Home handymen are being warned to take care around electricity after a man died last week while installing insulation.
Christopher Budden died last Saturday after being electrocuted when he apparently hit a wire with a staple gun while installing insulation under his Papatoetoe house.
An ambulance was called
but nothing could be done to revive the AIG Insurance worker.
At his funeral on Friday, attended by more than 150 friends and family, wife Michelle paid tribute to the former Rangitoto College student who was known for his "infectious smile". "It has been an honour to have spent my life with you, Chris. You were always seeking the ultimate and I am so proud of you," said Michelle Budden, who married the handyman in Fiji in 1998.
Six days before Budden's death, the couple had formed a company, Shortie Investments, named after Michelle's nickname.
Budden, 43, had worked for Lumley Insurance, Telecom and "when he decided he wanted to do something more creative" made concrete bird-baths, which he sold at local markets. He was also a qualified homeopath, and loved "all things natural". Many of those he had treated were at the funeral.
Police Sergeant Vaughn McAllister said the case would be referred to the coroner.
Budden's death is the third of its type this year, and on Friday the Government issued a warning, cautioning those who loved DIY to keep safe.
"As with any electrical work... it is essential that any potential hazards or risks are identified and eliminated," Associate Minister of Health Harry Duynhoven said. "When stapling underfloor thermal insulation it is essential to keep staples well clear of any power cables."
The minister advised people to turn off all power while the insulation was being installed and if there was doubt, to call in the professionals.
Don Harrington of Auckland's Stargate Electrical, an electrician for more than 30 years, said people often seemed to lack respect for the dangers of working around live electricity.
"It's not until someone gets killed that people start to appreciate how dangerous it can be... With electrical work you can get a fire, or get killed, or both," Harrington said.
He said aluminium insulation materials needed to carry warnings about the dangers of live cables, and suggested people find an expert to install insulation.
For more information contact Energy Safety on 0508 377 4636 or visit
www.ess.govt.nz.
