Published Sunday, 25 November, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Play it safe with electricity this Christmas
Queenslanders seeking to escape the summer heat by using electric fans have been warned to ensure they follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, especially when using them near young children.
Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel said the Electrical Safety Office warns both new and second hand fans should come with safety instructions.
“The ESO advises that anyone buying a fan from a garage sale or a market or from the back of a Ute should be very careful,” he said.
“All used fans should have a tag saying they have been checked to be electrically safe, or if they have not been checked, information provided to the purchaser clearly spelling out that no safety checks have been carried out on the appliance.
“Ceiling fans should also only be installed by appropriately licensed electrical trades people.
“The best bet is to buy a new fan, with safety instructions attached, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to the letter. Very old fans with inadequate or no protective guard on them should not be used at all.”
Mr Mickel said the ESO recommends fans should only be used indoors unless the instructions say otherwise. Children’s hands, fingers, feet, toes and hair should be kept away from dangerous moving parts and cutting blades.
“Dust buildup on the blades can impair a fan’s effectiveness. Simply wiping a ceiling fan or pedestal fan gently with a damp cloth, or using a brush or vacuum brush on an enclosed revolving fan is the best way to remove dust safely. Fans should never be immersed in water,” Mr Mickel said.
“Do not disassemble fans, or any appliances, to fiddle with electrical wiring, and ensure all electrical plugs are removed from the socket before cleaning or maintenance starts.”
Mr Mickel said the ESO warned ventilation holes or outlets should not be blocked or partially obstructed. He recommended that homeowners should further protect themselves by using fans, portable or ceiling, on circuits fitted with a safety switch.
Mr Mickel also said the ESO had warned home DIYers to observe safety guidelines when working with Christmas power tool presents or carrying out domestic renovations over the holiday period.
ESO safety tips for power tool gift givers and users included:
• When buying power tools look for an approval number which means the tool is compliant with Australian standards
• Use a portable safety switch or have one fitted to a switchboard
• If using a long extension cord, do not leave it coiled up
• Check to ensure the cord of the power tool is clear of the work area
• Use and care for the tool as per the manufacturer’s instructions
• Never repair or replace the cord or plug – this type of electrical work must be performed by qualified electrician
• Always wear appropriate protective equipment and footwear
More information on electrical safety is available from the Electrical Safety Office at www.deir.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 650 662.
Media contact: Chris Brown on 3237 1944 or Jan Martin on 3237 1125
November 25, 2007
Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel said the Electrical Safety Office warns both new and second hand fans should come with safety instructions.
“The ESO advises that anyone buying a fan from a garage sale or a market or from the back of a Ute should be very careful,” he said.
“All used fans should have a tag saying they have been checked to be electrically safe, or if they have not been checked, information provided to the purchaser clearly spelling out that no safety checks have been carried out on the appliance.
“Ceiling fans should also only be installed by appropriately licensed electrical trades people.
“The best bet is to buy a new fan, with safety instructions attached, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to the letter. Very old fans with inadequate or no protective guard on them should not be used at all.”
Mr Mickel said the ESO recommends fans should only be used indoors unless the instructions say otherwise. Children’s hands, fingers, feet, toes and hair should be kept away from dangerous moving parts and cutting blades.
“Dust buildup on the blades can impair a fan’s effectiveness. Simply wiping a ceiling fan or pedestal fan gently with a damp cloth, or using a brush or vacuum brush on an enclosed revolving fan is the best way to remove dust safely. Fans should never be immersed in water,” Mr Mickel said.
“Do not disassemble fans, or any appliances, to fiddle with electrical wiring, and ensure all electrical plugs are removed from the socket before cleaning or maintenance starts.”
Mr Mickel said the ESO warned ventilation holes or outlets should not be blocked or partially obstructed. He recommended that homeowners should further protect themselves by using fans, portable or ceiling, on circuits fitted with a safety switch.
Mr Mickel also said the ESO had warned home DIYers to observe safety guidelines when working with Christmas power tool presents or carrying out domestic renovations over the holiday period.
ESO safety tips for power tool gift givers and users included:
• When buying power tools look for an approval number which means the tool is compliant with Australian standards
• Use a portable safety switch or have one fitted to a switchboard
• If using a long extension cord, do not leave it coiled up
• Check to ensure the cord of the power tool is clear of the work area
• Use and care for the tool as per the manufacturer’s instructions
• Never repair or replace the cord or plug – this type of electrical work must be performed by qualified electrician
• Always wear appropriate protective equipment and footwear
More information on electrical safety is available from the Electrical Safety Office at www.deir.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 650 662.
Media contact: Chris Brown on 3237 1944 or Jan Martin on 3237 1125
November 25, 2007