It sometimes seems that there are lots of rules and regulations when it comes to safety on-site.

But the basic formula for staying healthy and avoiding injures is really quite simple:

• use safe work practices at all times
  
  
• look for hazards before you start any new job and take actions to control them
  
  
• keep the workplace tidy
  
  
• maintain a professional attitude and don't take shortcuts.

Many of the specific safety issues that you need to be aware of when you're installing carpet over a gripper system are covered in other units in this Flooring Technology resource.

Here they are in summary, linked to the orginal page on which they were discussed:

• Manual handling - including how to lift and carry heavy rolls of flooring.
  
  
• Knee problems - including injuries and chronic conditions caused by working on your knees.
  
  
• Dust and fumes - including dust from subfloor preparations and fumes from primers and adhesives.
  
  
• Skin contact with hazardous substances - including cement-based products and solvent.
  
  
• Personal protective equipment - including eye protection, ear protection and other items of PPE needed on-site.

Knife safety

One issue that is not discussed in the above units is how to use a knife safely.

Knives are potentially hazardous - but if you always follow good work practices, you can easily avoid cut injuries, and the job won't take any longer.

Here are some hints on knife safety.

• Keep the blade sharp - and change it whenever it starts to get blunt
  
  
• Keep your free hand clear - if you need to hold the material or a straight edge, make sure it's not in the direct line of the cut
  
  
• Don't over-reach while you're cutting - this will help you maintain maximum control
  
  
• Don't bend the blade sideways - they will snap easily if they're bent or twisted in the cut