Happy Father’s Day to all the DIY Dads

15 Jun Happy Father’s Day to all the DIY Dads

Tomorrow is Father’s Day here in the UK and that gives us a chance to celebrate all the great things our dads do for us all year round. Whether you’ve carefully choreographed a special day out, or it’s a frantic scramble to find something at the local petrol station, the sentiment remains broadly the same. It was while talking about our individual Father’s Day plans in the office, we realised that many of our parents had previously had careers and now hobbies that still required the use of safety masks. However, if they were to be honest, in the pursuit of speed and without the long arm of the law to legislate home DIY, they don’t always use the correct safety kit! Shocking, we know!

So, with that in mind, here are two everyday DIY examples of where safety masks could make all the difference to your father’s health.

Sanding and Cutting

Ok, so it might seem like an obvious one, but how many of us have asked for their parents’ help when sanding down a table or cutting and fitting shelves? Sawdust can certainly smell great, but when cutting and sanding wood, the sawdust quickly becomes an airborne particulate and a known human carcinogen. In some cases, the inhalation of sawdust can lead to lifelong respiratory problems. Some wood varieties such as Korina, which is commonly used in guitar building, are extremely toxic when in sawdust form. A broad range of construction tasks can lead to serious health issues, the hazards are plentiful.

Painting and Decorating

Again, it seems so obvious, but in an effort to swiftly complete a decorating project, it can be all too easy to ignore common sense and not wear a protective mask. Not using a mask, particularly when using oil based paints, can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and nausea. In some cases, it can lead to a skin reaction, so take the proper precautions to also wear other recommended safety clothing.

I’m sure that if you’ve read up to this point, you are getting the message. Taking the time to properly plan a DIY job and to use the correct health and safety equipment will not only ensure the task is done right, but it also means that you and your dads remain safe, ready to complete many DIY projects together in years to come.

As always, if you have any questions about the correct application of safety masks, then please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team.

We wish you all a very Happy Father’s Day.