It's imperative you use the right safety equipment prior to removing or installing your kitchen.

Working with tools can be dangerous if proper protective equipment isn’t being used. Throw in electricity, plumbing or heavy materials... and there are plenty of potential hazards when you are demolishing and building your kitchen.

You will be using hammers, drills, saws and screwdrivers. You could be demolishing, sanding, painting and using sealants. There will be electrical and plumbing work to be done by qualified tradesmen so your house will become a temporary worksite. As long as the proper safety protective gear is used to prevent any accidents from occurring, then you won’t have anything to worry about.

Most of us already know this, however a 2012 DIY Safety Survey conducted by 3M found that whilst 9 out of 10 people understand the importance of PPE when working around the house, 60% of people don’t bother wearing any even if it’s right at their fingertips!

The survey said that 3 in 4 people are concerned about protecting their eyes when working at home but only 39% of people wear eye protection. Eye protection is critical to stop anything from flicking into your eyes. It also helps to protect against fumes getting into your eyes if you are painting or sealing.

It is also just as important to wear earmuffs to prevent any hearing damage occurring to your ears from exposure to loud noises.  

Last but not least, it is critical to protect your airways and lungs when DIYing. Dust particles from demo work or sanding and paint fumes are no good for you. Some of the most common complaints when undertaking work at home are loss of breath or nausea.  

So, if you are undertaking any DIY project then make sure you wear eye protection, ear protection and a facemask as a bare minimum (sunglasses don’t count)!