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Safety Tips
Electricity is part of our daily lives. We depend on it to
make our homes comfortable and livable and we have come to expect
safe and reliable service.
But in exchange for this convenience we must abide by a few safety
rules. Most electrical accidents can be prevented by following
the safety tips below.
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| Portable Standby Generators |
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The North America-wide power outage
of August 2003 prompted some consumers to consider buying
portable standby generators.
Consumers should be aware, however, that portable generators
which are not installed correctly can create potentially fatal
electrical and fire hazards, putting homeowners and their
families, neighbors and utility workers in danger.
Portable generators were not designed to be connected into
home wiring systems. Although they can be adapted for this
use, professional installation and inspection are vital.
The Electrical Safety Authority recommends that consumers
who choose to buy a standby generator work with a qualified
licensed electrician or electrical contractor to help them
determine the size and voltage required and to ensure the
unit can be safely hooked up in their home.
Consumers are further advised to follow these tips:
- Select units that carry a product approval label from
recognized safety agencies. This label indicates the unit
has the proper connection receptacles and circuit breakers
to provide fire protection (i.e. CSA International, Ulc,
OMNI, Entella etc.)
- Purchase the appropriate generator accessories, including
an approved transfer device or switch and properly sized
connector cord and plugs. Some manufacturers offer a complete
generator package, ready for installation.
- Hire a licensed electrical contractor or electrician
to install the unit.
- Have the installation inspected by the Electrical Safety
Authority. This is required by law, and provides a second
opinion that the generator has been properly grounded and
bonded for safety. (Visit www.esasafe.com
for information about the Electrical Safety Authority.)
- Read and follow the owner's manual for usage and maintenance.
- Remember that a generator is a fuel-fired appliance and
needs to be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area
to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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| How to Spot Grow Houses |
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A new and potentially deadly hazard
has crept into communities across Ontario with the spread
of criminal high-tech marijuana home-grow operations.
The criminals who run these operations usually steal power
from distribution companies like Brantford Power. Essentially,
that means they're stealing it from every resident in the
City.
More important are the health and safety hazards they pose
in our neighbourhoods. A grow house can contain 40-50 powerful
lights switched on for more than 12 hours a day. They produce
enough heat to cause condensation, creating mould and structural
damage in homes over the long term.
The houses are rife with fire and electrical hazards, including
exposed live wires and overheated electrical ballasts, which
were used to operate fluorescent lamps.
Police raiding homes face the risk of injury from booby
traps, either meant for criminals who break in to steal the
marijuana, or police officers.
The houses chosen by criminals range from large, older homes
in established neighbourhoods to brand new homes in subdivisions.
But a number of telltale signs can indicate the presence of
a grow house:
- The sound of a jackhammer as criminals hook up wiring
to bypass the power meter.
- Windows are always covered, and there is increased moisture
on the panes.
- Vents are added to the roof and the chimney has a gas
top.
- In the winter, it's the only house on the block with
no snow on the roof.
- Fans can be heard throughout the year.
- People who supposedly live there show up only at night.
- The new people don't mix in the neighbourhood.
- Garbage is either put out in piles for days - or not
much is ever put out.
- The new people drive their van straight into the garage
and shut the door before unloading.
If you notice any of these clues about a house in your neighbourhood,
please call Brantford police.
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Indoor Hazards
Water
- Do not use radios or hair dryers near any water source like a bathtub
or sink.
- Do not use electrical appliances in damp areas or while standing on
damp floors.
- If an appliance falls into water, unplug it.
NEVER try to grab it; electricity is still present when the appliance
is turned off.
- Equip kitchens and bathrooms with ground fault interrupter outlets
(outlets with red reset buttons) to protect from shock.
- Before using an appliance or electrical switch, make sure your hands
are dry and that you are not touching a faucet or standing on a wet
floor.
