Protect Yourself from Head to Toe

Written by Be Jane's
Heidi Baker

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Protect myself? But I'm only doing stuff around my home! I know it sounds silly having to wear things to protect yourself when you are just doing things around your home, but it is important. Working with different solvents, sanding and even painting can make you vulnerable to particles, fumes, and other toxins. In order to protect yourself, here's a list of how to look after your most valuable resource, YOU!

Hands and Nails

There are different types of gloves for different tasks:

• Cotton gloves are helpful for when you are using abrasive tools or items with sharp edges. They've saved me numerous times when I've worked with glass.
• Latex Gloves are useful for when you are working with paint, especially non-water based paints which usually can only be removed with alcohol or Mineral Spirits. Trust me using Brillo pad on your hands is no fun and you can forget keeping a manicure.
• Neoprene gloves are made of a durable plastic-like substance. These gloves are very important when working with harsh chemicals like solvents and strippers. Even if you don't believe us, you will quickly understand what we mean the first time you get one of these substances on your skin. If this should happen, make sure to thoroughly rinse the area as directed in the label on the back of the can/bottle.
  If you still find your hands get dried out regardless of wearing gloves, we suggest a nighttime application of a heavier crème or balm and to place white cotton gloves or socks on your hands before going to bed. This will help the drier areas to get the moisture they need to enable you to finish your project without having sand paper hands.

Eyes

• It is always important to wear protective eyewear when doing any home improvement. These will protect your eyes from many things such as chemicals you could be working with to a nail gun and ricocheting a nail back at you.
• It's always best to have a pair of goggles or glasses on at all times. The type to use will depend on the project at hand. If you will be creating a lot of dust or particles in your project, then we suggest you get a pair of goggles that seal up against your face. For those of you out there with contacts, this is a must. Lori has found that the sawdust dried out her eyes and then got caught under her lenses. Needless to say, not an experience she'd like to repeat.
• Okay, you'll get a pair, but how do you pick out the right one? We suggest you find something that you can comfortably see through, like to wear, but wouldn't be devastated if it got paint on it and are easily replaced. Figure you want to feel comfortable enough in them to keep them on for whatever time it takes to get the job done right.

Masks and Respirators

• These will protect you from the harsh fumes and dust particles often involved in home improvement. Regardless of the protection, we suggest you do as many projects as possible outside or at the very least, open two windows or doors to create cross-ventilation in the room you are working.
• If there is a risk you could inhale dust, solvent fumes or aerosols, you will need a respirator. We recommend that you check the product labels to see which one will work for your current project.
• We realize it can be bother to wear one as well as have to buy a new one for different projects, but we can't stress strongly enough the importance of protecting your lungs. A garden mask may fit and look better but it's not made to block the fumes.
• It is very important to know if you are dealing with large quantities of lead or asbestos both of these can be potentially very dangerous. (Just two kinds of places that you might find these would be: popcorn/textured ceilings done in the 60's and lead based paints). We suggest you wear a respirator but don't be fooled as sometimes even an organic respirator won't do the trick. If you are working with large amounts of either substance, we suggest you get guidance from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). For more information on either of these topics, go to: http://www.epa.gov/

Apparel

• We recommend the right clothes for the job. If that job entails you working with sharp objects or caustic chemicals, the best possible choice would be something that would cover both your arms and legs. It should not be tight fitting in case you need to get yourself in and out of difficult places to access. And most important, something that you won't care if it gets dirty, torn, or painted on. Trust me, I've told myself too many times, "I'll be careful this time" and I've ended up with a closet full of clothes that are now only appropriate for working around the house.

Shoes

• I know, protective equipment?! We just want to make sure that you protect your feet as we know that many of us begin projects impromptu but don't always remember to put on shoes. I'm not mentioning any names-Eden. Just make sure that you are wearing something that will enable you to comfortably and safely get the job done. And just because you feel comfortable in your new Nine West heels doesn't make them right for the job.

Hair

• While we can't tell you the number of times we've ended up with paint or spackle in our hair, this section is not only about keeping your locks their natural color. If you hair is long enough to impair your vision in any way, we recommend that you pull it away from your face. Doing this can prevent bad things from happening like brushing it up against a newly painted wall the day before a black tie affair to something more serious like getting it caught in a working electric saw.
  
  Besides, it's a great excuse to wear a babushka!