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Safe use advice for electrical appliances
General safe use advice for electrical appliances intended for household and similar use with rated voltage of not more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.
This advice is not intended to replace specific manufacturers' information but can be used as a general guide.
This advice does not cater for young children or people who are physically weak.
You are urged to:
- Use the appliance only for its intended purpose.
- If the appliance is for indoor use only, do not use outdoors.
- Do not immerse the appliance in water unless it is designed for this purpose.
- Keep hands, fingers, feet, toes and hair away from dangerous moving parts, cutting blades and the like.
- Do not use electrical appliances in the rain.
- Make sure you have dry hands when operating an electrical appliance.
- Do not use a damaged appliance.
- An appliance may not be intended for use by children or people with an illness or disability without supervision.
- Young children should not be allowed to play with the appliance.
- Some appliances require special precautions for installation or user maintenance or both.
- The plug must be removed from the socket-outlet before any cleaning or maintenance is done.
- Do not place cord extension sockets or portable power outlet boards where they may be splashed or where moisture may get in.
- Ensure ventilation holes or outlets are not blocked or partially obstructed.
- If a fixed appliance does not have a supply cord and plug or other means for disconnection from the supply, a means for disconnection must be incorporated into the fixed wiring according to the wiring rules (non-Queensland Government link).
- If the supply cord or plug is damaged:
- The manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person must replace the cord to prevent an accident.
- Appliances with specially prepared cords must be replaced by a special cord or assembly available from the manufacturer or its service agent.
- Other appliances that have a supply cord that cannot be replaced should be scrapped.
- The appliance should be maintained in order to ensure a long, useful life and to protect the operator against electric shock or mechanical mishaps.
- A safety switch can enhance electrical safety when using electrical appliances.
Last updated October 5, 2005
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