ELECTRICAL SAFETY AT HOME

It’s easy to use electricity safely at home if you understand the risks and take care. Our tips can be a helpful start.

What is electricity? Find out more here.

General appliances

Remove electrical appliances with damaged/frayed cords or cracked or broken plugs
Turn off power points before plugging/unplugging appliances
Turn off all appliances such as heaters, ovens and stove tops when leaving your home
Maintain exhaust fans in a clean condition, free of lint
Ensure adequate space around appliances to prevent overheating
Remove all combustible material from stoves, heaters and lamps
Extension cords should not be used in wet areas – unless specially designed to do so
Licensed electricians should undertake all your electrical work and repairs.

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
Switch off and unplug all portable electrical appliances, such as hairdryers, shavers, etc after use
Don’t use portable heaters in bathroom areas. Instead, you should have either a strip heater installed high on the wall or a ceiling unit installed by a registered electrical contractor
Don’t use extension leads or power leads in wet areas unless specifically designed to do so
Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or bare feet.

Regularly clean range hood filters
Clean ovens and hot plates regularly to prevent the build-up of spilled fats and burnt foods
Install a ventilation system, flue or exhaust fan in the kitchen to remove fumes while cooking
Switch off and unplug your toaster before trying to remove toast, muffins or crumpets that are caught in the toaster
Remove bread crumbs from the toaster regularly as a build up can be hazardous
Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the room take something with you as a reminder that you are cooking (eg. a wooden spoon)

Extension cords with damaged plugs or cords should be discarded
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)
Cords should not be draped over benches where they can be caught or grabbed.

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
Plant low growing plants near power lines.

Contact Before you Dig on 1100.

Be familiar with 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.