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Tell kids about electrical safety

Childproof your home early on
Teach your children about appliance safety
Toasters
Powerlines and kids
Substations
Further information and contacts

Childproof your home early on

Before children are old enough to understand the basics of electrical safety, you can childproof your home in the same way as you would for other dangers such as poisons. The first step is to think about what dangers your child might encounter.

Get down on their level and look for potential electric dangers.
Fit protectors over powerpoints to prevent electric shocks.
Do not leave electrical cords hanging down over a bench or table.
Watch the risk of burns around heaters, electric frying pans, kettles and stovetops.
Never leave a toddler unattended in a room with a plugged-in appliance.

Teach your children about appliance safety

When your children are older you can teach them some basic electrical safety knowledge.

Never use appliances or tools while barefoot. Wear shoes when using electrical appliances, especially when your feet are in direct contact with the earth such as concrete floors. Shoes should have dry insulating soles of rubber or plastic.
Turn off all appliances at the powerpoint when not in use.
Never leave appliances or tools near a bath or basin.
Never touch appliances or tools with damp hands.
Do not touch appliances with frayed or perished cords.

Toasters

The toaster needs special mention because it is one of the very few appliances that has such highly exposed electric components, and the whole family uses it.

Make sure that you do not come in contact with the element inside the toaster.
Never put a metal implement into a toaster. If you make contact with the element you will receive an electric shock which may be fatal.

Powerlines and kids

The golden rule is simple: teach your kids NOT to play near powerlines.

The major danger comes from playthings such as kites or balloons (especially metallic balloons) that can come into contact with the overhead powerlines. If the child is holding a connecting string or wire, they may receive a severe electric shock that could be fatal.

It is also important for kids to understand that if balls, Frisbees or any other objects hit a powerline it may cause serious damage to the line.

Substations

Another danger area is the substation. It is important that all your family is aware they should not enter a substation under any circumstances.

Children should never play near a substation, as they may be tempted to retrieve a plaything that has gone over the fence.

If you see a child (or anyone) enter a substation, report it immediately to the police on 000. You should not enter the substation yourself. Most importantly, the child should not touch any of the substation installations or equipment.

Assure them they are not in any trouble.
Instruct them to walk to a clear space.
Tell them to sit down on the ground.
Keep them under constant supervision and make sure they do not move from their seated position until help arrives.

Further information and contacts

For more information on childproofing your home, contact KidSafe at tas@kidsafe.com.au

Aurora sponsors the Hands On Energy Discovery Centre at 4 Elizabeth Street, Hobart where children and adults can learn about electrical safety as well as other facts about electricity.

Entry is free but bookings are essential. Ring Paul, David or Merren on (03) 6230 5309 or (03) 6230 5326.