Engaging in a DIY project at home can be extremely rewarding for multiple reasons. Completing a task on your own not only offers a sense of personal fulfillment and boosts your confidence but can also lead to significant savings by avoiding the costs of hiring a professional. However, when tackling projects independently, it’s crucial to exercise caution and adopt the right safety measures, especially if you lack professional training.
Large companies must adhere to government safety standards to protect their employees and the public, allowing them to allocate part of their budget for necessary safety gear. In contrast, when you undertake a DIY project, you bear the responsibility for ensuring you have the appropriate equipment to safeguard yourself, your home, and those around you. While there is a wide array of safety gear available, you may not need all of it; however, having the essential items can help prevent accidents and prepare you for any that may arise.
Some types of equipment focus on protecting your body, others are aimed at safeguarding your property, and some are designed to shield your tools and projects. Based on hands-on testing and evaluations by experts from reputable sources, along with personal experience, here are some essential safety items you should have ready before embarking on your next DIY project at home. You can find more details on how these items were chosen at the end of this list.
First aid kit
The term “first” in “first aid kits” highlights their purpose: to be readily accessible and provide immediate assistance following an injury. While they aren’t intended to replace professional medical care for serious accidents, they can stabilize an injury long enough for you to get the help you need.
A well-stocked first aid kit should include all the essentials for treating minor injuries such as cuts and burns. Everything should be organized in one place, so you can quickly find what you need during an emergency. It’s a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your car, as well as wherever you’re engaged in DIY projects—whether that’s in your garage, basement, or tool shed.
I personally use two First Aid Only Essentials Kits, each containing 298 pieces like bandages, burn cream, painkillers, and a cold pack. Wirecutter named it their ‘budget pick’ after reviewing several kits, noting that while its components are basic, they’re effective. GearLab also reviewed various options and rated the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit as offering the ‘best value for home use,’ thanks to its high-quality supplies, despite its somewhat flimsy case.
Eye protection
Protecting your eyes is crucial, as they are among the most sensitive and vital parts of your body. Whether you’re dealing with debris, toxic chemicals, or intense light, proper eye protection is essential. For tasks like welding, you need glasses that block harmful UV and IR radiation while filtering out the intense light from the welding torch. High-quality welding glasses are even suitable for safely viewing a solar eclipse.
For activities such as cutting or sawing, opt for safety goggles or glasses that are both impact-resistant and comfortable. After evaluating several options, Bob Vila named the DeWalt Concealer as the ‘best bang for the buck’ safety glasses. These glasses feature hard-coated polycarbonate lenses that resist scratching and fogging while providing UV protection. They’re available for about $12.24 at Amazon and Home Depot.
Another excellent choice is the NoCry Safety Glasses, which Wirecutter highlighted as its ‘upgrade pick’ for the best safety glasses of 2024. Wirecutter praised these glasses for their highly adjustable fit, making them suitable for various head sizes. Although they come in multiple colors, many options are currently sold out.
Masks and respirators
Hearing protection
When working with noisy equipment like power saws or lawnmowers, protecting your hearing is crucial, as prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause damage. Bob Vila named the Decibel Defense Safety Earmuffs as the best overall for hearing protection. These rugged, over-the-ear muffs can reduce noise by 34 decibels, exceeding many competitors. However, you’ll need to adjust the foam padding for a proper fit before first use to ensure their effectiveness.
For those who prefer earplugs over earmuffs, the Minuendo High-Fidelity Acoustic Earplugs are a solid choice. CNET rated them as the ‘best overall earplugs to prevent hearing loss for 2024.’ Although they reduce noise by up to 25 decibels (adjustable based on your needs), they’re pricier. Still, their sleek, modern design resembles premium headphones more than typical safety gear.
Work gloves
Work gloves are essential for DIY projects, offering protection against cuts, burns, chemicals, and cold weather. The Carhartt A518 work gloves, priced at $19, are highly recommended. Tested by USA Today, these gloves demonstrated resistance to knife cuts and provided protection for fingertips, knuckles, wrists, and palms, earning them the title of best work gloves of 2024. Available in sizes from small to XXL, you’re likely to find a good fit.
However, Carhartt gloves aren’t ideal for wet conditions or extreme cold. For winter work, consider the Milwaukee Performance Work Gloves at $30.97. These gloves keep your hands warm while safeguarding against cuts and splinters, all without sacrificing dexterity. Their flexible material allows for better grip and fingertip exposure. Pro Tool Reviews found them effective but noted they might fit too loosely for some users.
Fire extinguisher
How the recommended safety equipment on this list was selected
It’s crucial to ensure that any safety gear you purchase performs effectively to avoid wasting money and compromising safety. When you can’t test a product yourself before buying, it’s best to rely on expert reviews from reputable sources. The safety equipment recommended in this list for at-home DIY projects has been rigorously tested and positively reviewed by established publications such as GearLab, The New York Times Wirecutter, Bob Vila, Pro Tool Reviews, CNET, and USA Today. Additionally, I personally own and use some of these recommended products, and I can attest to their effectiveness.
While having ample safety equipment is always beneficial, this list focuses on essentials for home use and omits items less relevant to DIY projects. For instance, bright yellow or orange safety vests are crucial for visibility on construction sites or in professional environments but are less necessary for solo garage projects. Therefore, while this list provides valuable recommendations for home DIY safety, it’s not exhaustive for other work scenarios.
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