The Most Dangerous Room: The Kitchen
According to the Canada Safety Council, the kitchen is the most dangerous
room in the house. Follow the safety tips below to ensure your kitchen is
as safe as possible:
- Never leave cooking unattended. It's safest to fry food in a CSA certified
electric deep fryer with a temperature control. If you must use a saucepan
or frying pan, heat the oil slowly.
- Always turn off the heat as soon as the cooking is done. Built-up
grease can easily catch fire, so clean your burner pans and stovetop
regularly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for grease fires. Never try to put
a grease fire out with water. If possible, cover the pan with a close
fitting lid to smother the flames; you may use baking soda on shallow
grease fires. If you can't control the fire immediately, get yourself
and your family out fast, and call 911 from a neighbour's phone.
- Install a smoke alarm and test it regularly to ensure it works.
Appliances
- Buy the most reliable appliance in your price range.
- Make sure the Underwriters Laboratories seal of approval applies to
the entire appliance, not just the plug or cord.
- Read and follow the manufacturer's instruction manual.
- Stop using an appliance if the cord becomes frayed or damaged, or
if the unit is not running properly.
- Always unplug appliances before cleaning or repairing them.
- Certain appliances should ALWAYS be unplugged when not in use--hair
dryers and curling irons; electric fryers; irons; toasters; power tools;
hot plates; heating pads; heat lamps and sun lamps for example.
- All appliances stored near water in the kitchen or bathroom should
be unplugged when not in use.
- Don't use electric appliances near a tub or sink.
- Major appliances, such as refrigerators, microwave ovens and air conditioners,
should have separate circuits.
- Three-pronged plugs ensure proper grounding for appliances and power
tools. NEVER cut off the ground pin.
- Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters. They are designed
to detect electrical faults and shut off the power before trouble occurs.
- Purchase microwave ovens that have a "fail safe" mechanism which will
shut off the power when the door is opened or will prevent the door
from opening when the oven is operating.
- Avoid enclosing appliances in a cabinet without proper openings and
do not store papers around them.
- Level appliances so they do not tip.
- If any appliance or device gives off a tingling shock, turn it off,
unplug it and have a qualified person correct the problem.
- Check appliances periodically for worn or cracked insulation, loose
terminals, corroded wires, defective parts and any other components
that might not work correctly. Replace these appliances or have them
repaired by a person qualified to do so.
- An electric burner coil can reach a temperature of more than 1,000
degrees Fahrenheit. This can ignite clothing, flammable liquids and
vapours even after the coil has been turned off.
Electrical Panels
- Install the correct fuses for the electrical panel.
- Never use a greater numbered fuse or a metallic item such as a penny.
If fuses are used and there is a stoppage in power, look for the broken
metal strip in the top of a blown fuse. Replace the fuse with a new
one marked with the correct amperage. Reset circuit breakers from off
to on.
- Be sure to check why the fuse or circuit blew. Possible causes are
frayed wires, overloaded outlets or defective appliances. Never overload
a circuit with high wattage appliances. Check the wattage on appliance
labels. If there is frayed insulation or a broken wire, a dangerous
short circuit may result and cause a fire. If power stoppages continue
or if a frayed or broken wire is found, contact an electrician.
Electrical Heating Equipment
- Keep space heaters away from combustibles and make sure they cannot
be tipped over.
- Do not use them in bathrooms because of the risk of contact with water
and electrocution.
- Look for cracks or breaks in the wiring, plugs and connectors of electric
blankets. Look for charred spots on both sides.
Electrical Outlets
- Have a qualified electrician replace damaged receptacles: receptacles
which feel hot, emit smoke or sparks, receptacles with loose fitting
plugs or those where plugged-in lamps flicker or fail to light.
- Upgrade your homes electrical system to present safety standards.
- Make sure all electrical outlets are three-hole, grounded outlets
to prevent electrical shock. If there is water in the area, there should
be a GFI or Ground Fault Interrupter outlet.
- All outdoor outlets should be GFIs. There should be ample electrical
capacity to run equipment without tripping circuit breakers or blowing
fuses.
- Be sure that plugs are inserted completely into receptacles so that
no part of the prongs are exposed.
