DIY Tips for Home Safety Enthusiasts

DIY safety tips for Bank Holiday enthusiasts!

The May Day bank holiday is the start of the DIY season as people start to repair and renovate their homes for the summer. However there is an increase in the number of injuries and even deaths amongst handy men and women every year around the Bank holiday period. More than 200,000 DIY enthusiasts attend hospital every year in the UK with 87,000 hurt while using tools and machinery. The Home Accident Prevention groups who run Hazard House, Home Safety Centre in Ballymoney has some advice to would be ‘Do it Yourself’ enthusiasts to make sure you stay safe and avoid DIY disasters.

Be prepared and plan ahead! Make sure you have the correct tool and protective equipment for the job and know how to use them properly. Wear protective safety gear. Read instructions before you start. More accidents happen when you are in a rush or tired. Be realistic – don’t tackle a job unless you have the ability – call in the professionals if you are unsure.

Ladder Safety - Place the ladder on firm ground and ensure it is securely placed. Wear suitable non slip footwear. Don’t over reach – get help if necessary.

Tools – The top tools for accidents are – 1. knives and scalpels 2. saws 3. grinders 4. hammers 5. chisels 6. screwdrivers 7. power drills 8. axes, planes and welding equipment. Use with care!

Electric Tools - Keep all tools out of reach of children and lock them away in a shed when not in use. Use an RCD (residual current device). This is a safety device that instantly switches off power and is essential for all outside tools. It could save your life! Never work in damp or wet conditions. Replace frayed or worn cables immediately.

Chemical Safety - Keep all products like paint strippers and weed killers out of reach of children and store in their original containers. Use all flammable liquids according to manufacturers instructions and never use near naked flames.

Finally – Remember don’t cut corners and put yourself or others at risk

Take care with DIY!