Home Safety Guide
Your safety—and the safety of those around you—should always come first. DIY projects can be rewarding, but they can also be dangerous if you cut corners or ignore risks. Children and pets, for example, often have no sense of danger until an accident happens. Protect yourself and others by approaching every project with caution.
Fall Risks
- Never balance on a window ledge or unstable surface.
- If you don’t know how to do something safely, stop and ask someone who does.
- Remember: DO NOT put yourself or others at risk!
In professional environments, strict regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act or Working at Height Regulations protect workers. At home, it’s up to you to apply common sense.
Asbestos Safety
Asbestos was banned in UK homes in the 1990s, but if your house was built before 2000, it could still be present. It was widely used for its fire-resistant properties and can be found in:
- Roofing sheets
- Wall and ceiling panels
- Acoustic tiles and soundproofing materials
- Soffit panels (often painted)
- Pipe and ceiling insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Artex and textured coatings
- Fireplace materials and night storage heater bricks
⚠️ Important:
- Never sand textured coatings.
- If in doubt, assume it contains asbestos and handle with extreme caution.
- Testing should only be done by a certified lab.
- Removal is best left to professionals—while DIY removal is legal, it is unsafe.
Asbestos exposure has been linked to serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Protect yourself and leave removal to licensed experts.
Gas Safety
Gas is an essential service in our homes but can be highly dangerous if mishandled. Natural gas is colorless and odorless, so suppliers add a rotten-egg smell to help detect leaks.
If You Suspect a Gas Leak:
- Do not smoke, use matches, or create sparks.
- Do not use light switches, phones, or electrical appliances.
- Turn off the gas at the meter if safe to do so.
- Open doors and windows.
- Leave the building immediately.
- Call 911 from a safe distance.
👉 In Bermuda, call Bermuda Gas at 441-295-3111.
Gas work is not for DIY. Always hire a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you rent property, ensure annual gas checks are done and certificates are kept safe.
Hand Tool Safety
Even simple tools can cause serious injuries. Always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Gloves: Cut-resistant gloves for knives and chisels.
- Boots: Steel toe caps when lifting or working with heavy items.
- Glasses: Protect your eyes when chiseling, cutting, or working with dust.
- Dust masks: Prevent respiratory issues in dusty conditions.
Power Tool Safety
Power tools are convenient but dangerous without proper care.
Key Rules:
- Read and understand the manual before use.
- Keep tools away from water.
- Do not use damaged tools.
- Unplug before changing blades or discs.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Never put a tool down until it has fully stopped.
- Use RCD protection when working outdoors.
Many injuries (including loss of fingers and eyes) occur each year from improper use. Always wear PPE, remove flammables from the area, and respect the risks.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Each year, thousands are injured doing DIY. PPE prevents many of these accidents.
- Ear protection: Prevent permanent hearing damage.
- Eye protection: Glasses, goggles, or visors for different levels of safety.
- Head protection: Helmets or bump caps for confined or elevated work.
- Hand protection: Choose the right gloves for cuts, chemicals, or impact.
- Foot protection: Steel toe caps reduce risk of fractures.
- Respiratory protection: Dust masks and respirators safeguard your lungs.
Step Ladder Safety
Over 1,000 people each month are injured in step ladder accidents.
Safety Checklist:
- Ensure ladders meet British or European safety standards.
- Inspect steps, hinges, and feet for damage.
- Use on clean, dry, and stable surfaces.
- Wear flat, firm shoes (not slippers or heels).
- Never over-reach or stand on the top platform.
Welding Safety
For DIY welders (MIG or Arc), UV radiation, sparks, and fumes make welding particularly hazardous.
- Wear full protective clothing.
- Always use a proper welding helmet (auto-darkening models are safer for beginners).
- Protect others—including pets—from the arc light.
- Never weld without ensuring proper ventilation and safety measures.
Exposure without protection can cause severe burns, eye damage, or even life-threatening injuries.
✅ Bottom line: DIY can be fun and rewarding—but only if done safely. Always use the right equipment, follow safety precautions, and when in doubt, call a professional.
