Painting the exterior of your home can be fun and exciting. Change can be a good thing, especially if you’re completely changing the color and the looks of your home. Yet painting can also be a very dangerous task if you don’t follow general painting safety tips.

Know your spaceExterior Painting Safety Tips

Many people love to jump right into a project without thinking about what’s down the road. But with just a bit of planning ahead of time, you can avoid many situations. Are there power lines close by? Is the landscaping going to be in the way? Will loose gravel or dirt impact your movement? Painting safety tips may help your project go more smoothly.

Your ladder should always have a 3 to 1 ratio

When you place a ladder against the side of your home, it should be placed 1 foot away from your home for every 3 feet it rises. It doesn’t need to be an exact science, but the closer you are to this ratio, the safer you will be.

Stick with the 3 point rule

If you’re on the ladder, keep 3 points of contact on the ladder at all times – both feet and one hand. If you straddle between the house and ladder, for instance, you put yourself at far greater risk for slipping and falling.

Fiberglass ladders for safety

If you still live in an area with external power wires, it may be wise to invest in a fiberglass ladder instead of a metal one. This will prevent electrocution in case you accidentally touch it while on the ladder.

If you are in risky situations, have a second person nearby

A second set of eyes can help watch out for what you’re doing and for what’s happening around you.

Be extremely careful on the roof

The roof of your home can be an extremely dangerous place, especially when wet. If there is any water, stay off until completely dry. And if you’ll be spending any time on the roof, it may be worth investing in a fall arrest system that will slow you down if you fall.

Traction is everything.

Never try work outside your home in anything but good, sturdy shoes. Flip flops can be dangerous anywhere except the beach. Ladder can easily break your toes if one falls on them. And sturdy support can keep you well balanced as you climb around.

Never paint in a storm

Colorado is famous for afternoon storms. When you see the clouds build and hear the first boom in the sky, its time to take cover. Ladders conduct electricity, which means you increase your chances of being struck if you are near one during a storm. If you see lightening, take cover.

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