Should I Delete This Article?

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   eugbugposted 4 years ago

   So I wrote this guide to cleaning the filter in an electric shower. Now I'm not so sure it was a good idea because it involves electrics. I have advised that anyone who attempts to do this maintenance should be aware of the hazards of electricity and be experienced working with electrical appliance, but as far as I understand, disclaimers have no legal worth and their only purpose is to scare people.
   On the broader issue of DIY guides, can we potentially be sued if someone injures themselves or dies? All we can do is provide information that is to the best of our knowledge, and we can't cater for the stupidity of those who attempt work and don't read instructions.
   https://dengarden.com/appliances/How-to … ric-Shower

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2. 69

   PaulGoodman67posted 4 years ago

   Pretty much all practical guides come with the risk that the reader will do something foolish. I always bend over backwards to highlight hazards and recommend safety equipment. I use a warning in the article, and often the generic disclaimers too.
   
   Disclaimers can be legally binding, as far as I'm aware. They do have to fit criteria such as being fair and reasonable though.
   
   I used to be involved with Consumer Rights in the UK at one time and have been involved in civil actions, though it was some years ago now.
   
   The areas that I personally stay away from are generally things like medical matters.

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      eugbugposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I have used callout warnings and emphasised the utter importance of checking power is switched off before doing any work and also that the tools used to do this should be checked first to make sure they're functioning properly.

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         PaulGoodman67posted 4 years agoin reply to this

         Yes. The implication of my comment is that you shouldn't delete. If in doubt, use a generic disclaimer in addition to specific warnings. That's my opinion, for what it's worth.
         
         If you warn someone in writing not to do something and highlight potential negative consequences, then they go ahead and do that thing, their legal position is usually weak. (It's a little more complicated, of course, but that's the bare bones of it within this context).

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            PaulGoodman67posted 4 years agoin reply to this

            I mean, you can never stop somebody suing. Anybody can sue anybody over anything at any time. The objective is to have a much stronger legal case. That's the purpose of disclaimers, terms and conditions, warnings, etc.
            
            Though of course, having a stronger legal case has the general effect of dissuading people from suing.

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   emgeposted 4 years ago

   Do not delete the article that is a negative concept. You let the article remain with the disclaimer cautioning the people who read to use their own judgment as well.

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   eugbugposted 4 years ago

   I'm just wondering are there any precedents where people who write DIY guides have had legal action taken against them? What I worry about is things I possibly forgot and neglected to include. Maybe I'm just being over conscientious. I'm not advising anyone to do something dangerous, however the issue is that in theory, things like this should really be done by qualified personnel. However the point of DIY is that as it says on the tin, you do it yourself. I haven't written any electrical guides because although I have an electrical engineering qualification (well more specifically in control and instrumentation), I'm not an electrician and although I understand the principles, I wouldn't be au fait with all the code and regulations. This shower guide however just involves turning off power and checking it's off and I make that clear. I've also added a Fluke guide to using a VoltAlert tester.

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5. 65

   eugbugposted 4 years ago

   Some interesting suggestions here:
   
   https://www.websitepolicies.com/blog/wr … disclaimer

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6. 67

   daydreamsposted 4 years ago

   I wondered this too- I decided not to write an article I once had an idea for because I didn't want to be blamed for an idiot setting fire to their house..
   
   I hate disclaimers though - especially when they are just tagged on the end of an article with no real thought.
   
   I imagine their legal weight will vary from country to country too- am interested what replies you get.

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