With the winter months approaching and cold and stormy weather expected on the State’s doorsteps, Building and Energy has collated 10 safety tips to ensure the community survives until Spring.
Under the wise guidance of the Executive Director of Building and Energy, Saj Abdoolakhan, released the safety tips with advice to homeowners and householders that while it’s important to keep ourselves and our families warm, we should keep them safe by considering Building and Energy’s top safety tips.
“The new season acts as reminder to check your electrical and gas appliances before using them, be conscious of extra mould growth, and ensure your property is rain, hail and wind prepared,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“We urge consumers to follow these simple steps and checks to keep their home safe during winter time.”
Gas appliances
- Get your gas heater serviced by a licensed gas fitter…
The new season acts as reminder to check your electrical and gas appliances before using them, be conscious of extra mould growth, and ensure your property is rain, hail and wind prepared.
- Make sure the room has enough ventilation with indoor gas heaters…
Carbon monoxide can be produced when gas does not burn properly due to a faulty appliance or lack of fresh air in an enclosed space. Never use exhaust fans at the same time as an open-flued gas heater as this can draw carbon monoxide into living spaces.
- Always use outdoor or portable gas appliances in the open air…
Outdoor and portable gas appliances, such as patio heaters, camping equipment and barbeques should be labelled ‘outdoor use only’ and must never be used inside tents, caravans, campervans, homes or other enclosed areas, even if the flaps, doors or windows are open.
Electrical equipment
- Check your smoke alarms and RCDs…
Smoke alarms can only offer protection when they are working, so it is vital they are tested monthly and have the battery replaced every year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
- Look for the RCM on all electrical products…
Check that electrical appliances, such as electric blankets and heaters, carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) before using them. Be cautious when buying electric blankets and heaters from overseas or online. If an electrical product does not bear the RCM then it has not been approved to be sold in Australia.”
- Examine electrical appliances that have been in storage…
Electric blankets and heaters are often in storage for most of the year check for any wear and tear before they are used this winter. Look out for frayed power cords and worn out electric blankets and r Replace blankets that are more than 10 years old.
Building and property safety
- Watch out for mould growth…
Winter months can cause an increase in conditions that encourage mould growth due to rainfall, cold temperatures and the use of heaters and clothes driers.
Limit the amount of moisture produced by bathrooms and driers by regularly opening doors and windows, especially when using a drier.
- Pack away or tie down loose objects outside…
Loose objects outside the home could become airborne in strong winds and should be packed away or tied down.
- Clear vegetation from power lines…
Serious fires, accidents and loss of electricity supply can occur when vegetation is not controlled or kept clear of overhead power lines. Property owners should check that the vegetation within their property boundary is clear from power lines.
- Call a network operator if you see a fallen or damaged power line….
In the event of a fallen power line or vegetation across an overhead power line, call triple-zero (000) immediately and wait for the network operator to make the area
