13/08/2009

13 August 2009

DIY Renovators Warned on Safety
Booze and renovations do not mix

DIY renovators and owner builders, especially older handymen, can risk death and serious injury of both themselves and others if they do not follow appropriate safety procedures during home renovations, Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said today.

Injuries are usually caused by the non-use of personal protective equipment, inappropriate tools, unsafe work practices and insufficient safety precautions.

Mr Tanton said that with about 80% of all homes owning some type of home maintenance equipment, long delays in getting tradespersons and high property costs, many people are turning towards DIY projects. The home renovation and garden programs on television also make home renovation and garden maintenance look quick and easy.

Mr Tanton adds there are simple precautions. "Get acquainted with potential hazards before you pick up power tools or climb ladders. Keep work areas, floors and bench tops, tidy - to avoid slips and trips. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment - steel cap boots, safety glasses, earmuffs and a mask are a basic kit.

"Read the manufacturer's instructions when using a new tool. Keep your power tools' safety guards in place. Make all necessary adjustments to powered machines before switching them on. Never attempt activities or repairs beyond your level of knowledge or skill.

"One of the major causes of accidents is often the casual approach because people are working at home. It is not unusual to spot the home handyman having a beer whilst they are working. On a building construction site alcohol is banned and there are strict workplace occupational health and safety conditions in place."

Mr Tanton said that another problem in the DIY project area is that people often tackle areas such as plumbing and wiring where they may have no expertise or appropriate qualifications. These areas should only be carried out by a licensed professional plumber or electrician.

"Illegal wiring is not only dangerous to the person undertaking it, but is highly dangerous to families living in the house or visiting tradespersons as electrocution can occur."

During pre-purchase home inspections Archicentre Architects often find illegal building, wiring and plumbing which is often extremely dangerous and unless rectified can create safety issues for the occupants.

"With DIY projects people need to have undertaken very careful planning and design preparation and also must be constantly aware of the safety issues, especially when young children are living in the home being renovated.

"A building site is like an industrial area, where there is electrical equipment, storage of poisonous chemicals, stacks of timber, nails, sharp tools and electrical leads."

Mr Tanton added that safety issues and the risk of injury on an unsafe renovation site can also bring into play legal and insurance issues especially where there are visitors to the home.

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Ron Tanton Queensland State Manager Archicentre (07) 3846 4957 Mobile: 0421 598 233
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201