Make your home ‘power-safe’.

Make your home ‘power-safe’.

Around 6 people die each year in electrical accidents. Most as a result of Do-It-Yourself electrical work. Always call a registered electrician to carry out electrical work around your home, and make sure they install a safety switch in case anything goes wrong. Plus there are some other simple safety measures you can take.

 

Your home is full of potential electrical hazards. Especially for young children. Get down on your knees and you’ll get a good idea of the dangers – power points and cords are interesting playthings. There are plenty of hazards for adults too, most of which can be avoided with some common sense. 


If an accident does happen, remember not to touch anyone who is receiving an electric shock. First turn off the power. Send someone to call 111 for an ambulance while you give first aid. If you know how to perform resuscitation, you could help save a life.


 

5 simple ways to help keep your home ‘power-safe’:

 


1. Install a safety switch before it’s too late.

 

A safety switch can sense faulty appliances or bad wiring and cut off the power in a fraction of a second - protecting you from severe shock.

 


2. Don’t use faulty or wet appliances.


Don’t try to repair a faulty appliance yourself. Call a licensed electrician. If you spill liquid on an appliance that’s not water resistant, or you feel a slight ‘tingle’ while you’re using it, switch it off at the power point and have it checked.

 

3. Don’t stack your power points.


Don’t use more than one double adaptor in a power point, or overload your power boards.  Don’t use cracked or broken power sockets or leads and do fit plastic covers in all sockets that aren’t being used. Make sure extension cords are fully unwound so they don’t overheat.


4. Take special care around water.


Wear rubber-soled shoes and keep your hands dry when using electrical appliances in the laundry or other wet areas and outside. Don’t leave hairdryers or electric shavers near the bath or basin, don’t use portable heaters in the bathroom and never throw water on an electrical fire.

 


5. Keep appliances away from the pool.

 

Pool wiring and electrical equipment must be installed by a licensed electrician. Mains-operated portable lighting stereos and extension leads must be kept well away from the water.



Further Information 

Download a pdf booklet on living safely with electricity. http://www.ess.govt.nz/safety/safety1.asp

 

http://www.safekids.org.nz Use the safekids website to search out a number of downloadable brochures on electrical safety.

 

Find information about doing your own electrical work safely. http://www.ess.govt.nz/safety/pdf/brochure.pdf


St John Ambulance New Zealand holds first aid and resuscitation (CPR) courses so you know what to do in the first few moments of an emergency.



Helpful Hints

All rooms:

  • Check for cracked or broken power points and have an electrician replace them.
  • Install child-proof safety plugs in all power points that aren’t being used.
  • Don’t stack your power points with double adaptors or overload power boards.

Bathroom:

  • Don’t leave hairdryers or electric shavers next to the bath or basin.
  • Don’t use portable heaters – install a permanent radiator.


Kitchen:

  • Keep electrical appliances away from the sink and don’t wash them in water unless the instructions say it’s safe to do so.
  • Make sure cords and plugs on kettles and toasters are in good condition.
  • Don’t pry bread out of the toaster while small children are watching – even if the toaster is switched off. They don’t know the difference and may copy you.


Bedroom:

  • Don’t fold an electric blanket to fit your bed – it may overheat and burn.


Outside:

  • [Fusebox] Install an electrical safety switch.
  • Make sure you know where your main electrical switchboard is and that you can reach it easily.
  • Trim vegetation that’s too close to power lines on your property.
  • Check there are no underground cables before you dig or put stakes in the garden. If you’re not sure call Telecom on 124 or call your local council.
  • Make sure your power tools are protected by your safety switch and the cords aren’t damaged.
  • Don’t leave power tools plugged in or where a child can easily plug them in.
  • Keep appliances and extension cords away from the swimming pool or pond.

Study/Home office:

  • Use power boards with surge guards for electronic equipment like computers.