DIY: dos and dont's

With the dust firmly settled after the Christmas period, now is the time that many look to make changes. Some people might join a club, some might take steps to improve their health, while others may look to take on jobs around the house that they have been putting off.

The UK is arguably a DIY nation; a 2018 survey of more than 2,000 British homeowners showed that more than half of people had undertaken a repair, maintenance or home improvement task in the previous 12 months.

However, DIY can be dangerous.

A national newspaper recently reported that almost 300 people a week have to make a trip to A&E as a result of a DIY accident. NHS England figures for the period April 2018 to March 2019 show that 6,867 people were treated in hospital after tumbling from a ladder, while a further 466 injured themselves mowing lawns. During the same period, household machinery caused 4,860 injuries, while another 4,050 people hurt themselves falling from furniture.

To help you avoid a mishap while you are while are attending to household chores, take a look at RoSPA dos and don’ts for DIY.

Dos

• Keep any tools clean and in good repair, and give each one a quick check over before you use it
• Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes when mowing the lawn and keep your feet and hands well away from the mower blades
• Keep children and pets away when carrying out DIY
• Keep barbecues well away from trees, buildings and fences. Never pour petrol on a barbecue
• Some plants and berries are poisonous or can cause an allergic reaction, so be sure to familiarise yourself with your garden’s flora
• Keep all products in their original containers
• When changing a lightbulb or any completing any other task that requires you to work at height, always use a ladder.

 
Don’ts

• Although it can be tempting to save a few pounds and have a go yourself, don't tackle a job unless you really have the ability. A competent, qualified person should always carry out gas and electrical renewal or repair work
• Don’t rush – always plan ahead. Accidents happen more easily if you are unprepared
• Remember alcohol and DIY don’t mix
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew. It may look easy on TV, but in real life it is usually more difficult, and takes much longer than you think.

 
Source: RoSPA The Home Safety Book Ref: HS 178.

For more advice about how avoid accidents around home have a look at our home safety advice pages.
 

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