If you drink and renovate, you’re a bloody idiot
Do-it-yourself renovators and owner builders can risk serious injury or death if they don’t follow appropriate safety procedures, according to building advisory service Archicentre.
Archicentre's Queensland manager, Ron Tanton, says renovators need to take simple precautions and should never attempt jobs that are beyond their level of knowledge or skill.
"One of the major causes of accidents is often the casual approach because people are working at home," Tanton says. "It's not unusual to spot the home handyman having a beer whilst they're working.
"On a building construction site alcohol is banned and there are strict workplace occupational health and safety conditions in place."
Tanton says renovators need to get acquainted with potential hazards before starting a job.
"Keep work areas, floors and benchtops 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."
He adds, "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."
Recent research by the Monash University Accident Research Centre found that the top causes of injuries were from grinding, falling from ladders, gardening and power saws, Tanton notes.
He says most DIY injuries are caused by:
- Using angle grinders (metal and dust in eyes);
- Falls from ladders and roofs, falls through verandahs and ceilings (fractures of limbs, ribs/wrists);
- Lawn mowers (cuts to fingers/legs);
- Power saws, particularly circular saws and chainsaws (cuts to fingers/hands);
- and welding equipment (flash burns/foreign bodies in the eyes).
