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EASTER’S
MACHO DIY FANS MAY PAY IN POUNDS AND PAIN – according to RoSPA
In a bid to avoid DIY
disasters this Easter, RoSPA is urging enthusiasts to be more realistic
about their abilities and to call in an expert for difficult jobs.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, says: “Far
too many DIYers think it’s not macho to ask for help or even
to use protective equipment such as goggles.
“It’s far better to seek professional advice at the
start rather than press on with the job until it’s too late
and you’ve been hurt. If you are sure you are capable of doing
the work, plan it carefully before you begin.”
The Easter Bank Holiday launches the DIY season as people repair
their homes after the ravages of winter and renovate rooms for spring
and summer. More than 200,000 DIY enthusiasts turn up at hospital
each year - 87,000 of them hurt while using tools and machinery.
“A job which involves working at height is a typical example
of one where it may be better to call in a tradesperson,”
RoSPA says “Ladder and stepladder accidents send 40,000 people
to hospital annually – often resulting in the most serious
injuries and even death.
“Gas work is by law a job only for those who are CORGI registered.
There are also new regulations dealing with what electrical work
you can carry out on your home before notifying your local authority’s
Building Control Department and employing an expert.
“Power tools can be a problem if instructions are not followed
and protective gear not worn. People are even buying chainsaws to
use in their gardens these days, and yet someone using one for work
would need to have proper training.”
RoSPA says more time spent on planning could save pounds and pain
later. People need to be sure they have the skills, tools, materials
and time to do a job properly.
DIY fans often make mistakes while rushing jobs when they are tired.
Children need to be kept well away from the work area.
The top tools for accidents are:
1, Knives and scalpels (20,000 accidents in the UK each year);
2, Saws (15,000);
3, Grinders (6,500);
4, Hammers (6,000);
5, Chisels (4,000);
6, Screwdrivers (3,500);
7, Power Drills (3,000);
8= Axes, Planes and Welding Equipment (2,000).
DIY materials causing injuries
are:
1, Wood, chipboard etc (30,000 accidents);
2, Paving/Concrete Blocks (20,000);
3, Nails (15,000);
4, Metal bars, sheets etc (13,000);
5, Bricks (8,000);
6, Paint and paint pots (4,000);
7, Glue, paste etc (3,000);
8, Screws and Floor/Wall Tiles (2,500);
10, Wallpaper (1,500).
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