As spring is upon us London Fire Brigade has issued timely advice to all would be ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiasts.
“At this time of year there is an increase in calls, which are found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY,” said London Fire Brigade’s Head of Community Safety, Paul Oughton. “These range from fires ignited by blow torches involved in paint stripping, to drilling into live electrical cables or gas supply pipes.”
The Easter bank holiday is also a time when many Londoners opt to have a spring clean, so it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is safe from fire. Paul Oughton said: “Remember to include fire safety in spring cleaning and DiY plans by making sure your home has a working smoke alarm. There’s no point having a smoke alarm that doesn’t work so check it every week and change the batteries regularly.”
Bank holiday DiY tips:
•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 check
Note to editors:
· A smoke alarm was absent in nearly half (47% or 27,200) of dwellings fires attended by fire and rescue services in the UK in 2005. These fires accounted for 181 deaths and 4,800 non-fatal casualties. In a further 12% (7,100) of cases a smoke alarm was present but failed to operate. These fires accounted for 66 deaths and 2,000 non-fatal casualties.
· The Brigade is offering all London residents a free home fire safety visit. Firefighters visit homes, look for fire risks and can fit free smoke alarms if they are needed. Call 08000 28 44 28 to arrange a home fire safety visit.
Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:
telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk
