Safety

If you are looking at building your own deck, it can be a rewarding experience, in creating an outdoor area which will be enjoyed over many years.   However, the popularity of reality renovation television programs has glamourised DIY to such an extent that it makes construction work seem quick and easy. 

Building a deck is a real construction project which will take time and commitment to complete and which has risks and complexities.  To ensure that building your deck is as rewarding as you anticipate it will be, pay careful attention to safety during construction.

Some suggestions for a safe workplace include, but are not limited to, the following:

Working practices, site organization and site access shall comply with Workplace Health and Safety Requirements.

Wear suitable safety equipment when appropriate eg snug fitting work gloves to avoid splinters, eye protection when using power or striking tools, ear protection when appropriate, and a dust mask if creating airborne dust of any kind eg by hand or power saw, grinder etc.

Pay particular attention to safe practices when using ladders, grinders and power saws (tools which are the cause of many DIY accidents). Read and adhere to the safety advice which is provided on the product or in the product manual. Always ensure you are working on and from solid surfaces and that you have good control of any tool.
 

Exercise care when lifting, carrying and twisting under load.

Apply a disciplined approach to keeping the area tidy, free of waste or excess materials which could be a tripping hazard. Stack building materials securely and prevent access to the site by unsupervised children.

If you are not a professional tradesperson or experienced handyperson, work into the project slowly to get the feel of it, to become comfortable with the requirements and to establish good judgement when using hand and power tools.

Anticipate what could go wrong in each situation and make appropriate changes to reduce risk to the maximum extent possible.

In relation to handling treated timber:
• Do not burn any treated off-cuts as this may create toxic vapours.

• Dispose of any treated off-cuts in landfill.

• Use a high standard of hygiene practices and wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking.

A DIY injury prevention brochure can be found at:
www.general.monash.edu.au/muarc/diyhome.pdf