- Turn appliances off before unplugging to prevent damage to receptacles.
- Do not unplug appliances by pulling on the cord at an angle.
- Insert plastic safety caps into unused outlets within reach of young
children.
- Turn the power off before working on any electrical outlets or equipment.
Extension Cords
- Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
- Use polarized extension cords with polarized appliances.
- Use cords that are approved by Underwriters Laboratory and carry the
UL trademark.
- Use special, heavy-duty extension cords for high wattage appliances
such as air conditioners, portable electric heaters, and freezers.
- When using outdoor tools and appliances, use only extension cords
labeled for outdoor use.
- Never place extension cords under rugs or through doorways.
- Keep extension cords away from heat sources, moisture or metal objects.
- In locations where furniture or beds may be pushed against an extension
cord where the cord joins the plug, use a special "angle extension cord,"
which is specifically designed for use in these instances.
- Make sure cords do not dangle from tabletops where they can be pulled
down or tripped over.
- Never use an extension cord while it is coiled or looped. Never cover
any part of an extension cord with newspapers, clothing, rugs, or any
objects while the cord is in use. Never place an extension cord where
it is likely to be damaged by heavy furniture or foot traffic.
- Don't use staples or nails to attach extension cords to a baseboard
or to another surface. This could damage the cord and present a shock
or fire hazard.
- Don't overload extension cords by plugging in appliances that draw
a total of more watts than the rating of the cord.
- Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded.
- Replace cracked or worn extension cords with new #16 gauge cords that
have the listing, of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, safety
closures, and other safety features.
- Do not try to patch or tape any broken electrical cord.
- When disconnecting cords, pull the plug rather than the cord itself.
- Use only three-wire extension cords for appliances with three-prong
plugs. Never remove the third (round or U-shaped) prong, which is a
safety feature designed to reduce the risk of shock and electrocution.
- Check the plug and the body of the extension cord while the cord is
in use. Noticeable warming of these plastic parts is expected when cords
are being used at their maximum rating, however, if the cord feels hot
or if there is a softening of the plastic, this is a warning that the
plug wires or connections are failing and that the extension cord should
be discarded and replaced.
Electrical Equipment
- Use a heavy-duty, grounded, three-wire cord for power tools.
- Do not use devices with damaged cords or plugs.
- Do not use electrical devices in wet locations.
- Keep electrical devices clean (i.e., free of dust or grease accumulation).
- Turn off electrical devices when they are not in use.
- Do not modify electrical equipment except in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications.
- Never use an electric mower when the grass is wet.
- Make sure outdoor electrical outlets are grounded and have weather
proof covers.
Lighting
- Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light
fixtures and lamps.
- Keep anything that could burn away from light bulbs.
- If light switches or outlets feel warm to the touch, turn them off,
unplug them and have a qualified electrician check the wiring right
away.
Holiday Lighting
- Check each holiday light string before using it. If you find frayed
cords or damaged plugs or light sockets, discard the string.
- Use the correct lights for the job. Don't use outdoor lights indoors,
because they usually burn hotter than indoor lights. Also, do not use
indoor lights outdoors, because they may not be waterproof. Use only
UL-approved (Underwriters Laboratory) lights and extension cords.
- Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
- Connect lights to power strips that have several outlets and a built-in
circuit breaker.
- Remind children never to touch lights or plugs with wet hands.
- Remember to unplug indoor lights when you go to bed.
Electrical Blankets
- Sleeping with a heating pad turned on can cause serious burns even
at relatively low settings
- Do not tuck in the sides, fold or place any object on top of an electric
blanket, be it a blanket, person or pet.
Animal Hazards
- Mice and other rodents can chew on electrical wires and damage them.
If rodents are suspected or known to be in the home, be aware of the
damage they may cause and take measures to get rid of them.
Outdoor Hazards
Power lines
- Always treat a downed power line or telephone line as if it were live.
