Easter DIY warning issued

From the archive, first published Friday 6th Apr 2007.

The Easter holiday is traditionally a time for people to roll up their sleeves and get on with those DIY jobs that have been on the back burner.

But it is also one of the busiest times for the emergency services, with inexperienced DIY enthusiasts unpacking their power tools and scaling ladders.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's festivities, Keith Robinson, Bradford district manager for West Yorkshire Fire Service, offered some timely advice to those DIY enthusiasts lining up jobs around the house and garden.

"We often see an increase in calls at this time of year which could be put down to fires started by electrical appliances and other equipment which has been stored, perhaps in a damp garage or shed, over the winter," he said.

"My advice would be to know your limitations, and if in doubt take advice. Many DIY stores will be able to help. No work should be started without reading safety instructions.

"Check you have the right gear for the job and ensure children and pets are safe and there are no obstructions in the workplace. If you have to check or repair an electrical tool, make sure it is unplugged!

"Always uncoil extension cables fully to avoid overheating and never use multi-way adapters when working with high-amperage tools. Ensure gas appliances are repaired by an approved contractor and ventilate when using adhesives and flammable liquids."

A&E staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary are also bracing themselves for an influx of Easter injuries.

Matron Terry Wood said: "We usually see hand injuries in people who have DIY accidents - such as cuts and broken fingers. We also treat people for falls and occasionally electrocution.

"We have systems in place to be able to manage should we see a rise in people attending A&E over the weekend."

While Yorkshire Ambulance Service was unable to provide figures for DIY related call-outs a spokesman said that the number of inappropriate calls increases significantly during Bank Holidays.

Ambulance crews have in the past been called to:

l make a cold drink for someone

l turn off a television

l deal with a broken nail

l suggest where someone could buy cigarettes.

There have also been numerous cases of people using ambulances as taxis to get home from the pub.

Its operations director, John Darey, said: "We estimate one in four calls are unnecessary, which puts needless pressure on front-line services.

"However, I am anxious to point out that we do not want to deter people from calling 999 in a genuine emergency."

A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "More than 200,000 people turn up at hospital each year with DIY-related injuries.

"Far too many DIYers think it's not macho to ask for help or even to use protective equipment such as goggles.

"It's far better to seek professional advice at the start rather than press on with the job until it's been ruined and you've been hurt."