We came across these great fire safety tips from the London Fire Brigade. If you’re up for some DIY this weekend, or at any time really have a quick read and take note.

Long holiday weekends often see an increase in calls to emergencies which are found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY. These can range from fires ignited by blow torches involved in paint stripping, to drilling into live electrical cables or gas supply pipes.

As well as carrying out home improvements many people will also use the Easter period to stock up on DIY equipment. High on everyone’s shopping list should be a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms costs as little as €10 and these potentially life saving devices could prove to be the best improvement you make to your home over the holiday weekend.

So if you are a DIY enthusiast planning to take advantage of the long weekend, following these simple fire safety tips can help you avoid turning your house into a DIY disaster area.

Bank holiday DIY tips:

General

• Check you have the correct tool for the job.
• Ensure children and pets are safe, with obstructions removed from your workplace.
• 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.

Electrics

• 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.
• Don’t use electrical equipment in the garden when it is raining.
• Don’t leave electrical equipment plugged in whilst unattended.
• Never use multi-way adapters when working with high power tools.
• 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