Electrical safety
Keeping safe in the home
Electricity safety in the home is vital, but it can be achieved if you understand the risks and take care.
Electricity and water
• Be extremely careful when using appliances connected to power points near sinks, baths or swimming pools.
• If an electrical appliance has been immersed in water it must be discarded immediately
• Unplug and switch off all electrical appliances, such as hairdryers, shavers, etc after use
• Use either a strip heater or a ceiling unit installed by a registered electrical contractor. Don’t use portable heaters in bathroom areas.
• Don’t use extension leads or power leads in wet areas
• Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or bare feet.
Appliances and white goods
• Turn off appliances such as heaters, ovens and irons when leaving your home
• Remove electrical appliances with damaged cords or broken plugs
• Extension cords should not be used in wet areas – unless specially designed to do so
• Make sure there is plenty of space around appliances to prevent overheating
• Remove all combustible material around stoves, heaters and lamps
• Licensed electricians should undertake all your electrical work and repairs.
In the kitchen
• Regularly clean range hood filters
• Install an exhaust fan and make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the kitchen
• Clean ovens and hot plates regularly to prevent the build-up of spilled fats and burnt foods
• Switch off and unplug your toaster before trying to remove anything caught in the toaster
• Never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking.
Extension leads
• Extension cords with damaged plugs or cords should be discarded
• Keep cords tidy and out of the way so they can't be caught or grabbed.
• Position extension cords along walls and around furniture
• Extension cords should have 3 pins (plugs with 2 pins are not earthed and should be used only with double insulated electrical equipment)
Powerlines
• Ladders, boat masts and poles should be kept well clear of overhead power lines
• Monitor weather conditions. Powerlines can sag in extreme heat and sway in strong winds
• Powerlines are difficult to see at dawn and dusk
• Keep plants clear of power lines.
• Contact Before you Dig on 1100.
Switchboards and fuses
• Make sure you know where your switchboard is located
• Keep access to your switchboard free of obstructions
• Label switches, circuit breakers or fuses
• Repairs or installation work must be undertaken by a licensed electrical contractor.
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