It was funny how that twenty feet suddenly looked like a hundred feet when Tony was standing on the roof looking down. He froze at the thought of climbing back onto the ladder and nearly panicked.

Firemen lifting terrified cats from trees was one thing, escorting foolish males from a roof was quite another. Tony barely summoned the courage to climb back down, and once on solid ground he gained a whole new perspective for how high twenty feet really is.

Experts advise against tackling projects involving wiring, plumbing, heating, or climbing, even when you have had some training in those areas. They are complicated and dangerous jobs, and a miscue could lead to disaster.

However, there are many jobs the average do-it-yourselfer can tackle around the house as long as he or she uses good judgment and proven safety practices.

Dress For Success

The minimum safety equipment for all do-it-yourself projects includes:

* Safety glasses with impact-resistant lenses and frames for work that could produce flying particles; and safety goggles for work with liquids that could splatter. Do not rely on regular reading glasses for protection.

Safety goggles should also have a sturdy headstrap and many ventilation holes on the sides, which make them more comfortable in warm weather and prevent fogging.

* Dust masks to filter common dusts, such as fiberglass insulation particles and sanding dust. Some toxic materials, such as lead paint and asbestos, require special respirator masks with cartridge-type filters.

* Rubber gloves to protect your hands from skin damage when using paints or strong solvents. Leather or cloth gloves will provide protection for other types of work.

* Hearing protectors worn during prolonged exposure to loud noises produced by equipment such as drills and power saws.

* Head protection in close quarters and low ceiling areas, especially with nails sticking down. Use an old bike helmet or buy a hard hat.

* Sturdy, heavy soled shoes with steel toes.

* Get expert advice for the purchase and use of safety equipment.

Planning And Performance

* Think small. Don't overdo it by taking on more challenge than you can handle. If you're going to need help, get it early in your project.

* Plan the job before starting. Look for potential hazards.

* Allow enough time to do the job without hurrying or cutting corners. Work during "your" most productive hours.

* Get all the needed tools on hand before starting. Don't improvise. For example, don't extend the length of a wrench with a hollow pipe.

* Alternate heavy and light work to avoid fatigue. Take breaks often.

* When carrying tools or supplies, make sure the route is clear. Put pets out of the way.

* When lifting, clutch a heavy load to your body and lift straight up. Let your legs do the work, not your back.

* Know your limits.

* Keep the area clean of debris.

* Never saw into walls without knowing the exact layout of electrical wires, plumbing, gas pipes, asbestos insulation, and studs. To help yourself, use a stud sensor and run a shower to listen for running water in pipes in the wall.

Tools Of The Trade

* Review all instructions for your equipment. Understand the equipment before you use it.

* When renting a new piece of machinery, have the dealer explain its operations to you. Take the time to "know" a new tool.

* Use the correct guard, shield or safety mechanism that came with the equipment. Do not remove them!

* Stay alert, especially when you are teamed with another person on a machine. Communicate clearly.

* Keep equipment in good working condition.

* If the tool requires two hands, hold on with both hands.

* If a wood saw does not cut well with little pressure, it probably needs sharpening.

* If a power tool sparks, stalls or overheats do not use it. Have it repaired professionally.

* Use the proper ladder for the job. Keep it in good repair. Put it on a firm, level, nonslippery surface. Keep your body within the side rails.

* Keep in mind that any house or apartment built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead-based paint can be harmful to children and pregnant women.

Before you disturb a surface with old paint, call your local health department for guidance on testing. If lead-based paint is present, have the repair or renovation done by a professional.

If you must do it yourself, get instructions from your health department.