It's amazing how many people tackle home improvement projects with very little regard for safety. It's not surprising then, that accidents are common during home improvement projects. They can range from just getting a splinter in your hand all the way to the loss of a limb or even more. So before you get started on your next do it yourself home improvement project, here is some equipment that you should use.

1 safety glasses -- a lot of jobs around the home call for activities that create flying debris. And it's very easy to get some of that debris caught in your eye. It can be both very painful and dangerous to your vision. A very simple solution is to wear safety glasses that protect both eyes not only in front but also on the sides as well.

2. Hard hat - on lots of these improvement jobs the flying debris can be very large. Sometimes even a large enough to threaten a persons life if it lands on their head. A safety hard hat is designed to take a very hard hit and allow you to still walk away. It's great insurance to have on your head.

3. Hearing protection - often the noise level around a construction site can rise to very uncomfortable levels, especially when power tools are being used. After awhile, you may just tune out all of the noise and say that it doesn't bother you. However, that doesn't mean that it isn't doing damage to your hearing. And that's something that you just can't afford. So either install a good set of ear plugs, or even better, use a set of ear safety muffs that will completely cover both ears.

4. Respirator - there is often a lot of fine dust flying around in very close spaces too. And sometimes the solvents and chemicals that are used for certain jobs can be toxic as well. So there is a need to protect your lungs while working on these projects. Respirators can come in the form of very simple masks, or even more heavy-duty versions with cartridges or filters that provide the highest degree of protection.

5. Gloves - lots of home projects involve working with wood and metal materials that can easily damage your hands unnecessarily. A lot of folks who attempt home improvement projects are not used to working with these materials, and so their hands can take a severe beating. A very simple way to avoid all of that is to get a good pair of work gloves that are both tough and flexible.

6. Shoes - your feet are especially at risk from almost everything all the time. A lot of injuries have happened because someone dropped something and didn't have the right kind of shoes or boots on that would give them proper protection. So be sure that you take care of your feet, and they will take care of you.

Practicing good safety procedures like those mentioned here on your do it yourself home improvements just makes good sense, and can keep an enjoyable project from turning into a nightmare.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including home improvement. You can find out more about do it yourself home improvements and do it yourself home repair by visiting our Home Improvement website.