With proper precautions, retrofitting should pose little to no threat to the health and safety of the occupants or to those doing the work. Though most building materials and renovation work can be potentially hazardous, risk factors should be low if materials are handled with care and work is performed with safety in mind. Always read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for safety procedures when working with various materials.

Safety reminders for each type of retrofit job are noted in the chapters that follow. This section provides general construction safety tips and guidelines.

General construction safety tips

• Know how to use and handle all tools with care, including rental equipment. Complicated equipment such as power nailers, sprayers and powder-actuated fasteners require special instruction and practice.
• Have a first aid kit and an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use them.
• Protect your back when lifting heavy objects; do not lift and reach at the same time and take special care when handling heavy or bulky objects, especially when going up and down stairs and ladders.
• Do not smoke near insulation or fumes (watch out for hidden open flames like pilot lights).
• Keep your work site well organized with tools out of the way of traffic and give yourself plenty of clear space to manoeuvre.
• Make sure that the work space is well lighted and ventilated and that fall protection barriers are in place where needed.
• Ensure sufficient and proper electrical supply for power tools.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing, footwear, helmets, hearing protection, masks and goggles for the job at hand.
• Avoid working in an attic on a hot day. Heat stress can cause accidents and serious illness.