DIY disaster

I was putting up some new shelves today and whilst drilling for the support brackets, I hit a gas pipe and punctured it, the drill carried on and hit an electric cable which ignited the now escaping gas but fortunately I then hit a water pipe which put the fire out.

Steve...

 

I fancy myself as a tree surgeaon...just bought a chainsaw...

Steve...

 

My dad has a chainsaw and I sometimes borrow it when I go up my land. At first I was of the opinion that health and safety rules are silly, but now I have three rules that I make my helpers abide by:

1. Don't stand in front of anyone that is using the chainsaw, even if you're out of range.
2. You can't use it unless you're wearing steel towcapped boots
3. Never use the saw in strong winds.

Here's why:

1. I once lost my footing while cutting a dead tree. I was on the edge of a big drop and was going to fall a good 8 ft. I didn't want a running chainsaw anywhere near me when I landed, knowing I couldn't predict exactly what position I'd land in, so I hurled it away from myself as hard as I could. At that moment I didn't realise my nephew and his girlfriend were about 20ft in front of me trimming blackthorn. They both had to dive for cover. Nobody was hurt but they could have been if they hadn't moved fast enough.

2. I once got the saw jammed, kicked the offending branch which freed the saw, which then ran full throttle over my toes. I still owe the late Dr Marten a pint for that.

3. I was cutting a mature but dying tree in strong winds one day when a gust of wind pushed it in exactly the direction I didn't want it to go. Its a good job my mate Leo could run fast.

 

Nice to see you may well be branching out from now on

 

Cluesless1, i'd like to add a number 4: always where protective gloves.

We have a small chainsaw for chopping small logs , and my other half cut his finger only yesterday and i don't think even he knows how he managed it. Luckily just a small cut, nothing serious. They are very dangerous and everytime he tells me he is going to cut logs, i'm worried sick until it's over.

 

I would say the opposite, never wear gloves. I don't know about chainsaws but with power tools in general I was taught never to wear gloves. Your grip is not as good with gloves on, and if the glove gets snagged, it could pull your whole hand in. At least that's what I was taught about power tools in general, never been on a chainsaw training course so don't know the correct rules there. Also, I doubt there's many gloves that will stop a chainsaw getting at you.

 

I was cutting up firewood with my new circular saw. Impressive speed until it caught a piece of wood & smacked me in the face with it. Ouch.

 

[size=large]I could never use a saw to cut big branches or big chunks of wood! A small electric edge trimmer is as far as i go in terms of heavy/noisy/vibrating tools and still I don't find it comfortable to use it...
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Well its the first time EVER I've posted a joke and had reams of safety advice in reply

I bet you guys are great fun on a night out..

Steve...

 

:D

A wild night of rum & risk assesments.

 

my goodness you are actually worse than my husband pmsl !
glad i do the DIY in my house