Decorating your home

Every year the British public set about doing DIY to their home. However, are they well equipped for the work they take on, and what can potentially go wrong?

Here are a few tips to help minimize the risks involved in renovation;

Purchase the right equipment for the job.

Having the right tools for a task in hand greatly reduces the risks involved. Before you buy any equipment you need to consider:

• What the equipment will be used for
• Who will use it
• Where it will be kept
• What training users may need to operate it
• What risks may occur as a result

Make sure the manufacturer/supplier is clear about how you intend to use the equipment. Ask the manufacturer/supplier what the residual risks and the operating limits are. This should be part of the documentation received with the equipment.

Appropriate warning signs

If you home is a building site then the contractors should have taken the time to implement warning signs, however doing the work yourself with the addition of minor contractors, you may require the appropriate warning signs. Tags on equipment such as ladders can also be beneficial as can specify the date of inspection and next inspection date all to be recorded to the ladder to ensure you comply with the working at height regulations. Should a defect be identified during use or inspection, the insert can be instantly reversed to show the red ''Do Not Use'' warning, ensuring the item is not used until repaired.

Special working procedures

Individual equipment requires individual procedures. Take for instance when using ladders, you have to follow the Ladders Safety Guide. This guide covers the Do’s and Don’ts of using ladders and what you need to consider. In this instance another option to consider would be a Ladder Safety Course, to further expand your knowledge of the equipment and in turn gaining confidence.

Minimize risks

It won’t happen to me, is not the attitude to take when your life is at risk. Having the right tools and accessories can further care for your wellbeing. Face masks, appropriate stands or feet (eg. Ladder feet), goggles, hard shoes and hard hats are just the start when helping care for yourselves and others. Make sure you implement this equipment as it will make a difference and will also help you pass building control.

Your home can be transformed however you want and can cost as little or as much as you can afford but these health and safety requirements are not optional. Make sure you follow them correctly, and if you are not sure what you need to include then get help from your local council or building inspector.

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