• SAFETY •
Coastline Electrical service Pty Ltd offer the following safety tips to protect you and your family from the many possible causes of electrocution.
Adaptors: Avoid stacking plugs. Use a power board or have a power point installed to eliminate this unsafe practice.
Appliances: When an appliance needs adjusting or cleaning SWITCH OFF the power and PULL OUT the plug. (Never by its cord!)
Caravans: Take care how you install and use your portable appliances and flexible cords within you van. Beware of overhead wires especially when you are erecting your TV antenna.
You can never be sure of what you find at your destination, so take your own portable safety switch to avoid any shocking surprises! Even on your holiday remember to wear rubber or synthetic soled shoes when using electrical appliances, so as to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Dryers: Clothes dryers require maintenance if they are to operate efficiently and safely. The lint filter requires cleaning AFTER EACH USE to ensure sufficient air circulation which is necessary for efficient drying. Lint filters are also common causes of fire when lint is allowed to build up.
Electric Blankets: Like all other electrical appliances, electric blankets must be used in strict accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. They should also be inspected every three years.
Generators: A portable generating set should NOT be connected to an electrical installation with an extension lead that has a 3-pin plug at each end.THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! The correct way is to have an inlet socket on the installation's switchboard. This inlet socket is controlled by a changeover switch, so that the generator can supply standby power when normal supply is unavailable. Use a generator set with a portable safety switch, or preferably have Coastline Electrical Service fit a normal safety switch to give you permanent protection. Generators pack the same 'zap' as power at home!
Hairdryers: Warning! Never leave a hairdryer where it could fall into the bath or basin. Many fatalities occur this way.
Hand Lamps: Use only approved type hand lamps, fitted with protective guards. Home-made hand lamps have caused many fatalities.
Home Handymen: If you are a home handyman, DRAW THE LINE AT ELECTRICAL JOBS! Leave it to a professional. His knowledge and experience could end up saving your life.
Important Do's and Don'ts:
• Always treat a 'tingle' or a slight shock as a warning, then advise your Electricity Distributor urgently.
• Never attach swings, clothes lines, hanging baskets and other such items around beams to which electrical wires are attached.
• Never touch an appliance that's caused a shock until it has been disconnected. Label it to prevent anyone from using it until it has been repaired and tested.
• To prevent electrical accidents, destroy discarded appliances by removing the 3-pin plug before dumping.
• BROKEN SWITCHES AND SOCKETS ARE DANGEROUS! Cover them up and get them replaced immediately by Coastline Electrical Service.
Leads: Extension leads are convenient for providing power for TEMPORARY use. Have additional power points installed if appliances need to be operated regularly using a lead. Always replace frayed, perished or damaged cords.They are extremely dangerous. Always ensure that flexible cords are fully UNWOUND, otherwise heating will occur.
Not only is it dangerous to make up, or maintain your own electrical leads, it is in fact, illegal for an unqualified person to attempt to do any sort of electrical work in Queensland. Home handymen should draw the line at electrical jobs and leave them to your local electrical contractor - 'Coastline Electrical Service'.
Ready-made extension leads are available from your local Electrical Contractor, hardware store or retailer. They are more convenient to purchase and are usually cheaper.
Licensed Electrical Contractors: All Electrical Contractors and Electricians are required to have a license which can be verified by contacting -
Queensland Electrical Safety Office
www.eso.qld.gov.au or
Phone: 1300 362 320
New Homes: Did you know that in 1991 safety switches became compulsory in new homes, and in 1997, so did 240 volt powered smoke alarms? When planning a new home, take the time to speak to the Electrical Contractor who will be doing the work. Your Electrical contractor will know about the latest products and ensure that your special needs are met. Some hints when planning your new home are:
• Install the switchboard in a convenient location inside the house, leaving only the meters outside.
• Have a separate safety switch installed on every circuit as it is more convenient and provides additional protection.
• Ask Coastline Electrical Service to make sure the switchboard has spare room for future expansion.
• Have at least two lighting circuits.
When purchasing an existing home, we recommend that the electrical installation is checked at the same time the building inspection is carried out. This ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECK will reveal if the installation meets current standards and ensure a major bill for repairs does not come as a surprise when you least afford it.
Overhead wires: Fallen wires are dangerous! Don't touch them, stand clear and stand guard after you send for help.
Take extra care and keep clear of electrical wires attached to your house or shed. In general, do not plant trees under or near overhead wires unless they are a type which will never grow to the height of the overhead wires. Check with your nursery before planting.
Warn your children about flying kites or model planes anywhere near overhead wires or power lines. If they come in contact with live wires, it may result in an electric shock.
Look up and live! Always keep clear of overhead conductors. Tip trucks, cranes, irigation pipes, gain augers, antennas, aluminium yacht masts have all caused fatal accidents by coming into contact with overhead wires.
Power Failure: When a power failure occurs, disconnect ALL heating appliances as fires can start when power returns unexpectedly. Ensure that combustible material is clear of all heating appliances.
Power Tools: Many deaths have reulted from the misuse of electrical arc welders. Contact between electrodes and work can be fatal. Recommended safety precautions must be strictly observed
Rental Properties: The rule governing standards for houses have changed over the last 10 years. It is now mandatory to fit certain safety devices to new homes. In recent times the High Court has ruled that landlords have a duty of care to provide safe premises for tenant's use. This duty is owed even in the absence of the landlords knowledge that an unsafe condition exists.
