DON’T plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or extension cord.
It could damage the electrical system in your house or even cause a fire.
Make sure all electric cords are tucked away, neat and tidy.
Pets might chew on electrical cords, and people might trip and fall.
DON’T ever climb the fence around an electrical substation.
If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask a grown-up to call Eskom or the municipal electrical department – they’ll come and get it out for you.
DON’T yank an electrical cord from the wall. Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet.
Fly your kite far away from power lines or substations. The kite and the string may conduct electricity and send it right through you to the ground.
Ask a grown-up for help when you need to use something that uses electricity.
Do look up and look out for power lines before you climb a tree.
The electricity can go right through the tree branch and right through you!
Have a grown-up put safety caps on all unused electrical plug outlets. Furthermore, covering plug outlets is a safe electricity precaution that will keep sharp objects and little fingers out of trouble.
Remind your mom or dad to watch out for power lines when they’re using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment.
Keep electrical stuff far away from water. Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.
Electrical shorts cause more than 5,000 house fires each year. These result in more than 300 deaths annually. Be aware of electrical safety requirements.
DIY electrical projects and faulty electrical appliances at home can cause electrical safety issues and result in your Electrical CoC lapsing. If a fire should occur your insurance will not payout.
If there are electrical changes you need doing rather get a suitably qualified electrician to do it and issue you with a revised CoC.
You could die or suffer serious injury because of electrical hazards. In South Africa, there are numerous causes for these hazards: unlawful connections, vandalism, cable theft etc.
The biggest hazard to electrical safety remains poor electrical wiring. Overloading of electrical plugs and faulty electrical appliances is the next biggest hazard.
According to the Fire Protection Association, electrical shorts cause more than 5,000 house fires each year. These result in more than 300 deaths annually.
Warning signs:
A shockfrom an electrical appliance, e.g. toaster, stove or washing machine.
The smell of burning metal or plastic indicating a potential loose or broken connection, or a damaged wire.
Flickering or dimming lights can indicate a loose connection, overloaded circuits, improper wiring, or arcing and sparking inside the walls.
Hot, discoloured switch plates, cords or plugs, which indicate an overload or product malfunction and electrical safety hazard.
Too many appliances plugged into a single outlet can overload the plug circuit.
A faulty circuit breaker can cause a fire on your distribution board.
A wavering picture on the TV or computer screen may indicate that too many appliances are plugged into one circuit, or that the home needs additional electrical capacity.
If any of these problems present themselves: Switch off the mains! Get a qualified electrician to correct the problem immediately!
The International Electrical Safety Foundation recommends an electrical safety inspection for any house older than 40 years.
The same applies to houses older than ten years where renovations have been done, or major appliances have been added.
Never:
Tamper with plugged-in appliances.
Touch an electrical appliance, e.g. hairdryer or shaver, with wet hands.
Use an appliance, e.g. a kettle or a heater, which causes the power to trip! It is an electrical safety issue.
Use power tools for anything other than their original purpose. (Always wear shoes and safety glasses when using any such equipment.)
Be barefoot when operating an electric lawnmower.
Use electrical cords or extensions with exposed wires.
