Warwickshire News Mine

“Experience shows that at this time of year there is an increase in calls, which are found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY said, County Fire Officer, William Brown “These range from fires ignited by blow torches involved in paint stripping, to electrical appliances and other equipment which may have been stored in a damp garage or shed over the winter period.”

Highlighting important safety points to be remembered William said: “Always check that the task you are undertaking is within your capabilities.  Take expert advice.  Many of the modern DIY Superstores from which materials and equipment are bought will offer such advice. Safety instructions should be read in full and complied with.”

DIY electrical work in homes is covered by the Building Regulations. You can still do your own work, but some riskier jobs may need to be approved by your local authority’s Building Control Department.  For information on the rules affecting people carrying out electrical work in homes and gardens call Communities and Local Government free on 0870 1226 236. Alternatively, call your local authority’s Building Control Department for advice. 

Consider using a registered electrical installer for all electrical installation work.  Remember, most electrical work in households in England and Wales falls within the scope of Building Regulations.  You can also find out more about the legislation and how to find a registered electrical installer by visiting the Electrical Safety Council’s website at: http://www.electricalsafetycouncil.org.uk

If carrying out your own DIY, always:

* Ensure children and pets are safe, with obstructions removed from your workplace.
* Always uncoil electrical extension cables fully, as these can overheat and cause a fire.
* Never use multi-way adapters when working with high amperage 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 – naked flames or cigarettes.
* 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.

Concluding William Brown said: “Finally, I would strongly urge all householders to ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed in their homes. You are twice as likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm, so it is vital to think of fire safety while you are carrying out your household chores. Make sure you own and maintain every smoke alarm in your home. Get into a routine – it only takes a matter of seconds each week to test the alarm that could save your life”.

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For further information please contact Lisa Mowe, Communications Officer, Warwickshire County Council on 01926 412513.

Notes to editors:

A smoke alarm was absent in over 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. UK fire statistics from Communities and Local Government

Here are some hints and tips on how to fit and maintain alarm:
If you are buying a smoke alarm, consider getting a 10-year alarm, which may cost a few pounds more but will not require frequent battery changes.
You should fit a smoke alarm on every level of your house - at the bottom of the staircase and further alarms on each stair landing are the best positions.
The best place to fit an alarm is on the ceiling as near as possible to the centre of the room, hallway or landing. It should be at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from any wall or light. 
Once your alarm is fitted it doesn’t take much looking after:
Once a week - test each smoke alarm
Once a year - change the battery in the alarm (unless it is a 10 year alarm).
Twice a year - open the alarm case and gently vacuum the inside using the soft-brush attachment to remove dust. If the alarm case doesn’t open, vacuum over the slots. Never paint over a smoke alarm.
Every ten years - replace the detector.

Link to WCC