- Building and Energy campaign targets electrical hazards in the home
- Never use or attempt DIY repairs on damaged electrical cords or appliances
- Linked to serious injuries and deaths in WA
A new campaign is highlighting the potentially lethal dangers of damaged electrical appliances and DIY electrical work in the home.
The State’s electrical safety regulator, Building and Energy, is sharing the “What you find may shock you” message to encourage the community to regularly check their electrical appliances, cords and plugs for damage. The public is also urged to never attempt DIY electrical repairs.
Serious injuries and deaths in WA have been linked to damaged appliances and DIY electrical work. Three people have tragically lost their lives in the past six years in incidents involving a homemade electric fence, the attempted repair of a spa motor and a DIY wood art device.
Examples of injuries include a 10-month-old baby who burnt his fingers after the plastic cover of a fish tank lighting power supply came loose, exposing electrical components, and a 10-year-old who received serious hand burns while trying to repair a broken fan.
WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said the campaign aimed to highlight the risk of electric shocks, fires and other serious hazards.
“There may also be property damage and liability or insurance issues,” he said.
“Exposure to the risks of electricity is greatest at the point where it does its job – electrical appliances and the cords that connect them to the power supply.
“If you notice your electrical appliances or cords are damaged or faulty, stop using them immediately, turn off the power and unplug the appliance safely.
“Don’t tape up or try to repair damaged electrical items yourself. Replace them or contact a licensed electrician. It’s not worth the risk.”
Key safety tips include:
- Check appliances, cords and plugs for damage, such as cracked plastic, exposed wires or fraying.
- Stop using any damaged or faulty electrical item.
- Turn off the power and unplug the appliance safely.
- Never attempt repairs yourself.
“This campaign provides simple yet effective advice to help Western Australians stay safe at their homes,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“I urge everyone to take these messages on board and make informed decisions.”
The campaign will run until mid-June on YouTube and displays in shopping centres.
View the campaign video at the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s YouTube channel.
More electrical safety information is available at demirs.wa.gov.au/besafe.
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
Campaign video (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lhceiqmNTU
Image from the campaign:
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