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Avoid DIY mishaps this Bank Holiday
Avoid DIY mishaps this Bank Holiday
With 2009’s August Bank Holiday weekend most likely resulting in a wash out, DIY will become one of the post popular activities in households across the South East.
However, be warned, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents an average of 200,000 people injure themselves every year in DIY accidents. This includes 1,500 accidents with wallpaper including accidents with knives, power tools and ladders which local company Chandlers Building Supplies want to try and prevent in the upcoming holiday weekend.
Richard Skinner, Chandlers Building Supplies’ Commercial Manager commented:
“Historically a lot of DIY is carried out during Bank Holiday weekends and whilst it’s always good to have a go yourself, we want to make sure that people follow some basic safety advice.”
Chandlers have provided their top tips on what not to do with DIY around the house this Bank Holiday weekend:
- Don’t just drill holes into a wall without checking first whether there are electrical wires or water pipes where a picture will be hung. This could increase the risk of electrocution or flood damage to the house. Don’t drill above or below light switches or sockets or around radiators as this is where you will find most of the water pipes. If in doubt there are devices on the market that can detect electrical wires and water pipes such as residual current devices.
- Make sure any equipment will be used safely. Read the manual that is provided with any tools or equipment and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any accidents. If there is still any doubt on how to use the tools or equipment then call a trained professional who can carry out the work instead.
- Don’t lean from ladders. Move the ladder closer to the part of the guttering being cleaned out or the part of the wall that needs to be painted. It may seem like more effort is being used, but in the long run it could save nasty injuries caused from falling.
- If work needs to be carried out in the loft make sure boards are put down between joists. This will ensure that a fall through the ceiling won’t happen causing bodily damage as well as damage to the house. It can also be hot working up in the rafters so make sure that enough water is consumed and breaks are taken.
“Most importantly,” explains Richard Skinner, “do not carry out a big job where it is not possible to complete to a high enough standard. This can not only cause injury but can also invalidate most types of house insurance. If it does seem to be a bigger task than anticipated then get a professional in to do the job. It could probably save time and money in the future.”
Published on: Monday, 24th August 2009
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