Safety

Introdution

Safety should always be a top priority for anyone who is involved in DIY. Many of the hundreds of accidents that happen each day in the home or garden could be avoided. However experienced you are, it always pays to take time to plan your work, and to think about any safety issues before you start.

Ultimately, the success of any DIY project can be affected by the attitude you have to safety. Let safety be the first thing you think of before starting a job, and the last thing you think of when finishing it - so that it becomes an integral part of everything you do. This leaflet contains a wealth of suggestions that will help you to think about safety, and to practise it.

Preparation

Preparation and planning are key elements of good safety practice. They not only help to keep you safe - they can also save both time and money.
Before starting a job, be realistic about how long it will take. Have regular breaks to avoid tiredness or loss of concentration. If it takes longer than you expected, don't start cutting corners or speeding up - take your time and make sure the job is done properly.

Avoid loose clothing, tie back long hair (or tuck it under a hat), and remove any loose jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches.
Before you start any plumbing work, check the location and condition of items such as stopcocks and gate valves. Ensure that they can be quickly opened or shut in the event of an emergency.

It may seem obvious, but always read through any instruction leaflets beforehand - especially if you are using an unfamiliar piece of equipment. Don't assume you know how it works - check it out first. Make sure you have a First Aid kit (with contents that are not past their 'sell by' date) and keep it somewhere handy (1).
Switch off at the mains when working with electricity. Tape over any broken or unusable switches, and make sure that any broken items are replaced as soon as possible.
Make up a simple electricity repair kit for basic emergencies. This should contain a torch (with working batteries), rubber gloves, insulated pliers and screwdrivers, insulating tape, spare bulbs, fuses and fuse wire.

Don't hesitate to ask for help. If in doubt at any time, don't take risks - contact us. We're here to help!

Tools of the Trade

Always use the right tools for the project - don't be tempted to improvise! Don't use tools which have loose heads or handles. If you need to buy new tools, check the labels and opt for ones which are made to a Australian standards or which have an approved quality and safety mark.

Always read the instructions before use. Maintain all tools in a good, clean condition - especially electrical appliances.

Keep the cover guards on sharp tools when they are not being used. Use a toolbox with a tidy, so that everything is instantly at hand.

Don't forget to wear the correct protective clothing at all times - including strong shoes, gloves, eye and ear protection, safety helmet and dust masks etc.

Using Ladders

Many DIY accidents are caused by the careless use of ladders or scaffolding. Always inform someone of what you are doing. Use sensible shoes when working on ladders - not sandals or bare feet.

The bottom of the ladder (which should preferably have non-slip feet) should rest on a hard, level surface.

Many accidents are caused by slipping ladders, so secure both the bottom and top parts to something firm and strong with ropes or straps. When you need to move the ladder, ask someone to help wherever possible. Always move or extend a ladder rather than risk overreaching.

Power Tools and Electricity

Electricity is a potential killer, and should be handled with care - if in doubt, call in an expert. Water and electricity don't mix. Even if you're carrying out seemingly harmless tasks such as washing down walls, turn off the electricity first. Never use any electrical plugs, sockets or equipment which have been wet, unless you are sure that they have thoroughly dried out.

Extension cables often need to be uncoiled before use, or they could overheat - check the instructions. Make sure that it is safe to use the extension cable with an appliance before you start.

If you can't avoid working with electrical appliances in damp conditions, you should use a Residual Current Device or power breaker. This automatically cuts off the power supply in the case of an accident (such as a cut cable) or a malfunction.

Take care not to use too many plugs or adaptors with an electrical socket - it could overload (4). Where feasible, check that the connections inside each plug are tight, and that the cord grip is tight around the cable (rather than just the wires inside the cable).

All plugs should contain the correct fuse. If a fuse blows, switch off the power and unplug the appliance before trying to find the fault. If in doubt, ask an expert. The same principles apply to a mains fuse - use the correct thickness of fuse wire and switch off at the mains before checking a blown fuse.

Find the correct fuse rating by checking the manufacturer's recommendations, or from the recommended ratings that are often published on fuse packets or in good DIY books. Copy them onto a list, and keep it with your fuses.

Beware of damaged, kinked or frayed cables and flexes.

Accidents can happen

Even the most safety-conscious worker can sometimes have an accident. Here are some basic first aid tips.

If someone is injured, remove any continuing danger: for instance, turn off the electricity if appropriate. Then don't panic, but assess the seriousness of the situation as calmly as possible. Don't move the patient unless necessary. If in any doubt, call a doctor.

Small cuts and grazes should be cleaned up with soap and water - not antiseptic.

Don't give an injured person any food or drink (in case any anaesthetics need to be administered at a later stage). However, if you urgently need to dilute the effects of poisons or chemicals, give a drink of water, unless the patient's mouth is burnt.

Call the emergency services (000) in cases of unconsciousness; drowsiness or sickness; poisoning; severe bleeding or bleeding from the ear; bad burns; or intense pain.
Don't try to induce sickness - and never give the patient salty water.

Severe bleeding should be reduced by pressing a pad on the cut. A clean, folded handkerchief is ideal. If the cut still contains a large foreign body (such as a splintered stick or glass), press near the wound. Continue until the bleeding stops. If a limb is bleeding, raise it up, unless it's broken (7). For deep, wide or dirty cuts, or wounds containing a foreign body, call a doctor.

Burns and scalds need hospital treatment unless they are very minor. Small burns should be held under running cold water for at least ten minutes. Because skin can swell, remove any belts or jewellery, but don't attempt to move any clothing that is stuck to the burn. To minimise the risk of infection, burns can be covered with a clean cloth (such as a large handkerchief or pillowcase) or clingfilm. Never use butter or oil on a burn - leave it untreated.

Consider taking a simple first aid course so that you are better prepared for any accidents.