- Be Prepared
FIRST THINGS FIRST – BE PREPARED
Preparation and planning are key elements of good safety practice. They not only help to keep you safe – they can also save both time and money.
Before starting a job, be realistic about how long it will take. Have regular breaks to avoid tiredness or loss of concentration. If it takes longer than you expected, don’t start cutting corners or speeding up – take your time and make sure the job is done properly.
Avoid loose clothing, tie back long hair, and remove any loose jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches.
Before you start any plumbing work, check the location and condition of items such as stopcocks and gate valves. Ensure that they can be quickly opened or shut in the event of an emergency
It may seem obvious, but always read through any instruction leaflets beforehand – especially if you are using an unfamiliar piece of equipment.
Don’t assume you know how it works – check it out first. Make sure you have a First Aid kit (with contents that are not past their ’sell by’ date) and keep it somewhere handy.
Switch off at the mains when working with electricity. Tape over any broken or unusable switches, and make sure that any broken items are replaced as soon as possible.
Make up a simple electricity repair kit for basic emergencies. This should contain a torch (with working batteries), rubber gloves, insulated pliers and screwdrivers, insulating tape, spare bulbs, fuses and fuse wire.
Don’t be too proud to ask for help. If in doubt at any time, don’t take risks – contact a professional.