Call in the professionals

While a do-it-yourself home improvement project can be satisfying and save you money, there are instances when it’s better to hire a professional. Think about the big picture.  It simply isn’t worth it to tackle a task if you run the risk of serious injury or even death. Every year around 70 people die and over 350,000 are seriously injured by electrical accidents in the home, according to Electrical Safety First. Anything to do with electricity, natural gas or plumbing is best left to a registered professional. The same holds true for working at heights, for example roof repairs, or removing toxic materials, such as asbestos.

Locate cables in your wall

It’s surprisingly common to accidentally drill into electrical wires hidden inside walls.  Sparks can fly and fuses blow. In the worst cases, there’s a risk of fatal electrocution. Never drill immediately above or below light switches or plugs as wires are likely to run vertically from them. Invest in a cable/pipe detector. These can help you track cables inside walls and avoid damaging them. If you hit a wire, it needs to be fixed. Turn off the power at source and call an electrician. Similarly, if you accidentally hit a water pipe, switch off the water supply and call a professional.

Shut off the power

If you’re doing any DIY near electrical wiring, switch off the power and use battery-powered tools, says charity Electrical Safety First. Never work on a live circuit, fixture, outlet or switch. Locate your fuse box and flip the main circuit breakers at the top to off. Always double-check the electricity is safely switched off in the circuit or room you are working in by turning on the lights or plugging in appliances before you start the job.

Use a Residual Current Device (RCD)

This piece of kit can be a life-saver if a DIY blunder causes an electrical fault. It’s a sensitive safety device that automatically switches off the electricity if there is a fault to prevent a fatal electric shock. An RCD offers an extra level of protection over and above ordinary fuses and circuit-breaker. Check you have one fitted to your consumer unit (fuse box) and, if necessary, use a plug-in RCD.

Check power tools

When choosing a power drill, pick one with a plastic, non-conducting body. Always unplug the drill before fitting parts. Check the lead and plug are in good condition. If there’s any sign of damage, get it repaired or replaced before use. Remember to watch out for the power lead and be careful not to accidentally cut through it.

Knives and scalpels

Knives and scalpels are the number one cause of DIY accidents, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Even the humble screwdriver lead to thousands of visits to A&E, says the charity. When using knives always cut away from you. Consider wearing heavy gloves to reduce the risk of cutting yourself. Store tools in a safe place away from children and pets.

Dress for the job

Avoid wearing loose clothing, such as a baggy T-shirt, or jewellery that could get caught in power tools. Sturdy clothing, rubber-soled work boots and gloves will help protect you. Wear safety googles and dust mask when working with potentially hazardous materials such as spray paint or in a dusty environment, for example sawing wood. Wear a hard hat if you’re working in a construction site.

Keep the windows open

When painting or using any material that generates dust or toxic fumes, keep the windows open. It’s important to keep the area well ventilated to prevent breathing in fumes or dust.  Vanishes, strippers, solvents, preservatives are among materials that contain hazardous materials.  Pay attention to all label warnings, read the instructions and protect yourself and your family against exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials.

Keep a tidy work area

Avoid creating hazards by keeping a tidy work area. Don’t put paint pots where they are likely to be stepped in or kicked over. Don’t allow power cords to get tangled. Tidy away and safely store power tools, ladders, sharp tools or dangerous materials that can cause injury.

 Avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials

Asbestos was widely used in the building industry until 1999 when it was banned. Today it remains hidden in millions of homes in the UK – in floor tiles and soffits, for example. The problem comes when people embark on home renovations and unwittingly disturb or damage it. Never sand, scrape or drill into surfaces that you suspect contain asbestos as this can release dangerous fibres into the air, putting you and your family at risk from deadly lung disease. Experts say even a few hours exposure to the toxic fibres from a DIY project, can be enough to trigger mesothelioma later in life. A home survey should flag up if your property is likely to contain asbestos and recommend a specialist survey. It’s vital for your safety to hire a specialist asbestos contractor to repair or remove asbestos-containing materials.

If you are looking for help with any electrical issues, you may find some of these services useful: