In my previous post we discussed general home fire safety, statistics and developing evacuation plans.
This week I want to discuss preventative measures that can be used room by room to minimise fire risks in the home.
Now that winter is with us, it is time to consider and implement these preventative measures to ensure a fire safe home environment, not just in winter, but for the whole year. Fire can occur at any time!!
If you don’t already have a fire escape plan in place for your home, it is highly recommended to implement one as soon as possible to mitigate a potential catastrophe.
(Refer to last post)
Electrical hazards can be a fire hazard in any room of the house. So let’s start here:
There are a lot of misconceptions with regards to safety devices that are fitted to either your electrical switchboard or power-boards that we use for
Use of surge protector strips (power-boards protect appliances from surges)
Surge protector strips are typically used for computer or media set ups in the house where you have a number of devices that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. It is important to note that surge protectors do not cut off electricity, but rather, redirect surges or spikes of electricity away from your computer or media devices to protect them from a voltage overload which in turn can destroy components and your equipment.
Use of Circuit Breakers (protects against fire)
Circuit breakers, found on your electrical switchboard, prevent the wiring inside your house from catching on fire. They don’t protect you from shocking yourself, or from lightning strikes, or from a rat chewing through a power lead or mains wire.
Circuit breakers are designed to cut power if the electrical current is too high for too long (which puts the wiring in your house at risk of overheating and starting a fire) The bottom line is that these devices can help to prevent fires, however this is dependent on them being in good working order. Surge protectors often have a light that indicates it is working correctly. If it has gone off or flickering, chances are it is time to replace it.
Check regularly. Also check manufactures warranty for further information.
Use of Safety Switches (protects against electric shock)
Safety switches, also found on your switchboard, are designed to protect against electric shock and to prevent injury or death. They monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit and automatically shut off the electricity supply when the current is detected leaking through faulty switches, wiring or electrical appliances. The test button on the switchboard should be tested regularly to ensure protection is maintained. If the switch does not engage when testing, contact an electrician immediately.
Use of Double-adaptors (offers no safety benefits)
Double-adaptors are never recommended as they offer no overload protection and can become overheated. These devices are one of the commonest causes of house fires, so should be avoided.
Electrical leads and appliance leads
Never use old or faulty electrical appliances, including appliances with frayed cords, cracked or broken plugs, or any appliance that has given someone an electric shock. Frayed or damaged leads should be replaced immediately or the appliance disposed of. Many old plugs do not have safety barriers between the connections – replace them with modern plugs or dispose of the appliance.
Never attempt to replace old or frayed leads, plugs or power points yourself. Always contact a qualified electrician.
Most fires start in the kitchen, so it is important to have an extinguisher and fire blanket in or near the kitchen area. Be familiar with how they work by reading the manufacturer’s instructions.
To reduce risk of fire:
• Do not touch or attempt to repair faulty appliances or loose, cracked or broken power point switches or leads – cover it immediately and
arrange for a licensed electrician to repair it.
• Do not spray household cleaners, detergents and insecticides on electrical accessories – they may cause cracking and create an electrical
hazard.
• Keep electrical leads well away from water sources.
• Do not leave cooking unattended.
• Turn pot handles to the centre, especially if young children are around.
• Ensure lighters and matches are out of children’s reach.
• Clean range-hood filters regularly.
• Service all appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean ovens and cooktops regularly to prevent the build-up of spilled fats and burnt foods.
• If cooking oil catches fire, use a fire blanket to smother the flames, then turn the burner off and move the pot to a cooler area of the stove.
• Do not remove fire blanket until the pot has cooled, as the fire will re-ignite if the oil is still hot; and never carry a burning pot – horrific
burn injuries can occur.
• Check that tea towels, curtains and other flammables are not too close to the stove-top or other hot appliances.
• Do not touch or attempt to repair faulty appliances or loose, cracked or broken power point switches or leads – cover it immediately and
arrange for a licensed electrician to repair it.
• Do not leave candles unattended.
• Portable heaters should be placed 2 metres from combustible materials.
• Do not place clothing close to, or over the heater to dry, as the radiant heat can cause fire.
• Portable heaters should not be left without supervision particularly with small children around.
• Portable heaters should not be placed in hallways or other walk areas.
• Portable heaters should be switched off when leaving the room or retiring to bed.
• Chimney flues should be cleaned yearly to prevent build-up of flammable non-combusted materials. This also ensures that smoke
escapes effectively from the chimney.
• Ensure fireplace guards are in place to stop embers landing on carpets or other flammable material.
• Ensure fire is extinguished before retiring to bed.
• Do not touch or attempt to repair faulty appliances or loose, cracked or broken power point switches or leads – cover it immediately and arrange for a licensed electrician to repair it.
• Check electric blankets at the start of winter for damaged wires, plugs, leads or hot spots. Dispose of any electric blanket that is
damaged.
• Do not leave candles unattended. • Ensure portable heaters are switched off before going to sleep.
• Do not place clothing over heaters or lamps, as the radiant heat can cause fire.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Don’t overload outlets with too many appliances.
• Keep curling irons, hair dryers and other hot appliances away from flammable materials.
• Keep electrical leads well away from water sources
• Do not touch or attempt to repair faulty appliances or loose, cracked or broken power point switches or leads – cover it immediately and arrange for a licensed electrician to repair it.
• Ensure electric leads are well away from water sources.
• Ensure washing machine and clothes dryers are switched off when not in use.
• Ensure there is ventilation (air space) around the clothes dryer to prevent overheating.
• Clean clothes dryer filter regularly to stop build-up of lint which can cause fire.
• Do not touch or attempt to repair faulty appliances or loose, cracked or broken power point switches or leads – cover it immediately and arrange for a licensed electrician to repair it.
• Ensure electrical appliances are switched off when not in use.
• Ensure electrical tools and appliances are free from dust build up around motors.
• Remove any flammable rubbish, open containers of oil and solvents etc.
• Ensure flammable liquids such as petrol are in approved containers and clearly labelled.
• Do not use naked lights if you have flammable liquids and gasses stored in an enclosed area.
• Remember that garages and sheds are not safe environments for children.
REMEMBER THAT LP/PROPANE GAS AND AIR IS AN EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE.
• Always be ready to light the burner before turning on the gas.
• If the burner does not ignite, turn off the burner and check the pilot is alight.
• Ensure guards are securely in place on the gas heater.
• Gas cylinders should be stored in open air areas where possible.
• Replace the cap on the cylinder valve when cylinder is empty or not in use.
• Check hoses regularly to ensure there are no leaks. (you will smell gas if leaking)
• If there is a fire, turn the main cylinder valve to the off position.
• Extinguish cigarettes and other naked flames.
• Do not operate electrical switches as this may cause a spark.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
• Check to see if the pilot light is out or if the burner has been left on.
• If you cannot find the source of the gas leak, call a gas fitter immediately.
Fire is a very real danger in the home. It is up to all of us to be vigilant in minimising the risks by following these safety checks and ensuring you have a fire plan in place.
Visit www.andersonemc.com.au for all training and services information.
Tony Anderson
Anderson EMC – ABN 69252470671
QBCC Emergency Procedures Contractors Licence 1191435
Phone: 0400 589 790
Email: tony@andersonemc.com.au
