The Terraces
An Archicentre Year of the Built Environment project in partnership with the Building Commission and the City of Melbourne

Renovator Safety Campaign Launched Today

18 August 2004

After two deaths and several injuries to DIY renovators, a safety campaign aimed at home renovators and their families will commence today.

'Working at a height of just 1.2 metres can be deadly', is just one of the main messages in the state-wide safety awareness program by Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. Archicentre will combine with Kidsafe to launch the community awareness program to lower the potential for injury to home renovators and their children.

The campaign will be released at The Terraces, an Archicentre renovation demonstration project in Carlton in partnership with the City of Melbourne and the Building Commission.

Mr Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre said, "The campaign will see the release of a safety sheet to commence the awareness program, and will be followed up by monthly safety tips for home renovation."

Mr Caulfield said that undertaking a renovation while living on the premises is similar to turning the home into an industrial site. The introduction of potentially dangerous equipment, materials and activities, make home renovation sites more dangerous when children are around.

According to Mr Caulfield the most common safety issues could be averted by creating awareness of them and removing potential hazards. They include:
1. Falls from ladders the top cause of injury
2. Injury to limbs, hands, eyes from equipment
3. Failure to keep site safe by leaving materials lying around.
4. Asbestos removal
5. Unprotected neighbouring properties
6. Drugs and alcohol use on site
7. Impatience and lack of knowledge

Download the Archicentre Kidsafe Home Safety Brochure at www.archicentre.com.au

Fast Facts DIY Victorian Injury Surveillance and Applied Research System
* At least 1081 Victorians needed hospital treatment in last 12 months
* More than 90% were men
* Almost 20% of Injuries from angle grinders
* 14.6% of injuries with power saws
* 8% eye injuries
* 12% of injuries required hospital treatment or overnight stays
* DIY injuries are estimated at 2,800 a year

Live web cam at www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield Managing Director Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0412 381 306
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile 0417 329 201