REPAIRS!

Congrats!! You just signed the lease to your very FIRST apartment!

Now you are in charge for paying rent, maintaining the apartment, and learning

to live on your own!

Good News/Bad News

The good thing about renting vs. owning is you have a landlord to give complaints and maintenance needs to…but that can take a long time to get what you need. Wouldn’t it be better to be able to do a quick fix

yourself?

What are examples of home maintenance repairs you think you would encounter in

your first apartment or home?

Recommended Monthly Home Maintenance

Check smoke detectors Check fire extinguishers Clean garbage disposals

Check for evidence of leaks around toilets, sinks,

dishwashers, washing machine Unclog drains

Test appliances

Basic Tools

BENCH RULE

TAPE MEASURE

HACK SAW

CARPENTERS, SPIRIT LEVELNails & Screws

PHILLIPSSCREWDRIVER

Basic Tools

STANDARDSCREWDRIVER

STRIAGHT-CLAW,RIPPING

HAMMER

NEEDLE NOSE PLERS

SLIP JOINT PLIERS

Ladder

Basic Tools

ADJUSTABLE OPEN END WRENCH PUTTY KNIFE

UTILITY KNIFE

Pipe Wrench

Gloves

Goggles

HazardsWorkers using hand and power tools maybe exposed to thesehazards:

Objects that fall, fly, are abrasive, or splash Harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, and gases Frayed or damaged electrical cordsHazardous connections and improper grounding Vibration and impact

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Hand Tools - Protection•Keep floor surface where working free from debris and tripping or slipping hazards

•Keep cutting tools sharp

•Use tools as they were intended to be used

•Keep “ non-working” hand away from tool• as much as possible

•Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and gloves

Hand Tool Safety

• Carry with sharp point downward

• Pass handle first• Wear eye protection

with striking tools• Do not use broken

tools• Operate according to

manufacturers’ instructions

• Keep tools properly sharpened

• Keep tools and material off the floor

• Inspect before use• Use the right

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Electric Power Tool Safety

• Keep cord and tool dry at all times

• Be sure switch is off before plugging the tool in

• Remove key from drills immediately after use

• Wear eye protection• If conditions are dusty,

wear a dust mask• After turning machine off

hold it firmly until it comes to a dead stop

• Keep cord away from blades and moving parts

OSHA Office of Training and Education

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Examples of PPEExamples of PPE

earplugs, earmuffsHearing

vestsBodies

glovesHands and arms

safety shoesFeet

hard hatsHead

face shieldsFace

safety glasses, gogglesEye

Body Part Protection

Basic Home Repairs

-Fix a hole in the wall-Hang a shelf/ large photo (not just using

command strips)-Unit build (desk, shelving unit, bed, etc.)

-Prime/Paint walls-Add & remove wallpaper

-Fix the toilet -Fix a broken window (frame and glass)

-Fix the faucet/shower-Unclog a drain

-Fix shingles on the roof -Cleaning the outside gutters

-Fix the garbage disposal

Although it can save you a lot

of $ to know the basics and do your own

repairs…know when to leave it to the pros and when to

ask for help if you cannot

complete the task yourself!

For example, It might be time to call somebody if…

If…you think

this is a solid

plan…

If…you turned your laundry room into a foam pit

If…you’re this guy…

If…you make the situation worse than it

started…

If…you acquired a new pet

Final ThoughtYou’ll want to maintain a clean

and functional apartment because when you decide to

move out you’ll have a LARGE checklist to complete to get your security deposit back!!

So fix problems as they occur, don’t wait until they pile up on

you.