ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

There  are  certain  safety  precautions  you should  observe  when  working  with  or  around electrical  appliances  and  equipment.  The following are some of the most common electrical safety precautions:

Personnel Safety

• Observe and follow all pertinent instructions and electric warning signs.
• Observe all safety precautions regarding portable electric lights and tools.  (Use rubber gloves and goggles.)
• Do not touch or operate any device that has a danger or caution tag attached without first contacting an authorized person.
• Do not go behind electrical switchboards.
• Do  not  touch  bare  electric  wires  or connections;  assume  all  circuits  to  be ALIVE.
• Do not remove steam tight globes from lighting fixtures.
• Don’t remove a plug from a power point by pulling on the cord; pull the plug instead.
• Switch off electrical items that are not in regular use at the plug and ensure that when we are away from the house for any length of time that you unplug and switch off electrical items as items left plugged in can be a fire risk and waste energy if left on standby.

• Do not use any electrical items in the bathroom unless specifically designed for use there, eg. Shavers and electric toothbrushes. Even with these items however, take care not to get wet and avoid plugging and unplugging with wet hands.

• Do not use items with damaged cords so that the wires are exposed. Either repair or replace. Check items regularly. 

• Do not use damaged sockets, replace with care when necessary. 

• Ensure any electrical items are approved standard when purchasing and keep them correctly maintained where necessary. Look for the BEAB seal of approval.

• Use the correct wattage light bulb for all light fittings.

• Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit

Top 10 Rules for Home Electric Safety

1. DON'T plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or extension cord. It could damage the 

    electrical system in your house or even cause a fire.

2. DO ask grown-ups to put safety caps on all unused electrical outlets.

Covering outlets will also help save energy by stopping cold drafts.

3. DON'T yank an electrical cord from the wall.

Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet.

4. DO make sure all electric cords are tucked away, neat and tidy.

Pets might chew on electrical cords, and people might trip and fall.

5. DO ask a grown-up for help when you need to use something that uses electricity.

6. DO look up and look out for power lines before you climb a tree.

   The electricity can go right through the tree branch - and right through you!

7. DON'T ever climb the fence around an electrical substation.

If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask a grown-up to call the electric company - they'll come and get it out for you.

8. DO remind your mom or dad to watch out for power lines when they're using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment.

9. DO keep electrical stuff far away from water.

Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.

10. DON'T fly a kite near power lines.

The kite and the string may conduct electricity - sending it right through you to the ground.