Blimey - this title must have been written for me!Perhaps I can give myself some advice here!
My to tips are:
ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
I know it's boring, and you'd really like to be getting on with the job, but it's always worth while reading the instructions. If there are any tips you think you'd forget, write them on a post-it note and stick them to the shed wall.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
You may have READ the instructions, but you also need to FOLLOW them. 'Use in a well-ventilated room' or 'do not overfill' aren't always there to save them from prosecution - sometimes they really are there to help you!
USE A CIRCUIT BREAKER
A life-saver, and not that expensive.
BUY AN CIRCUIT FINDER
Those fab little gadgets that can see through walls will stop you drilling through an electric cable and electrocuting yourself.
MAKE SURE YOUR LADDER IS FIRM
Make sure your ladder is on a firm patch of ground, and not at an angle. Don't lean over too far, and don't take anything too heavy up the ladder, which is likely to topple it over.
KNOW WHERE YOUR LEAD IS
If you are trailing a lead after you, make sure you keep it tucked in close to your body. This is especially true when you are using something like a hedge trimmer or chain saw.
DONT' REMOVE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
It's very easy to take off some safety guards. I suppose it is so you can clean behind them. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PUT THEM BACK ON. It might make your job a bit harder, but it could save your fingers.
STORE CHEMICALS PROPERLY
Be careful of how you store paint, thinners etc. Make sure the lids are firmly on, and that they don't fall on each other. Remember that if you have a shed-full of paint it is quite a fire risk. Take steps to minimise this.
WEAR THE PROPER KIT
Always wear protective goggles, and cover up where necessary. Don't climb ladders in shorts, or walk through a building site in flip-flops. If an accident does happen, you'll be much more severely injured.
Have I put you off completely? Not if you are a seasoned DIYer, I'm sure. But do take care, or you'll be on permanent bed-rest.
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