• Avoid twisting while lifting or carrying.
• Maintain clear travel paths and good footing.
• Do not attempt to catch a falling load.

Working Outdoors and Around the Public

When working outside or at unfamiliar locations:

• Watch for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
• Use high-visibility apparel when required.
• Barricade or otherwise control hazardous work areas.
• Be alert for uneven terrain and changing weather.
• Watch for insects, snakes, aggressive animals, and poisonous plants where applicable.
• Maintain good housekeeping to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected according to the hazards of each task. Depending on the work, this may include:

• Safety glasses or goggles.
• Face protection.
• Hearing protection.
• Appropriate work gloves.
• Hard hat.
• Protective footwear.
• High-visibility apparel.
• Respiratory protection when required and authorized.

Having PPE available is not enough—wear the correct protection whenever the task requires it.

Remember

Handyman work can change from one task to another in minutes. Stop and evaluate each new job before starting. Use the right tools, follow the appropriate safety procedure, wear required PPE, and never perform work you are not trained or authorized to perform.