House painting is a popular DIY job and a fresh coat of paint is an excellent way to give your home an update. But when you paint indoors, you need to take steps to keep yourself safe. From harmful fumes to dangerous chemicals, painting can be dangerous for humans and pets. Whether you purchased a fixer-upper or your existing home needs a facelift, there's a lot to consider before you dive into painting your new place.

A Safe Workspace

Ensure the area you are working in is well ventilated. Even odourless paint can emit harmful fumes, so always open windows and run an exhaust fan. Check that there are no heat sources or open flames in your workspace. This includes cigarettes, ovens, and water heaters. You should also ensure your electrical outlets are covered with painter's tape. Alternatively, you can turn off the power, especially if you plan to remove the covers.

When sanding or painting, be sure to wear goggles and a mask. If your products recommend you wear gloves, be sure to do that as well. While plastic coverings are useful, a fabric drop cloth for the floor is a more effective way to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

Be sure to inspect your ladder before you use it and don't carry anything with you as you climb it. Avoid standing on the top step. As a rule, you are too high if your knees are over the top of the ladder. As annoying as it might be, it's safer to climb down and move the ladder to avoid overreaching.

Stay Safe With Lead Paint Testing

According to Helen Cochrane of AJ Cochrane & Sons in Perth, painting is a fast and relatively simple way to improve the look and feel of a property, especially an older property. However, you need to pay attention.

“The widespread use of lead paint, coupled with the cost of removing it safely, means that there are a lot of older homes across Perth, Western Australia, and Australia in general, that have layer upon layer of old paint jobs.

“Any one of those layers could be lead paint. After three generations in the painting industry, my advice is to never ever start sanding until you have completed a lead paint test," she says.

You can purchase a lead test kit at your local hardware store. Complete the test before you start the sanding process. If the test comes back positive, you should reach out to a professional for advice. It is dangerous to attempt to remove toxic paint on your own.

An asbestos survey is the best way to ensure your home is free of the toxic substance because you can't see or smell it. If you suspect your home has asbestos, do not try to remove it yourself or touch it. Call an asbestos expert to deal with the issue.

Renovate With Confidence

If you’re about to embark on renovations, protect your investment and your health by practising safe DIY as you personalise your space. If you have major ideas, reach out to a professional who can take the reins and give you an expert finish.