Electrical safety

If electric shock occurs:

Rescue

Remember that the person is electrified until released.

1. Take precautions against receiving a shock yourself by immediately switching off the electricity, where possible.
2. If power cannot be disconnected, unless higher than household voltage is involved, free the victim from contact immediately by using a dry stick, board, rope, clothing, plastic pipe or other non-conducting device. DO NOT touch the victim with your bare hands or any metal or moist object.
3. If possible prevent a fall which may cause further injury.
4. Call for an ambulance or doctor.

Resuscitation

The first three minutes are vital. Act immediately!

Assess the level of consciousness, then if victim is not breathing, commence resuscitation.

• Always use a qualified electrician. You can ask to see their electrical contractor’s licence, do a licence check on our website or call us on 13 32 20.
• If you are completing renovations, have your electrician check the earth system.
• Electricians must provide you with a Compliance Certificate to show that the electrical work carried out has been tested and is safe.

• Always follow the instructions that come with appliances.
• Always treat a ‘tingle’ or slight shock as a warning. Never touch an appliance that causes a ‘tingle’ or shock until it is repaired by an approved repairer.
• Replace broken switches and power points and cover them up while waiting for an electrician.
• Fully unwind extension cords before use as they may overheat.
• Don’t stack plugs. It can overload the power point and cause a fire.
• Switch off all heating appliances if the power fails. Fires can start when power returns unexpectedly.
• Switch off before pulling out a plug. Grasp the plug – not the cord.
• Be careful not to spray household cleaners and insecticides on power points or switches. It may cause cracking and an electrical hazard.
• Tie the tapes of the electric blanket to prevent creasing.
• Teach children that power points and appliances are not toys. Children can touch live pins of plugs. Plastic covers for power points reduce the chance of children inserting objects.
• Some overseas products may not operate satisfactorily or safely under Australian conditions using 240V 50Hz supply. They could be hazardous if used without modification. Have them checked before use.

• It’s vital to keep your appliances, electrical wiring, fittings, switchboard and earthing connections (particularly for properties over 25 years old) in good working order.
• Take care when working near wiring (eg sawing, nailing, or drilling into walls).
• All electrical repairs should be carried out by an approved repairer.
• Damaged cords and older style plugs are dangerous. Have them replaced.

40% of house fires in NSW each year are caused by electrical faults and electrical appliances. These fires could have been prevented by having safety switches.

• Safety switches are also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs). They help to protect against the most frequent cause of electrocution where electricity passes through the body to earth.
• Remember, safety switches can enhance safety but they do not remove the need to observe safe electrical practices and properly maintain equipment.
• Fixed safety switches offer the best protection, but portable safety switches are also useful when working away from home.
• Before using portable safety switches, check that the power point is safe with a plug-type tester.
• Push the ‘TEST’ button every three months. If it fails, have a licensed electrician check the switch.
• If your home isn’t covered by safety switches or you are unsure if you have them installed, contact a licensed electrician for help.

Like smoke alarms, safety switches need to be tested to make sure they are working property. Set aside some time today to do a check.

Visit the NSW Government website for more information on Electrical Safety and testing safety switches.

• When buying a new heater, make sure you see the approval mark/number. If it isn’t visible, ask the sales person to show it to you. If it’s not there, don’t buy the heater. Buy another one with appropriate safety approval marks.
• If you are buying from an overseas seller, make sure the heater is manufactured to Australian safety standards.
• Do not place the heater too close to other furniture items in your home. The heat could ignite the other furniture.
• Do not put clothing or other items on or too close to the heater. It could start a fire.
• Do not allow children or pets to play, stand or sit too close to the heater.
• Older-style heaters with rusted reflectors or frames could cause hot spots, start a fire and/or cause injury if touched. They also may not include the latest safety features.

• Don’t leave appliances and cords out in the weather – put them away after use.
• Be careful where you dig or drive stakes. There may be buried cables, especially in areas with underground electricity supply. Don’t risk injury or damage, dial before you dig on 1100.
• Never use a portable appliance or extension cord where it could be splashed or fall into a pool. Temporary or makeshift wiring arrangements to pool pumps and spas are hazardous.
• Wiring to a caravan must be kept in good condition.

• Electricity in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry
• Do not immerse appliances in water to wash them unless instructions clearly allow it.
• Don’t touch appliances or switches with wet hands.
• Do not use a portable electric radiator in the bathroom. A permanently installed heater is much safer.
• Never leave an appliance near the bath or basin and unplug the appliance after every use. Children have been electrocuted by pulling hairdryers into baths even though the hairdryer switch was off.
• Dry shoes should be worn when using electrical appliances in laundries, on concrete floors or outdoors. Electric shocks are much more likely to be fatal with bare feet.

• Climbing towers or poles or entering substations may cause electrocution or very severe burns.
• Don’t fly kites, model aeroplanes or drones anywhere near power lines.
• Keep clear of overhead wires attached to buildings when painting, clearing gutters or using ladders.

Visit the NSW Government website for more information on Electrical Safety and testing safety switches.

• Earth wires are usually coloured green/yellow or green although older installations may contain bare earth wires. Unless an appliance is ‘double insulated’ (marked), the earth wire performs a vital safety function in the event of equipment failure.
• In cords and plugs, the earth wire must be correctly connected only to the earth terminal marked ‘E’ or ‘.’ The installation earth is usually connected to a metal stake and water pipe.

• Voltages of up to 500,000V can exist on overhead lines or in substations. Electricity can spark across a gap, so even approaching lines or substation equipment can be dangerous.
• Trees should be kept clear of power lines. Irrigation pipes, tip trucks, boat masts, cranes, grain augers, concrete pump/booms, radio aerials should not be stored or operated close to power lines.
• Fallen power lines should not be touched. If you see a fallen power line keep clear, stand guard and contact the electricity distributor or police.