tips for owners

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We don't need to tell you how important safety in the home is - your life, or the life of someone you love, could depend on it. Your home is also probably the most valuable financial asset you own, so it makes sense to take every precaution when it comes to electricity and gas supply.

After reading these tips you may find that your home requires repairs or alterations to be carried out. If this is the case, ensure that a licensed electrical contractor or registered gas fitter undertakes the work. It is illegal and dangerous for an unqualified person to perform electrical and gas work.

Appliances

Don't attempt to repair a faulty electrical appliance. Only suitably qualified electricians are permitted to undertake repair work on appliances.
If the appliance is covered by a warranty contact the manufacturer for details on how to have the appliance repaired.
Check appliances before you use them. Look for frayed cords or exposed cables and have them repaired by a suitably qualified electrician.
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all appliances.
Be sure to store instruction booklets in an easily accessible place.
When cleaning an appliance, turn it off and unplug it before removing any jammed items such as food or dust. Wipe over with a damp cloth only and never immerse appliances in water unless stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.
To disconnect an appliance always turn the appliance off at its switch and then at the power point. Remove from the power point by the plug, not the cord.
To prevent appliance cords from becoming damaged on a bench top, or to keep them neat and compact, a 'curly cord' can be simply used. These are available from hardware stores or other retailers.
Before you buy a second-hand electrical appliance, check that it has a dated label stating that it has been tested as electrically safe.
Don't position fan heaters where the air flow is restricted since this may cause overheating.
If you need to use a portable light, use only approved hand lamps with protective guards.
It's important to clean the lint filter in a clothes dryer after each use, as excess lint is a fire hazard.
Avoid curtains or towels over cook tops, heaters or lamps since the heat build-up may cause a fire hazard.

Electric blankets

Check your stored electric blankets before using. Unroll blanket; check plugs, cord and controls for damage including cracks.
Look for dangerous exposed wiring, kinks in blanket wiring or scorch marks on the blanket. If no faults are noticed, lay the blanket flat on the bed, plug in and turn on and check for 'hot spots'. Do not use faulty electric blankets. If in doubt, take them to a qualified electrician for a safety check or repair.
Never leave electric blankets turned on when not in use.
Beware of creating a ‘hot spot’ by leaving objects on a made bed with the electric blanket turned on.
Never fold or crease an electric blanket to fit a smaller bed.
When storing away, roll the blanket to ensure creasing does not damage wiring.
Have electric blankets tested in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions or at least every three years.

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Entertainment equipment

Before you go on holidays turn off and unplug your television set (and antenna connection), computer, stereo unit, video recorder, fax and other electronic equipment.

Switches and power points

Don't touch a loose, cracked or broken power point or switch. Organise repair by a licensed electrical contractor as soon as possible.
If there is a build-up of grease, oil, dirt or moisture on or around switches and power points, ask a licensed electrical contractor to check for safety.
It is not recommended to overload a power point by ‘piggy backing’ plugs into one socket or by using double adaptors. Use a power board with an internal overload switch or better still, have an electrical contractor install additional power points.
When young children are around fit safety plugs into power points that are not being used. These are available at hardware stores and other retail outlets.

Water and electricity

Take care when using power points and appliances close to sinks, laundry tubs, baths or swimming pools. Electrical appliances should be kept at least three metres from the edge of water areas.
If you need to use an appliance near water, turn it off and put it away straight after use, especially if children are nearby.
Never use an electrical appliance if your hands are wet, if you are in a pool, bath, shower or in the rain.

Extension leads

Use extension leads only as a temporary measure.
Avoid running leads through doorways, across driveways or near swimming pools.
Keep extension leads away from heaters and cookers.
Throw away or have a qualified electrical person repair extension leads that are damaged, frayed or have the inner wires exposed.
Never repair an extension lead using insulation tape.
Place leads in a position to prevent tripping or cover with carpet temporarily if necessary. Extension leads shouldn't be placed under carpet for an extended length of time.
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Internal wires and cables

Before you tie anything around a beam, check for electric cables or wires, which may be running along it.
Don't attach clothes lines, swings or hanging baskets in direct contact with a beam which has electricity cables or wires attached.
Organise repairs by a licensed electrical contractor for any loose wiring that is no longer fixed to a surface.

Overhead wires

If you notice any fallen power lines, stay clear. Do not try to remove trees or debris around them. Keep at least six metres away and alert other people to stay clear and call your local electricity supplier directly on their emergency number.
Call your local electricity supplier for additional information relating to trees and overhead wires.
Take extra care around overhead wires when working near the roof of your house.

Underground cables and pipes

If you plan to dig on your Queensland property, call the ‘Dial Before You Dig’ service on telephone number 1100 for advice about the location of electricity, gas, water or telephone services. This is a free service run by a network of member utilities situated in Queensland. Check your local telephone directory for services in other areas.

Switchboard and fuses

Know where your switchboard is located in case of an emergency. If your switchboard is outside with your electricity meter, regularly maintain nearby shrubs or trees to ensure easy access. If the switchboard is inside a cupboard, do not allow other items to get in the way.
If your switchboard has rewireable fuses, be aware that repairing a fuse can be dangerous. When replacing a fuse, always use the correct gauge wire and insert the fuse by holding it in the middle – not at the ends. It is recommended that the main switch be turned off before changing the fuse wire.
If you find a fuse missing from the switchboard, consult a licensed electrical contractor before replacing it.

Pre-purchase electrical safety check

When you purchase a house, ask your licensed electrical contractor to check that all wiring is safe and that installation meets regulations and standards.