Be aware of DIY dangers this Christmas

While some of us use the Christmas break as a time to rest there’ll be plenty of people out there donning a tool belt and tackling DIY projects around the home.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham is urging home handypeople to consider the electrical dangers that could be lurking before they pick up a hammer.

“Of all the hazards home renovations can present, electricity is not only the best hidden, but also the most dangerous,” Dr Lynham said.

“So before cutting, drilling or hammering nails into walls, floors and ceilings, DIYers should thoroughly check for electrical wires behind them.

“If someone is not confident of locating hidden wires they should always call a licensed electrician to find them. That call could save your life.”

And while DIYers all over Queensland will turn their hand to various jobs around the home this Christmas, Dr Lynham said under no circumstances should they ever attempt electrical work.

“The Queensland Ambulance Service has already attended more than 500 electric shock jobs this year and an unqualified person attempting electrical work could easily add to this statistic,” he said.

“Putting it simply, electricity is a killer and unqualified people who attempt electrical work are taking their lives into their hands and also breaking the law.”

Inside the home isn’t the only place home handypeople will find electrical dangers with Energex’s Safety Advisor Kevin Hore also offering safety tips for those attacking projects around their yards.

“With more and more of the power network being underground, anyone looking to install in a new garden bed or dig around their yard or footpath for any reason should be aware there could be live electrical cables beneath the surface,” he said.

“Similarly, in areas with overhead power there could be live wires right above you which may easily be struck when shifting around items such as high ladders or long building products like reinforcing steel.

“Therefore, if you’re digging in the yard you can check for underground services by making a free call to Dial Before You Dig on 1100 and always have a good understand of what electrical services are above you before shifting equipment around your property.”

/Public Release. View in full here.