Timely DIY advice
By Martin Chapman on Friday, 9th April 2004.
With the the Easter holidays well upon us Suffok Fire and Rescue service is warning people of the many dangers of dabbling in some DIY.
With this being the first major Bank Holiday weekend. there is often an increase in emergency calls many of which are often found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY.
Calls range from fires started by blow torches involved in stripping paint, to faults with electrical appliances and other equipment which may have been stored in a damp garage or shed over the winter period.
Martyn Thorpe, Community Fire Safety Officer, urges people to: “Always check that the task you are planning to undertake is within your capabilities and take expert advice. Many of the modern DIY Superstores from which materials and equipment are bought will offer such advice. Safety instructions should also be read in full and complied with.”
Peter Monk, the county council’s portfolio holder for public protection, added: "DIY is a pastime from which many people gain a great deal of pleasure. By following the simple rules below, accidents, fires and tragedies will hopefully be kept to a minimum.”
Suffolk fire ands rescue service have issued these tips to help people to stay safe:
* Check you have the correct tool for the job
* Ensure children and pets are kept safely away from the work area, and remove any obstructions from your workplace
* If you have to check or repair an electrical tool turn it off at the mains and remove the plug. Don’t be tempted to cut corners because you are some distance from the power switch
* Always uncoil electrical extension cables fully, as these can overheat and cause a fire
Never use multi-way adapters when working with high amperage tools
* Always use a circuit breaker device when working with power tools outside
* Gas appliances should only be repaired by an approved contractor
* Read and follow the guidance supplied with flammable liquids and keep them secured in suitable marked containers and used in small quantities, well away from the house and other ignition risks such as naked flames or cigarettes
* Always ensure adequate ventilation when using adhesives and flammable liquids by opening windows and doors, always ensure that no naked flames or power tools are close by
* If you spill a substance on your clothing or overalls remove them and clean them thoroughly.
With this being the first major Bank Holiday weekend. there is often an increase in emergency calls many of which are often found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY.
Calls range from fires started by blow torches involved in stripping paint, to faults with electrical appliances and other equipment which may have been stored in a damp garage or shed over the winter period.
Martyn Thorpe, Community Fire Safety Officer, urges people to: “Always check that the task you are planning to undertake is within your capabilities and take expert advice. Many of the modern DIY Superstores from which materials and equipment are bought will offer such advice. Safety instructions should also be read in full and complied with.”
Peter Monk, the county council’s portfolio holder for public protection, added: "DIY is a pastime from which many people gain a great deal of pleasure. By following the simple rules below, accidents, fires and tragedies will hopefully be kept to a minimum.”
Suffolk fire ands rescue service have issued these tips to help people to stay safe:
* Check you have the correct tool for the job
* Ensure children and pets are kept safely away from the work area, and remove any obstructions from your workplace
* If you have to check or repair an electrical tool turn it off at the mains and remove the plug. Don’t be tempted to cut corners because you are some distance from the power switch
* Always uncoil electrical extension cables fully, as these can overheat and cause a fire
Never use multi-way adapters when working with high amperage tools
* Always use a circuit breaker device when working with power tools outside
* Gas appliances should only be repaired by an approved contractor
* Read and follow the guidance supplied with flammable liquids and keep them secured in suitable marked containers and used in small quantities, well away from the house and other ignition risks such as naked flames or cigarettes
* Always ensure adequate ventilation when using adhesives and flammable liquids by opening windows and doors, always ensure that no naked flames or power tools are close by
* If you spill a substance on your clothing or overalls remove them and clean them thoroughly.
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