DIY Renovator Safety Tips from SAI Global

DIY renovators at risk - How to stay safe around the home this season

As we're heading into 'home improvement season', Australians tackling their own renovations or repairs may be at risk as some retailers continue to stock personal protective equipment that may fail to meet rigorous Australian Standards for safety and personal protection, confusing consumers, says a leading standards certifier.

Richard Donarski, Team Leader Health & Safety - Product Services at SAI Global, says that despite there being Australian Standards (sometimes mandatory) some manufacturers and suppliers may not comply with them, others are totally ignorant, particularly when a product has been developed overseas.

Knowing that many Australians will be embarking on DIY home improvements this summer Richard has provided his top tips on how to stay safe.

1. Ask an expert. While all equipment looks the same, it doesn't necessarily mean that it does the job. For example, a particular respirator mask may only be compatible with certain chemicals or materials. When unsure, ask the retail staff and provide them with the exact details of what you intend to do. Don't take a gamble, especially when working with tools or chemicals.

2. Purchase certified safety equipment only. This equipment will be branded with an appropriate certification mark, the Australian Standard reference, and should include the name of the organisation, the date it was certified and a Certification Licence number. Be aware that not all products that claim to be certified are to an Australian standard. To be safe, look out for the Five Ticks 'Certified Product' StandardsMark™ or enter the Certification Licence number online at http://register.saiglobal.com/ to source further details.

3. Be careful when buying second hand. Do you really know what that piece of equipment has been through? For example, a hard hat may look okay, but if it's been left out in the sun every day, the chances are that its protection is nowhere near the level it should be due to strong UV rays, weakening its shell. Additionally, second hand DIY equipment may come with zero instructions. "They're not the kind of equipment that you want to be playing a guessing game with," Richard says.

4. Work with a partner. Find a partner who can share a load of the work or observe what you're doing. A second set of eyes can assess risks that you may have initially missed.

5. If you're tired, stop. It's tempting to want to continue on a project well into the night, until it's near complete. It's best, however, to allocate yourself time periods where you will work on a project. Ensure that you're feeling refreshed and have a clear head. If you're only a fraction of the way through the job but feel distracted or drowsy, then stop. This is the prime time for mistakes to happen. Clear away any hazards such as cables, tools or debris and start again when you feel able.

Read More...