1 Electrical Safety at Home 2017
Table of Content P 7 9 11 13 15 19 21 23 25 27 Introduction General Instructions Complete Precautionary Measures Safety Anywhere, Everywhere In the Kitchen In Bathrooms In the Living Room In the Garden and Street Dealing with Electrical Injuries What to Double Check 3
Better Safe Than Sorry
Introduction Today, every house is filled with various electrical appliances. They have become an essential part of our lives: the refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, heater, electrical extensions, bulbs, lighting, and water heaters among others. However, we tend to underestimate the importance of carefully dealing with electricity. A tiny electrical problem can be more dangerous than we think, and may lead to a hazard. So, how can we ensure our safety while living amongst numerous electrical appliances? The simple answer is: Awareness Caution Avoiding Negligence In line with our social responsibility as an electricity company, we are keen on spreading awareness among citizens and providing important tips and instructions about electrical safety, helping keep the community as safe as possible. 7
General Instructions Electrical malfunctions do not usually cause fire outbreaks. It is usually the fault of the owner or resident, and this is why precautionary measures are essential. In general, 89% of all fires are caused by electricity Most electrical accidents causing injuries and hospital admission result from tampering with electrical sockets, attempting to fix electrical appliances, or replacing bulbs. 9
Complete Precautionary Measures Make sure you have a fire extinguisher Read the capacity of outlets and adapters and make sure they are not overloaded Unplug electrical appliances while not in use to prevent fire outbreaks during sleep Immediately call civil defense in case of a fire outbreak Precautionary Measures Disconnect the main circuit in case you smell fire or smoke Install smoke and heat detectors Ensure that all cords and outlets are safe to use Never place electric heaters near curtains or furniture, and do not lay clothes on them 11
Safety Anywhere, Everywhere Safety precautions differ from one room to another, such as the living room and the kitchen. Following are some of the key electrical safety tips and instructions for main rooms. Let s help keep our homes and families safe. 13
In the Kitchen A kitchen usually has the largest number of electrical appliances and is one of the most dangerous places at home. It usually has a refrigerator, an exhaust fan, a dishwasher, a toaster, and an electric kettle among others. The following tips will help keep your kitchen safe. Plug appliances directly into sockets, without any extensions Ensure the exhaust fans are always clean for adequate ventilation and air circulation Remove all burnt food or oil residuals inside ovens to keep them clean 15
Remember that oil and fat residuals are primary causes of fire Throw away kitchen trash daily to keep the air clean and fresh Unplug electrical appliances that are not in use and ensure that cords are safe to use Install a smoke detector in the kitchen Ensure the presence of a fire extinguisher in the kitchen Make sure the heater always has water and set the temperature at 60 degrees Celsius Safety Tips for Kitchen To keep the refrigerator working properly, disconnect it to clean it once a year Never coil the cables around the appliance when you stop using it. The device could still be hot and could damage the cables Never leave the electric stove unattended while cooking and disconnect immediately when not in use Water and electricity do not get along! Make sure there s no water near the electrical source 17
In the Bathrooms Many electrical accidents usually happen in bathrooms. To guarantee safety: Never use exposed electrical cords The bathroom is usually a humid area and has a lot of water, so be careful with sockets and plugs It s preferable to have the heater installed outside the bathroom Never touch an electrical device if you re barefoot or if your hands are damp Unplug devices that are not in use, such as hairdryers, shavers, water heater, etc Safety Tips for Bathrooms Do not use electric devices, such as hairdryers, radios, or shavers, near bathtubs Do not use electrical appliances if they are wet Keep a safe distance between plugs, cables, or additional extensions 19
In the Living Room It s the place where we spend most of our time interacting or watching, and this is why we have to be even more careful with electricity. Do not extend cords or cables under carpets Do not overload electrical outlets or adapters Unplug appliances before changing their location Use extension leads that are original and with the right capacity Spraying detergents or insect sprays directly on electrical appliances may cause fire Safety Tips for Living Rooms Hire electricians to fix any electrical malfunctions or install connections Do not drill into your wall if you think there may be internal electrical connections Unplug devices when they re not in use Do not place flammable material near outlets or sockets Inspect plugs and cables from time to time to ensure they re still safe to use 21
In the Garden and Street Electricity is all around us, and we have to learn how to use it safely. Please follow the general tips below to avoid electrical hazards and dangers. Immediately report any electrical problem (a broken pole, exposed or misplaced cables) Use covered and insulated cords and cables in case of outside extensions Prevent others from approaching dangerous areas until specialists arrive Electrical equipment may get damp due to rain, so do not use until they re dry When trimming trees, wear a special gardening outfit and shoes that are closed from the front Safety Tips for the Garden and Street Stay away from electricity poles, stations, or boxes Make sure your children do not approach electrical devices when they play outside Stay inside during thunderstorms, but in case you re outside and far from your house, squat with only your shoes touching the ground since they act as insulators Do not approach exposed cables 23
Dealing with Electrical Injuries If a family member gets an electric shock, God forbid, perform the following procedure very carefully: Do not touch a person experiencing an electric shock without being insulated The person experiencing an electric shock should not touch wood without insulation How to Handle Electrical Injuries Monitor the patient s condition, since effects of electric shocks may take time to appear Call for an ambulance immediately Perform a first-aid procedure if you know how 25
What to Double Check Always inspect cables, cords, and all electrical connections Ensure that plugs are safe to use and watch out for signs of heat in the outlet To Ensure Electrical Safety at Home Learn about your home s electrical panel, room distribution of electricity, main circuit breakers and their locations Ensure that cables of high-voltage devices are safe to use and not worn out Choose high-quality appliances that include a production date and a guarantee 27
Better Safe Than Sorry
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