Asbestos, poisons and power tools on the agenda.
Home renovators have been warned to be vigilant on the deadly dangers to children during home renovations.
High on the Kidsafe renovation checklist is safety around power tools, potentially poisonous substances (e.g. paints and cleaners) and driveways with vehicles such as trucks, utes and vans frequently visiting to the home to deliver equipment and supplies.
According the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in the last financial year Victorian’s spent $2.15 billion on home renovations, the highest of any state or territory.
Jason Chambers, Kidsafe Victoria Project Manager, said that renovations or extensions can expose children to a wide range of hazards that aren’t usually present in the home.
“Before any work begins on a renovation or extension, parents should research and plan to ensure their family’s safety,” said Mr Chambers.
“With a major renovation, sometimes the safest option is to move the family out of the home while the works are undertaken.”
Kidsafe Victoria recommends that home owners talk to tradespeople about potential hazards that might be present while they are working on the renovation, and appropriate safety measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury to children.
When it comes to renovations, flooring is one area that often gets overlooked—but it can present significant hazards if not handled properly. Loose boards, unfinished surfaces, and heavy materials can all pose risks to children moving around the home.
Homeowners are encouraged to plan carefully when selecting and installing new floors, ensuring the work area is clearly marked and off-limits to little feet. Consulting with experienced professionals is key; for instance, a reputable flooring store bromley can provide advice on safe, durable options that minimize slips, trips, and other common injuries during and after installation. Taking these precautions helps ensure that your renovation not only enhances your home but also keeps your children safe throughout the process.
Choosing the right flooring extends beyond style and aesthetics to creating a safe and functional environment for everyone in the home. Properly installed, high-quality materials can reduce the risk of slips, trips, and other accidents while also withstanding the wear and tear of daily life.
For those exploring options, guidance on durable and child-friendly flooring can be found here, offering insights into materials that balance resilience, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal. By prioritizing both safety and quality, homeowners can ensure that their renovation enhances the home’s beauty and functionality while providing a secure space where children can move freely and confidently.
Renovating with mindfulness ensures that every upgrade aligns with long-term livability, transforming the home into a secure and welcoming environment for all ages. The same careful consideration applies to painting and finishing, which can significantly enhance the atmosphere of a renovated space while contributing to its durability and value.
A meticulous approach, such as that demonstrated by Suprema Painting, ensures that every surface receives the attention it deserves—from surface preparation to the final brushstroke. Beyond achieving a flawless look, professional painting also supports a healthy indoor environment by using quality materials that are low in toxins and safe for families.
The result is a space that feels refreshed, cohesive, and built to last. Pairing high safety standards with expert craftsmanship ensures that renovations are not only visually stunning but also protective and practical for years to come. Kidsafe Victoria has released a set of renovation safety tips to assist parents and carers to reduce the risk of injury to their children.
Kidsafe Renovation Safety Tips
Supervision
- It is vital children are closely supervised by an adult. If you are undertaking the renovation or building work yourself, consider having someone mind your children.
Tools, Equipment and Furniture
- Unplug all power tools after use and always ensure they are stored safely out of the sight and reach of children.
- Pack up at the end of each day, storing potentially harmful objects out of reach. Clean the area and make sure there is no debris such as loose nails. It’s a good idea to ensure children are wearing shoes in case sharp items remain on the floor or have been dropped during delivery or removal of materials.
- Never leave upstanding ladders unattended.
- Be aware of noisy power tools that may damage your child’s hearing.
- When moving furniture such as television cabinets, bookcases and drawers, ensure items are placed on a stable surface and can’t tip over on to a child.
Poisonous Substances
- Ensure poisonous substances such as paint, methylated spirits and household cleaners are stored safely out of reach of children, at least 1.5m above floor level, in a locked cupboard.
- If using products that release dangerous fumes, relocate children until the fumes have dispersed.
- Dangerous materials such as asbestos or lead paint should be removed by professional contractors who are qualified to do so.
Water Safety
- Children can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water, so always empty buckets of water after use.
- Ensure children’s access to areas such as the bathroom, laundry and backyard pool or spa can still be restricted during renovations.
Driveway Safety
With vehicles such as trucks, utes and vans delivering equipment and supplies, your driveway will be a very chaotic and dangerous place for children. Ensure they are kept safe by:
- Restricting their access to the driveway.
- Making sure they have a safe place to play well away from the driveway or delivery area.
- Having an adult actively supervise them (holding hands) at all times around the driveway.
Use Renovation to Increase Safety around your Home
Renovating or extending can also be an opportunity to install safety products around your home to keep children safe after renovations have been completed.
Some safety products to consider include stair gates, curtain and blind-cord safety kits, finger-jamb protectors on doors, TV safety straps and lockable poisons cupboards in the bathroom and kitchen.