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Expert Tips for a Safe Home Workshop

Workshop
To ensure that crafting in a hobby workshop is enjoyable, everything from the smallest screw to the largest machine should have a secure place. Photo: Getty Images / PeopleImages
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August 18, 2023, 3:56 am | Read time: 2 minutes

Patching a bicycle tube or sanding down and repainting an old chair–a hobby workshop is a great place for crafting and tinkering. However, the extra space should be safe.

Many hobbyists dream of having their own workshop where they can work undisturbed. However, safety should be a consideration when setting up the workshop. Not every room is suitable for this. What should you pay attention to?

Fresh Air in the Workshop

Paints and varnishes emit fumes and odors–a hobby workshop should therefore have a window for ventilation. This is pointed out by the Action “Das sichere Haus” (DSH). If the room has no window, a ventilation system can be installed.

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Safety and Order for the Workshop

Additionally, secure storage is crucial. Hazardous materials like adhesives or varnishes should be kept in a lockable and non-flammable cabinet, preferably made of metal. This is especially important if there are children in the house.

Nails and screws should also be stored securely. For more storage space, tool walls and shelving systems are recommended. Cabinets should ideally be anchored to the wall with a tip-over protection.

More on this: Expert reveals 14 common DIY mistakes

The Right Power Supply

A hobby workshop needs several outlets. If using power strips, ensure they have the GS mark (“Tested Safety”). They should be positioned to avoid tripping hazards. When connecting devices, do not exceed the permissible load, which is usually indicated on the power strip.

Electrical circuits in the hobby workshop should also be protected with a residual current device (RCD). This can be retrofitted into the fuse box or onto outlets.

Also of interest: Warning, risk of injury! Not all utility knives perform well

with material from dpa

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

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