On any given day, it's likely that most people use several
different electrical appliances. With electric appliances
being so common in modern homes, it's easy to forget that
there are very real risks and hazards associated with their
use. Take the time to brush up on the principles of safe
operation - and make sure that everyone in your home is
aware of them - in order prevent unnecessary exposure to
hazards and safety risks.
Electrical Safety Tips Anyone Can Follow suggested by Oak Electrical Concept and Consultancy..
Being safe when using electrical appliances , extension
cords, light bulbs and other equipment is easy and safety
tips should be included in household rules, home, school fire safety and daily behavior expectations for all members of the family. It only takes one mistake to spark an electrical fire, but simple prevention measures can be effective solutions.
Appliances:
Appliances are an integral part of every household, from a
simple electric clock to the microwave oven. These safety
tips can help keep all appliances operating safely.
Cords:
Every electrical appliance has a cord, and many homes use
extension cords to increase the range of electrical outlets.
These safety tips can help keep cords in good condition for
safe operation.
Outlets:
Every cord has to plug into an appropriate electrical outlet,
but these tempting niches are inviting to unwelcome
objects that can cause shorts and fires. Use these electrical safety tips at home to keep outlets safe:
Light Bulbs
Light bulbs are the single most common electrical fixture in
homes, and proper light bulb safety can keep them from
becoming a common electrical hazard.
Outdoors
It is important to also practice electrical safety when
outside, since many electrical hazards can be found near
homes and not just inside their walls. The Consumer
Product Safety Commission provides a number of
recommendations for outdoor electricity safety.
Electrical Fire Safety Tips
When an electrical short or spark does happen, it is vital to
understand what to do to prevent or put out an electrical
fire to keep the damage and devastation from spreading.
You should, of course, call appropriate
emergency services immediately in case of electrical injury
or fire.
Even though electricity is the bed rock of a nation , there is still quite a bit of danger associated with improper use. Carefully observe all safety measures when using electricity to keep
yourself - and your family - safe.
keep several inches of clearance all around for
good air circulation and cooling.
Do not drape clothes, toys or other items over warm
appliances.
Always follow appliance instructions carefully,
and do not attempt amateur repairs or
upgrades.
Keep all electrical appliances away from water
such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead
vents that may drip.
Do not operate any electrical appliance with
wet hands or while standing in water.
Keep clothes, curtains, toys, and other
potentially combustible materials at away from
radiators, space heaters, heating vents and
other heat sources.
Check cords regularly for frays, cracks or
kinks, including power tool cords, holiday lights
and extension cords.
Cords are not jump ropes, clothes lines or
leashes, and should never be used for anything
other than their intended purpose.
Cords should be firmly plugged into outlets - if
the cord is loose and can pull out easily,
choose a different, more snug outlet.
Do not staple or nail cords in position at any
time; if the cord does not remain where
desired, use tape or twist ties to secure it.
Cords should not be placed beneath rugs
where they can become a trip hazard or where
frays will not be noticeable. Furthermore,
covering a cord will prevent it from keeping as
cool as possible.
Never put any object other than the
appropriate size plug into an outlet.
Install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in
potentially hazardous areas such as near
pools, crawl spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and
unfinished basements.
Keep all outlets properly covered with secure
plates that cover all wiring.
Use bulbs that have the correct wattage
requirements for each fixture. Using a higher
wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat.
Consider switching to more efficient compact
fluorescent (CFL) bulbs that provide the same
level of light at a lower wattage level.
According to the Blue Ridge Electric
Membership Cooperative , if a CFL bulb
breaks, you should open a window and have all
people and pets leave the room for at least 15
minutes.
Always screw bulbs in tightly; a loose bulb can
cause sparks or shorts.
Be sure to unplug or turn off a fixture
completely before changing light bulbs.
Keep trees pruned and away from power lines
overhead as well as where the power lines
approach the house.
Do not fly kites, model aircraft or balloons near
power lines.
When using a ladder, carefully inspect the
surrounding area to be sure it is free from
power lines.
Do not swim or play in water during an
electrical storm, even if it is not raining.
Always assume that contact with a power line
can be deadly.
Do not approach a downed power line to see if
it is live - it may give no signs that can be
easily observed, but it is just as deadly.
Contact the authorities immediately about
downed lines.
Do not allow children to play in proximity to
small or large electric appliances.
Replace any tools that put off even mild
electric shocks.
Replace any light switches that have a
tendency to flicker.
Replace any light switches that are hot to the
touch.
Avoid overloading extension cords, sockets
and plugs.
Do not force a three-prong plug into a
two-receptacle socket.
Know where fuse boxes and circuit breakers
are located as well as how to properly operate
them.
Never attempt electrical repairs or rewiring
without proper certification and experience.
Do not put water on an electrical fire; use a dry
fire extinguisher or baking soda instead.
We say beware, be aware and be alive .SEASON'S GREATINGS from Oak Electrical Concept and Consultancy.