In 2020, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service attended over 70 incidents caused by actions involving DIY. Some of these incidents involved fires ignited by faulty electrical wiring, battery chargers, and welding.
Here are some of our top safety tips when carrying out DIY:
- Ensure the project is within your capabilities
- Read the safety instructions on the equipment you’re using and carry out checks to ensure they’re in full working order
- Purchase tools from reputable suppliers
- Make sure you have the right tools for the job in hand and store them in a safe place
- Clear your working environment from obstructions
- Store knives securely
- Isolate the power once you have finished using a power tool
- Never lean to one side on a ladder
- Turn off the electricity at the mains when repairing an electrical tool
- Straighten extension cables to ensure they don’t overheat
- Avoid using multi-way adapters when working with high amperage tools
- Make sure you have a circuit breaker when you use electrical tools
- Make sure gas appliances are always repaired by an approved contractor.
Flammable liquids should be:
- used and kept in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
- secured in containers
- used in small quantities
- used well away from the house
- kept well clear of risks like naked flames or cigarettes.