The Terraces
Ban Booze From Home Renovation Sites
18 August
2004
Alcohol should be banned from DIY home renovation sites, because driving a power saw or a nail gun can be just as deadly as driving a car under the influence, it was claimed today.
Archicentre, the building advisory centre of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and Kidsafe will launch a program today targeting safety in home renovations with the support of WorkSafe and the Victorian Municipal Building Surveyors.
Mr Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre said, "Undertaking a home renovation immediately turns the home into an industrial site where there are increased risks, with the use of tools, storage of materials, dust, noise and potential structural problems."
"The tradition of having a couple of mates help and sharing a few stubbies over lunch or whilst working, especially when using power tools or climbing on roofs or ladders, can lead to serious injury or death."
Mr Caulfield said that with a renovation underway in the home small children especially are at high risk with a need for constant supervision of the work area and the removal of hazards such as nail guns, exposed nails in timber, glues, electric power tools, or buckets of water just to mention a few.
Archicentre urges anyone undertaking a renovation to ensure that they have a safety plan in place for their family, and should also include a strategy for keeping young children separate from driveways where delivery or workers vehicles may be reversing.
By making the home renovation an alcohol free zone during working hours people will be protecting their family and friends from possible serious injury or death, Mr Caulfield added.
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