When do-it-yourself projects really require a pro

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

There are some repairs and renovations that should be left to pros — even if you had experience and skill in the past.

The skills needed to do a safe and good job can change over time. Your balance or vision can get worse. Reduced strength, hearing or dexterity can limit your current competence. Your ability to learn how to use new tools, proven modern methods, or to understand new situations can decline.

Not everyone has a skilled assistant and the right tools, materials and talent to do repairs, additions or renovations. You can avoid dangers and future risks by using licensed contractors, especially for the most risky projects. These include work with gas appliances or pipes, roofing, toxic substances (such as lead, asbestos or mold), major electrical and plumbing repairs, demolition and tree trimming. Errors doing risky projects can lead to irreversible harm or injury or future exposure to substances that can cause health problems.

Gas-related repairs are among the most dangerous jobs. A faulty repair can lead to an unnoticed leak in a pipe or heating system. Leaks can lead to an explosion, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Any broken pipe repair should be done by a licensed plumber. Normally the repair requires the use of a propane torch, which can be very unwise for someone who is not a trained professional.

Inadequate protection can cause severe health hazards. Common mistakes include activities that cause lasting damage to lungs, hands, eyes and ears. Lead dust, mold, chemicals and asbestos can harm both adults and kids.

Your home electricity can kill you. Shocks or fires can come from faulty doit-yourself (DIY) repairs of appliances, installations of new wiring and circuits, or demolition of walls containing wires and pipes. Aluminum ladders can also cause shocks if they touch electrical wires and utility poles. Electricity is perilous around water or damp ground.

Common DIY injuries include falls, strained backs, power tool injuries, burns, eye wounds from flying debris, lung damage, sprains, and staples or nails shot into arms or legs.

Protective equipment and clothing are needed for safety. Loose sleeves, long hair, jewelry, shorts or sandals can increase your risks in most projects.

No project is worth risking serious injury just to save bucks. An injury can result in medical expenses far greater than the cost of hiring a professional. One study estimated 1 in 5 do-it-yourselfers end up getting hurt in the process.

Licensed electricians, plumbers, heating and air contractors, and arborists are acquainted with local regulations and codes. They should be fully insured in case something goes wrong with a project or if someone is injured on the job.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Know your limits. Be sure you have the experience, training, tools and adequate time to handle a project safely. Avoid major repairs, renovation or demolition unless you are certified or licensed to do them.

Don’t be penny-wise and poundfoolish. Consider the risks of doing work yourself — not just the savings. Saving a little could really end up costing a lot, even more than the cost of redoing a project. The real costs of do-it-yourself work can be expensive medical bills, lost work hours, and long-term suffering.

Don’t spread lead paint dust. If painting was done before 1978, hire a certified RRP contractor who is trained to minimize dust and clean up thoroughly to reduce contamination. A contractor should also remove asbestos.

Hire a pro for work that is concealed behind walls, floors and ceilings or requires a two-story ladder or scaffolding.

Hire a licensed contractor for big electrical, plumbing, tree and gas work. A pro is also helpful for wildlife removal.

Avoid digging deep until you know if an area is free of a gas, sewer or other utility lines.

If you insist on doing a major proj- ect yourself, do your homework first by studying manuals, taking courses, and researching the Internet. Reacquaint yourself with the needed tools. Invest in needed protective items (safety glasses, brimmed hat, appropriate gloves, ear plugs, well-fitting dust mask or respirator, and safe clothing). For roof, tree, second-story window or gutter work, consider investing in a fall-protection kit with a harness and mounting gear. It would also be wise to have a skilled adult assistant and special ladder. Keep an A-B- C rated fire extinguisher on hand.

For minor electric repairs such as fixing a switch, use a voltage meter to be sure there is no current after you have shut off a circuit breaker. Wear rubber soled shoes or use a rubber mat. Make sure your work area is completely dry.

Shut off tools at their switch before adjusting them. Never use tools with frayed cords. Protect your hands and eyes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

See nsc.org/news_ resources/injury_ and_death_ statistics/ Documents/ InjuryFactsHighlights.pdf, especially page 168. Better Health: TAKE CHARGE! is provided by the Healthy Memphis Common Table: healthymemphis.org. This article supports the care and advice of your doctor.