DIY Preparation

Preparation can help avoid potentially dangerous situations involving DIY. We have listed a few things you may wish to consider doing to help ensure safe DIY.

1. Don't wait for something goes wrong until finding your stop-cocks and gate valves. If you open and close them three or four times a year you will ensure they easily work when you need them to.
   
   
2. Don't be kept in the dark by a blown fuse. Keep a repair kit and torch near your mains fuse box, checking the batteries regularly, as well as screwdrivers, spare fuses, bulbs and fuse wire, rubber gloves and insulated pliers, a trimming knife and insulating tape.
   
   
3. Keep your tools in good condition. If any of your tools have a loose head or handle the whole tool should be replaced or be repaired by a professional.
   
   
4. Keep your tool box tidy and available for easy access and always use the guards which come covering tools such as saws, knives and chisel blades.
   
   
5. When buying equipment and household appliances make sure they carry an approved product quality and safety mark. There should be a label on the item.
   
   
6. Cover electrical switches that are broken with tape. Before starting to repair them, switch off the electricity at the mains and remove the fuse to that line, keeping it with you, so that even if the power is switched on accidentally the line will stay safe, while you carry out a job. The tapes will act as a reminder for you and a warning to others. Call in professionals to help if you are unsure about what you are doing.
   
   
7. Be careful with old paint. Some old paints could off harmful dust and are a poisoning hazard if ingested by small children. Do not burn off old paint or rub it down with dry sandpaper or a power sander. And, clean up properly, using a high efficiency industrial vacuum cleaner.
   
   
8. Always have a basic First Aid kit available.