How to Ensure Safety While Working with Electrical Appliances
Guest Post
Using electrical appliances is a luxurious product of the technological evolution. Every household, in fact every life is surrounded by electrical appliances to perform tasks with greater comfort and speed. It is not possible to imagine spending a day or even few hours without using an electrical appliance, mankind is absolutely dependant on them. Though the presence of these appliances is a boon for us it is also important to understand a responsibility that comes along of safe usage. Any electronic device can be potentially hazardous if not used with precaution and safety measures. One must only purchase appliances approved by the electrical certification organizations, this can be identified through symbols and holograms. Installation of heavy appliances should be done by professionals, preferably with dedicated electric circuits.
Precautions for Safe Usage
Electrical appliances should always be checked for damage at various levels like the plug, the wire and the equipment itself to prevent malfunction and involved risks. These defects can cause electrocution and also bear a fire hazard. Unless an appliance is designed especially to withstand water it should always be kept dry and away from water sources. Water is a very good conductor of electricity and can cause current to flow in a wet device causing an electric shock. If an electric device happens to get wet it should first be unplugged and then be dried completely before resuming usage.
Some electric appliances work with detachable chords, the thumb rule for their usage says plug in the wire into the device first then in to the power source and remove in the opposite order. Once done with a device the power plug should be removed from the outlet but never by pulling the cord. Damaging the cord by pulling it can cause the appliance to malfunction in future. It is important not to over strain electronic devices, for them to work perfectly and remain safe.
Appliance Maintenance and Fitness
Just as important as usage precautions for safety is maintenance of electronic appliances. If maintained, repaired in time the risk quotient of appliances goes down. A loosely kept and ill maintained device is a source of many hazards including fire and electric shock.
All electric devices should be plugged out of power before repair and maintenance. Preferably this should be carried out by professionals or under professional guidance. If you decide to do it yourself, maintenance and repair should be done very carefully. Machines that stay fit stay safe.
Common Appliances and Involved Safety
- Heaters – Heaters should be used by adults only and kept away from combustible materials. They should be checked for damages every season.
- Kitchen Induction – These should only be used with compatible vessels and should be cleaned only after unplugging,
- Electric Blankets – Electric blankets should never be allowed to get wet, should never be folded when in use and given to children under supervision.
- Air Conditioners – Air conditioners should be given exclusive power outlets and maintenance should be carried out regularly.
Grace is an expert associated with Pass Ltd, suppliers of PAT testing training and equipment since 2001. The company is ISO9001 registered and has assisted schools, colleges, small businesses and local authorities in training and development.
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