• Keep safety in mind before you do any DIY activity, use caution, care, and good judgment – if in doubt, don’t!

• Read the labels on cans containing paints, solvents, and other products; AND always follow the guidelines and any other warnings. If in doubt request safety data sheets from the supplier.

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions (especially the warnings) before using any tool, especially power tools with cutting blades/bits.

• Pay deliberate attention to how a tool works; if you understand its operation, you are less likely to cause injury.

• Know and accept the limitations of your tools – use the appropriate tool for the task. Do not try to use a tool for anything it is not designed to do.

• Remove the key from any drill chuck (hand or stand mounted) after you have removed/ fitted a drill bit. Do not leave the key in the chuck even when the drill is switched off.

• Wear the appropriate protection for the job in hand.

• Keep your body (especially hands) away from the business ends of power tools using blades, cutters, and bits.

• Make sure that any tool adjustment is secured before using the tool.

• Be sure that the electrical supply is safe before using it; do not overload any circuit.

• Make sure all power tools, extension cables and electrical outlets are serviceable and undamaged.

• Do not use power tools in wet conditions. Always use a Residual Current Device (RCD).

• Check for possible cables/pipework before drilling or cutting ‘blind’ into any wall or other surface. Take care when you cannot see the reverse side of what you are drilling or cutting.

• Use special care when using a saw bench; older benches may not have the latest safest features (blade guard, safety cut-out etc.).

• Clamp small work pieces firmly to a bench or work surface when using a power tool on them.

• Remember that things can go wrong very quickly and the body’s reaction will not always be quick enough.

• Use both hands where a tool is designed to be used two handed.

• Ensure that your work area is adequately lit.

• Check your local building regulations before carrying out any new construction or remodeling.

• Plan your project thoroughly. Draw plans and measure accurately.

• Check the security and rating of a ladder or set of steps before you start to climb.

• Ask for help from experienced people or handy family and friends.

• Ensure that you have the right tools, equipment and know-how.

DIY dont's

• Don’t attempt a project that you know is too big for you – or requires expertise.

• Don’t turn down advice from those in the know.

• Take risks or use tools that you are unfamiliar with.

• Cut corners to save time and money.

• Underestimate the value of preparation.

• Use inferior materials.

• Overestimate your abilities if you are new to the world of DIY.

• Never wear loose clothing, hanging hair or jewellery when using power tools.

• Never try to use a tool (especially a power tool) for any task it was not designed to do.

• Never work with power tools when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or are tired.

• Never use a power tool which is damaged in any way (case, switch or cable etc.). If it starts to make an odd noise or emit smells – stop and investigate.

• Never cut small, loose pieces of wood, metal or other material using a power tool – small off-cuts which you cannot hold or secure will tend to fly off with potential for injury.

• Never change a drill bit, router cutter or saw blade or make any adjustment to a ‘cutting’ power tool – until the power cable has been unplugged. Do not rely only upon the switch on the tool or outlet.

• Never use power tools if you are at risk of overbalancing.

• Never work with blunt tools (saws, drill bits, cutters etc.). Sharpen the tools yourself, have them sharpened, or throw them away and use a new tool.

• Never drill or cut ‘blind’ into a surface before checking the possible location of electrical cables or pipework.

• Never saw a large work piece unless it is well supported both sides of the cut or there is someone else to support the off-cut.

• Never carry sharp tools in your pocket. If you want to carry such tools, use a special-purpose tool belt.

• Never relay on your weight to stabilise a ladder or mobile steps, if necessary get someone to stand at the bottom or use stabilisers.

• Never overreach when working on a ladder or steps, always re-position the ladder/steps. Never lean out so far that your belt buckle goes outside the stiles of the ladder.

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