Exterior house painting without the help of a professional can be dangerous, particularly if you haven’t worked on a ladder before. Painting your home on your own is a great way to save money while protecting the exterior of the house and updating its look; however, it’s important to remember safety in painting as you begin your DIY project.

During pregnancy, painting safety is even more important. While pregnant, you should practice extreme caution while on ladders. In addition, depending on the actual paint used in an exterior house painting job, the fumes could be dangerous. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it’s best to avoid all paints and solvents while pregnant.

Practice these painting safety tips the next time you are doing any exterior house painting jobs.

Tip#1: Use a Fiberglass Ladder

During an exterior house painting project, fiberglass ladders are lighter and stronger than their wooden counterparts. In addition, they don’t conduct electricity like a metal ladder would, if you were to inadvertently touch an electrical wire while you are putting the ladder up.

Tip#2: Make Sure the Ladder is Stable

To practice safety in painting your house, place your ladder at a 3 to 1 ratio at the side of the house. (For each 3 feet in rise of the ladder, move the base of it back from the edge of the house 1 foot). Ensure that the area surrounding the base of the ladder and where the ladder feet are planted is solid, and won’t shift (be careful if you’re trying to secure your ladder in a rocky or graveled area). Also, if you’re using a drop cloth, remember to keep the ladder feet from resting on it, as it could cause the ladder to slide during an exterior house painting project.

Tip #4: Maintain 3 Points of Contact at All Times

As you’re climbing the ladder and while painting, make sure to maintain 3 points of contact to the ladder and/or house (two feet and a hand) at all times to maintain your balance and the stability of the ladder itself.

Tip #5: Wear a Safety Harness on the Roof

If you’re completing exterior house painting on a second story, and you can stand on the roof to do so, make sure to wear a safety harness and a fall arrest system. These are systems that attach to the roof and can slow or stop you in the event of a fall. Extremely steeply pitched roofs should not be walked on. Never climb on your roof right after a rain, as it could be very slippery.

Tip #6: Wear Safety Equipment

It’s important to wear goggles when doing an exterior house painting job, especially if you’re using a power sprayer, as the paint could splash or blow into your eyes. For good safety in painting your home, consider the additional equipment:

• A respirator if you’re in an enclosed area
• Gloves to keep paint off of your hands
• Steel-toed boots to protect your feet from falling objects.