- Never touch downed power lines or use any object to move them, including
brooms, boards, limbs or plastic materials. Although wood is non-conductive,
if even slightly wet it will conduct electricity, causing electric shock
or electrocution. Power lines can also slide down such objects when
lifted.
- Never touch a person who is in contact with power lines or other objects
that are touching power lines. You cannot help them by being electrocuted
yourself.
- If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with a downed power
line, stay put and if you can, honk your horn and lower your window
to alert passers-by. Caution them to stay away from the vehicle and
ask them to call the power company and emergency officials to report
the problem. If you must leave the vehicle, remove all loose items --
handbags, loose clothing, etc. Jump clear and avoid touching the car
and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together and shuffle
away from the car.
- Don't build a tool shed underneath a power line.
- Don't install a swimming pool underneath a power line.
- Don't put swings and playground equipment underneath power lines.
- Never climb utility poles, towers or substation fences.
- Never put up a ladder beneath a power line or lean a ladder against
a power line pole.
- Do not attempt to cut or remove a tree that is, or could become, entangled
with power lines.
- Do not allow children to play in trees close to power lines, or to
swing on guy wires.
- Do not plant vegetation to grow up or near utility poles or guy wires.
- Never climb utility poles, towers or substation fences.
- When power lines are nearby, use wooden or fiberglass ladders - not
metal.
- Report all downed power lines to your local police or fire department.
Landscaping
- Call before you dig. Your utility can tell you the location of any
underground lines.
- Don't plant tall-growing trees under power lines. If you have a tree
with power lines running through it, don't climb it or build anything
in it.
- Keep bushy shrubs away from your electric meter.
- When planting near a transformer, maintain a distance of 10 feet from
any side with an opening and three feet from other sides. Electrical
workers need space to safely open the transformer when working on underground
power lines.
Kite Flying Safety
- Fly your kite in open fields away from power lines.
- Use only dry string.
- Don't use metal or wire on any part of your kite.
- Never fly a kite in stormy weather.
- If your kite becomes tangled in a power line or electrical equipment,
do not try to retrieve it.
Electric Meter
- Do not touch an energized meter. Meter tampering also constitutes
a theft offense, which could result in criminal sanctions, including
fines and/or imprisonment. If you suspect a problem with your meter,
call the number listed on your electric service bill for assistance.
First Aid
Electrical Fires
- If electrical equipment catches fire, unplug it, or interrupt power
at the control panel
- Call the fire department and tell them it is an electrical fire.
- If it's small, use a multi-purpose fire extinguisher.
Never use water on an electrical fire.
- If you can't put it out, follow your fire evacuation procedures.
First Aid for Electric Shock Victims
- Don't touch them.
- Unplug the appliance or turn off the power at the control panel.
- If you can't turn off the power, use a piece of wood, like a broom
handle, dry rope or dry clothing, to separate the victim from the power
source.
- Do not try to move a victim touching a high voltage wire.
Call for emergency help.
- Keep the victim lying down. Unconscious victims should be placed on
their side to allow drainage of fluids. Do not move the victim if there
is a suspicion of neck or spine injuries unless absolutely necessary.
- If the victim is not breathing, apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
If the victim has no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Then cover the victim with a blanket to maintain body heat, keep the
victim's head low and get medical attention.
First Aid for Electrical Burn Victims
Electrical burns vary in severity depending upon: (1) how long the body
is in contact with the electric current; (2) the strength of the current;
(3) the type of current; and (4) the direction the current takes though
the body. Often these burns are deep. There may be more than one area burned.
One area may be where the current entered the body and another may be where
it left. Electrical burn wounds may look minor on the outside, but could
be severe on the inside.
If a person has received an electrical burn, check for shock and follow
the steps outlined below:
- If the person is conscious and there are no signs of shock (such as
being cold, clammy, pale and having a rapid pulse), begin treating the
burned area.
- Do not apply grease or oil to the burn.
- Cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing, but do not cool the burn.
- Keep the victim from getting chilled.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
For more information on electrical safety please visit the Elecsafe.info
Web site. |
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