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DIY safety

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people injure themselves carrying out home improvements. To avoid becoming the latest DIY disaster, you should plan carefully and follow instructions to the letter – cutting corners almost always spells trouble.

The tips below should go some way to helping your various DIY projects go without a hitch – but if you’re in any doubt, don’t hesitate in calling a professional.

Painting

Painting may be considered to be one of the more simple DIY tasks, but there are potential health hazards that need to be sidestepped.

• When painting, always ensure the room is well ventilated. Never smoke near a freshly painted wall - a spark from a cigarette could be enough to ignite the flammable paint.

• Take care when removing old layers of textured paint or artex from walls and ceilings. These materials can contain asbestos, and exposure to it carries its own health risks. There are certain regulations regarding the safe disposal of asbestos, so contact environmental health for advice.

• View our feature on DIY painting for more information.

Ladder safety

A high proportion of DIY accidents involve ladders. Even if you’re working at a relatively low height, make sure you take great care and follow these golden rules:

• Set up your ladder securely, preferably with rope tied around the stiles and fixed to an immovable point. Don’t attach the rope to the rungs, or leave slack rope where you could trip over it.

• As a general rule, ladders should be positioned with the bottom one measure out for every four measures in height. For example, if the top of the ladder meets the wall twelve feet up, the foot of the ladder should be placed three feet out from the wall.

• If you can’t quite reach an area you need to work on, don’t be tempted to lean or over-reach. Climb down and move the ladder.

• Wear sturdy, sensible footwear – not flip flops, sandals or bare feet.

Safety with tools

Effective tools make DIY considerably easier, but they should always be used with great caution:

• Read instructions thoroughly, especially important if you are using hire equipment. It’s easy to be blasé with equipment you are familiar with, but remember that models change over time. You may not be as prepared as you think.

• Even on the shortest jobs, take the time to put on the necessary protective clothing.

• Always cut AWAY from you when using a knife.

General DIY safety tips

• However small the task, it’s wise to make sure there is a first aid kit close by.

• Don’t rush your work. If you don’t have time to complete a task properly and carefully, call in an expert. Never work when you’re tired.

• All gas and electrical work should be left to experts.

Useful sites

www.hse.gov.uk - Health & Safety Executive

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