High
on the Kidsafe renovation checklist is safety around power tools, potentially
poisonous substances (e.g. paints and cleaners) and driveways with vehicles such
as trucks, utes and vans frequently visiting to the home to deliver equipment
and supplies.
According the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in the last financial year Victorian's
spent $2.15 billion on home renovations, the highest of any state or territory.
Jason Chambers,
Kidsafe Victoria Project Manager, said that renovations or extensions can expose
children to a wide range of hazards that aren't usually present in the home.
"Before any work begins on a renovation or extension, parents should research
and plan to ensure their family's safety," said Mr Chambers.
"With
a major renovation, sometimes the safest option is to move the family out of the
home while the works are undertaken."
Kidsafe
Victoria recommends that home owners talk to tradespeople about potential hazards
that might be present while they are working on the renovation, and appropriate
safety measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury to children.
Kidsafe
Victoria has released a set of renovation safety tips to assist parents and carers
to reduce the risk of injury to their children.
Kidsafe
Renovation Safety Tips
Supervision
It is vital children are closely supervised by an adult. If you are undertaking
the renovation or building work yourself, consider having someone mind your children.
Tools, Equipment
and Furniture
Unplug all power tools after use and always ensure they are stored safely out
of the sight and reach of children.
Pack up at the end of each day, storing potentially harmful objects out of reach.
Clean the area and make sure there is no debris such as loose nails. It's a good
idea to ensure children are wearing shoes in case sharp items remain on the floor
or have been dropped during delivery or removal of materials.
Never leave upstanding ladders unattended.
Be aware of noisy power tools that may damage your child's hearing.
When moving furniture such as television cabinets, bookcases and drawers, ensure
items are placed on a stable surface and can't tip over on to a child.
Poisonous
Substances
Ensure poisonous substances such as paint, methylated spirits and household cleaners
are stored safely out of reach of children, at least 1.5m above floor level, in
a locked cupboard.
If using products that release dangerous fumes, relocate children until the fumes
have dispersed.
Dangerous materials such as asbestos or lead paint should be removed by professional
contractors who are qualified to do so.
Water
Safety
Children can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water, so always empty
buckets of water after use.
Ensure children's access to areas such as the bathroom, laundry and backyard pool
or spa can still be restricted during renovations.
Driveway
Safety
With vehicles such as trucks, utes and vans delivering equipment
and supplies, your driveway will be a very chaotic and dangerous place for children.
Ensure they are kept safe by:
Restricting their access to the driveway.
Making sure they have a safe place to play well away from the driveway or delivery
area.
Having
an adult actively supervise them (holding hands) at all times around the driveway.
Use Renovation
to Increase Safety around your Home
Renovating or extending can also be
an opportunity to install safety products around your home to keep children safe
after renovations have been completed.
Some safety products to consider
include stair gates, curtain and blind-cord safety kits, finger-jamb protectors
on doors, TV safety straps and lockable poisons cupboards in the bathroom and
kitchen.
Media
Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile:
0417 329 201