DIY safety

Each year more than 220,000 people in the UK are injured seriously enough to go to hospital while carrying out DIY jobs. About 70 people are actually killed, and about 50 of these deaths involve accidents with ladders.

Over-ambition and lack of knowledge are two of the biggest factors in causing DIY accidents and about two thirds of those involved are male so:

• Be realistic and don’t tackle a job unless you really have the ability and the right tools.
• A competent, qualified person should always carry out gas and electrical repair work.
• Keep any tools clean and in good repair, and give each one a quick check before you use it.
• Dress suitably with sturdy shoes, don’t wear loose clothes or jewellery. If you do DIY regularly, invest in some personal protective equipment.
• Always plan ahead and don’t rush.
• Stop and disconnect all electrical tools before working on them, and follow
  instructions carefully.
• Ensure that all tools, paint and chemicals are kept safely out of the reach of
  children.
• Take extra care with sharp cutting tools and never leave them lying around.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions very carefully when using adhesives, especially the instant type.
• Use an RCD – Residual Current Device – with any electrical tools if your home is not already wired as standard.
• When using a ladder, make sure it is in good repair and stand it at a safe angle – 1 in 4.
• Get someone to secure the bottom of the ladder or use a ‘stay’ if one is available.
• Once on the ladder don’t overreach.
• Keep children and pets away when carrying out DIY.
• Keep all products in their original containers.
• Tidy up after you have finished.