Doing DIY this Spring?

Think safety when "doing it yourself"...

“At this time of year there is usually an increase in calls, which are found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY,”

said Assistant Chief Officer Steve Hamm, Head of Community Safety at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“These range from fires ignited by blow torches involved in paint stripping, to drilling into live electrical cables or gas supply pipes.”

The Spring bank holidays are also a time when many residents opt to have a spring clean, so it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is safe from fire. Assistant Chief Officer Hamm added:

“Remember to include fire safety in spring cleaning and DIY plans by making sure your home has a working smoke alarm. You are twice as likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke detector, so it is vital to think of fire safety while you are carrying out your household chores and Spring cleans. There’s no point having a smoke alarm that doesn’t work, so check it every week and change the batteries regularly.

“If you do not already have working smoke detection then contact Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and, if you are in our target group, we will arrange for a free Home Safety Visit to be carried out”.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service offers the following DIY tips to keep you and your family safe this Spring:

• Check you have the correct tool for the job.
• Ensure children and pets are safe, with obstructions removed from your workplace.
• If you have to check or repair an electrical tool, turn it off at the mains. 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 power tools.
• Gas appliances should only be repaired by an approved contractor.
• Flammable liquids should be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, secured in containers and used in small quantities, well away from the house and other risks – eg naked flames, cigarettes or pilot lights.
• Ventilate when using adhesives and flammable liquids by opening windows and doors and 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.
• Don’t use electrical equipment in the garden when it is raining.
• Don’t leave electrical equipment plugged in whilst unattended.
• Always check where electric wiring is running behind walls before attempting to drill holes.
• Invest in a portable Residual Current Device (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off power) for all those outside DIY jobs with electric tools.
• Never attempt DIY electric wiring yourself anywhere in the home.

Local fire crews across Hampshire can provide a free home safety visit, fit smoke alarms where necessary, and give advice on the action to be taken in the event of a fire and the points to consider when making your fire escape plan. The Service works closely with its partner agencies to identify individuals and groups who will benefit from our home safety visit scheme. If you meet our requirements for a free home safety visit, your local fire station will contact you to arrange a visit.