Safety switches and smoke alarms have proven their value in preventing injury and property damage. when coupled with regular safety checks of the electrical installation, all normal precautions will have been taken.
Safety Checks: It is always recommended that electrical installations are checked by Coastline Electrical Service EVERY 10 YEARS. Safety checks are not expensive and will ensure that you continue to enjoy the benefits of using electricity safely.
Safety Switches: help to protect you and your family against the most common cause of electrocution - a shock from electricity passing through the body to earth. They detect the stray current and turn off the power in less than a heartbeat. It is recommended that safety switches are fitted to all power and light circuits in the house. For convenience, it is wise to have all more than one switch installed, so that all power is not lost in the event of a fault.
What does a Safety Switch Look Like? Safety Switches are normally fitted on the switchboard and are wider than most other switches. As with other switches, a safety switch has a togle to operate it and, in addition, has a TEST BUTTON. Your switchboard may also have circuit breakers installed. These are used to protect your installation from overload and do not negate the need for a safety switch. Safety switches are designed to protect people from electrocution.
If your Safety Switch trips, please follow these steps...
1. Try to reset a safety switch. If it resets, the fault has cleared. So make a note of the appliance in use in case an intermittent fault may exist.
2. If the safety switch will not reset, UNPLUG ALL appliances.
3. Try to reset the safety switch. If it does not reset, contact Coastline Electrical Service.
4. Plug in appliances, one at a time, and then switch on.
5. If the safety switch trips when an appliance is plugged in or switched on, then this indicates a fault within the appliance. The faulty appliance should be repaired by Coastline Electrical Service.
Safety Switch Legislation: New electrical laws came into effect on 1st March 2006. This makes safety switches mandatory in rental properties noted below...
Within six months of a new lease being entered into (after 1st March)
or
Within six months of a lease renewal by an existing tenant (after 1st March)
or
By February 2008 - which ever is sooner
Safety Switch Precautions: The installation of a safety switch does not replace the need for normal safety precautions. The guidelines suggested on this website should be followed even when a safety switch is installed.
Safety Switch Testing: Safety Switches save lives. Like many electro-mechanical devices, they need exercising from time to time. Every time the electricity bill arrives, use it as a reminder to test your safety switch. Your life may depend upon it!
Shoes Dry insulating shoes (rubber or plastic-soled) MUST BE WORN when using electrical appliances in laundies, on concrete floors or outdoors. Most victims of serious or fatal electrical accidents were barefoot.
Smoke Alarms: When there is a fire in the house, the house fills with toxic smike long before heat and flames can spread. Most fire related deaths are a result of suffocation and occur at night because people are asleep. It is for this reason that legislation exists since July 1997 requiring that all homes built after that date are fitted with 240 volts mains connected smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be fitted in each bedroom which:
• is occupied by a very elderly person
• is occupied by a smoker
• has the door closed at night
• has a heater, fireplace or air conditioner
Otherwise a smoke alarm should be installed between the bedroom and the rest of the house.
For further information contact: Queensland Fire & Rescue Authority
www.fire.qld.gov.au
Smoke Alarms - what type is best? we recommend that 240 volts mains connected smoke alarms with battery back-up are installed to avoid the need for regular replacement of batteries. Coastline Electrical Service is able to recommend the most suitable alarm and the correct location. as a guideline, the following principles apply:
Ionisation types for bedrooms (non smokers), hallways and living rooms (no fireplaces)
Photoelectric types for all other areas
Alarms suitable for people with disabilities (hearing impaired etc) are available. Once again, Coastline Electrical Service can assist you.
Smoke alarms should be tested on a regular basis to confirm they are ready to warn you and your family of the presence of danger from fire. The conveniently located test button can be operated with the aid of a broom handle. At least once a year, the alarm grill should be vacuumed or brushed to make sure smoke can reach the sensing equipment inside. Take the time to record each test. These tests can be conveniently carried out at the same time as the test for the safety switch
At least one 9volt approved battery powered smoke alarm will become compulsory for all houses and units in Queensland from 1st July 2007.
Surge Protection: Power surges can damage the delicate electronic components of everything from a simple radio to an intricate and very expensive computer, home entertainment centre or even laundry and kitchen appliances.
Power surges are a rapid increase in voltage. They can be caused by switching off large loads nearby in shopping centres or factories, or simply switching certain appliances on an off in the home. The most common cause is lightning whether the strikes are direct or simply nearby.
Surge protection installed in your switchboard is the most effective solution.
Underground Cables: a new service is available in the South East Queensland area to ensure no damage occurs to services of all types in the event of excavations. By calling 1100 at least two days before digging commences, you will be informed of the location of any electricity, gas, water or telephone services installed by the authority in the area you nominate. When you telephone, please have the following information available for prompt handling of your enquiry...
• Name and address
• Contact telephone numbers
• A facsimile number for the return information
• Nearest street intersection and UBD map reference
• proposed start date of work
• Details of the work that will be carried out
• YOUR COMPLETE SALES SERVICE AND REPAIR CENTRE •