Safety Concerns When Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Refinishing hardwood floors is a time consuming and messy course of action that offers big rewards. It can also be potentially hazardous unless you take the right safety precautions.

Asbestos

Refinishing hardwood floors often begins with the removal of old flooring such as carpet, tile or sheet linoleum. The adhesives and backing in old vinyl flooring may contain asbestos, so it’s recommended you check with a licensed asbestos contractor to make sure that your floor is safe to remove yourself. If not, you’ll need to hire an asbestos specialist.

Nails and Tacks

Newly exposed hardwood floors may contain carpet tacks and projecting nails. Wearing thick-soled work boots and good work gloves will help avoid any injuries.

Sanding Dust

Sanding hardwood floors raises a tremendous amount of dust. Wearing goggles and a confront disguise will protect your lungs and eyes. But it’s also important to protect electrical outlets, light fixtures and HVAC vents as heavy dust can wreak havoc with these systems.

Chemicals

Stripping and refinishing hardwood floors involves the use of lots of heavy chemicals in solvents, adhesives and stains. It’s always a good idea to protect yourself with proper goggles, confront disguise and gloves.

strength Tools

Whenever using strength tools like drum sanders, be sure to take the following safety steps:

Take frequent breaks to keep strength tools from overheating.

Always unplug strength tools when not in use.

Keep strength tools out of reach of small children.

Children and Pets

Keep small children and house pets out of the work area at all times. This applies not only to while you’re working, but already when you’re not working there may be hazardous debris around the worksite such as nails, tacks, tools and harsh chemicals.

A Clean Worksite

As with any project, a clean and orderly work site is a safe worksite. Clean up as you go and stow tools and all products away and out of reach when not in use.

Thinking about safety first will ensure a speedy, trouble-free project.