There are many electrical appliances which we use everyday that can be dangerous if they are not used or maintained correctly. This is why portable appliance testing (PAT testing) is important, to ensure the safety of electrical appliances.
Here we will examine the dangers of the most commonly used electrical appliances which you will find in the home and the workplace. Not only do these items need to be PAT tested to ensure they are safe to use, but they should be operated safely to prevent unnecessary accidents.
Microwave
Microwaves are issued with strict production guidelines to ensure they are safe to use, however after years of operation they do suffer from general wear and tear, causing them to become unsafe. It’s important to always get your microwave PAT tested to assess if any dangerous radiation emissions are leaking out due to appliance damage. It should also be tested to make sure no other major parts need replacing such as the plug, fuse or power cord.
Even though microwaves are used in nearly all homes and workplaces they can cause a safety risk is they are used incorrectly. When using a microwave appliance:
- Never put any metal materials inside, this includes kitchen foil
- Make sure plastic products put in the microwave are suitable for reheating
- Always remove all necessary packaging as stated
Hair Straighteners
A lot of people use hair straighteners on a daily basis, most modern straighteners can reach temperatures of up to 230 degrees, which is much higher than the basic household iron. If not handled correctly hair straighteners impose a real risk of severe burns, which is why they should always be handled with care and kept out of reach of children.
Many modern hair straightening devices are now issued with an automatic sleep mode, however they can still take up to 15 minutes to cool down completely, so it is worth investing in a heat resistant mat to put them on. Even with the sleep mode setting, straighteners should always be turned off after use, as leaving them on is a serious fire hazard.
Extension Cords
When buying a new extension cord it will be perfectly safe to use, although there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when using one in your home, these are:
- Make sure all wires are separated neatly so they do not become tangled. Also, do not ‘overload’ an extension cord, only use the amount of plugs that it was made to hold.
- Turn the extension plug off when it’s not in use.
- Always check the wires for any damage.
- Do not leave wires across walkways or in the middle of the room as this can cause a tripping hazard.
Tumble Dryer
In both the home and the workplace it is vital to carry out general maintenance on a tumble dryer to prevent the serious risk of a fire.
A tumble dryer’s filter should be cleaned out regularly to dispose of the build up of lint. This is the grey coloured fluff which builds up pretty quickly in the dryers filter. Lint is highly flammable as it can create a spark really easily and catch fire.
Other essential maintenance advice for tumble dryers is:
- Clean the drum regularly
- Empty the water reservoir
- Remove and clean the heat exchanger
All of the information to carry out these tasks will be provided in your machines user manual.
To ensure safety when using any electrical appliance always look for the green PAT test label which shows it is in safe working order. However, if you have any doubts about the integrity of an appliance, whether it’s in the home or at work, always arrange for it to be tested by a professional before use. If an appliance is damaged beyond repair it should be disposed of immediately to prevent injury.
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