• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS
  • Twitter

Fire Brigade’s Bank Holiday DIY Safety Tips

May 20, 2008 - Staff

London’s Fire Brigade have issued safety advice to anyone planning some DIY work this bank holiday weekend.

“At this time of year there is an increase in calls, which are found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY,” said Assistant Commissioner Steve Turek. “These range from fires ignited by blow torches involved in paint stripping, to drilling into live electrical cables or gas supply pipes.”

Anyone planning a trip to their local DIY superstore is urged to make one essential purchase. “A smoke alarm costs as little as £5 and could be the most important thing you purchase this weekend” says Turek.

The Brigade’s bank holiday tips are:

  • 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 – e.g. 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
  • Arrange a free home fire safety visit by calling 08000 28 44 28
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

RECENT UPDATES

Tube and rail users to benefit from Oyster weekly fares cap

Mayor and TfL call on ministers to help plug funding gap

Tube to get full mobile phone coverage from 2024

TfL says Direct Vision Standard is already making HGVs safer for London road users




POPULAR

City Hall to move to Docklands as Mayor seeks to raise £55m for frontline services

‘Concern’ over TfL’s ability to deliver major projects in wake of Crossrail cost overruns

City Hall halts London Overground ticket office closures but many will still see opening hours reduced

Transport for London confirms bus cuts will go ahead despite passenger opposition

GOT A STORY?

As the original London news and scrutiny site we've been casting an eye over the capital's public services and politicians since 1999.

 

Many of our top stories started with a tip-off from a reader - if you've got something you'd like us to cover get in touch and we'll do the rest.

Stay In Touch

  • E-mail
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2022 · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.