Household
Safety at home is extremely important, and injuries and accidents at home can be preventable.
The most dangerous equipment in the household is electrical and gas products, both of which can be fire hazards if used improperly. Gas appliances must adhere to stringent standards to ensure they are safe for use at home. Warning notices must be affixed to these appliances regarding the type of gas to be used, pressure levels, etc. All gas products as of 1997 should carry the CE mark demonstrating they comply with these laws. Electrical products are subject to similar safety standards from the EU and Irish legislation, aimed at ensuring all electrical equipment is safe for household use. The main risk is associated with either the equipment itself, or its interaction with the environment. It is strongly recommended that consumers use electrical appliances only as they are directed, and to heed the warnings on the products. These products should also carry the CE mark
Injuries and accidents at home - overview
Kitchen
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Safety
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Chemicals
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Fire
Your home is the place where accidents are most likely to occur. You should be aware of the dangers in the home so that accidents can be avoided.
To help in avoiding accidents in the home homeowners should do the following:
*Ensure halls & stairways are always well lit and free from clutter to avoid trips and falls.
*When changing light bulbs avoid using chairs use a step–stool.
*Test your fire alarm every month.
*Avoid burns and scalds, by always using the cooker’s back ring or hotplate first and position panhandles so that they can’t be pulled over and by keeping hot drinks out of reach of children
*Reduce the likelihood of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning by having appliances professionally serviced once a year.
*Reduce trips, slips and falls by always quickly cleaning up spills.
*Keep household chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children, preferably in a secure, high-level kitchen cupboard.
*Avoid bath time scalds by running cold water before hot and carefully testing water temperature, particularly before bathing children who should never be let unattended
*Don’t risk electrocution by taking electrical appliances into the bathroom.
*Water is a good conductor of electricity so you should never touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
