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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: href="http://www.epa.gov/">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!