Safety

General Safety Instructions

 

The use of any electrical appliance requires the following common sense safety rules.

 

 

·         Before using any electrical item please read the relevant instruction manual that came with the appliance carefully.

·         Before plugging your appliance in for the first time, make sure that the voltage and frequency of your device corresponds to your electricity supply.

·         Always remove the plug from the socket whenever the device is not in use, when attaching accessory parts, when cleaning the device or when moving larger items.

·         Never leave children unsupervised with electrical goods and never let them play with them.

·         Always remove the plug from the socket by pulling the plug and not the cable – do not let your fingers touch the metal prongs as you could be electrocuted.

·         Be aware that hanging cables and cables across floors are trip hazards.

·         When moving appliances make sure that cables do not get caught under the appliances, do not place electric cords under rugs or mats, where they can be walked on and where damage can occur or go un-noticed.

·         Make sure appliance cords do not come into contact with hot surfaces.

·         Inspect cables regularly for damage. If there is any damage the device should not be used – as this can cause fires or electrical shocks. Replacement cables should only be obtained from the relevant manufacturer or their agents.

·         Do not repair the device yourself: any repairs should be carried out by a qualified competent person.

·         Keep all devices away from extreme heat, direct sunlight, liquids and moisture.

·         Only use original and genuine spare parts and accessories.

·         Do not use mains devices outdoors.

·         Unless specifically designed for the purpose under no circumstances must devices be placed in or come into contact with water or other liquids – you could be electrocuted.

·         Do not use mains devices with wet or damp hands.

·         Keep floors around your laundry appliances dry when in use.

·         Always unplug small devices when washing them.

·         Never immerse appliances in water.

·         Use all appliances only for there intended purpose.

·         When using appliances with removable cords, always connect the cord to the appliance first, then plug it into the wall outlet. To disconnect unplug it from the wall outlet first.

·         Do not overload electric sockets with too many appliances and lamps.

·         Unplug your appliances when not in use.

·         Unplug all electric appliances before they are worked on, even when replacing a light blub.

·         Do not touch an electric appliance with a metal object – you could be electrocuted. For example, never use a kitchen knife to retrieve items from toasters, dishwashers, dryers or any other electric appliance.

·         If you receive any kind of shock from any appliance, other than from static electricity, unplug the device and have an electrician check it immediately before further use.

·         If an appliance emits smoke or sparks, or if you feel a tingle or light shock when it’s on, immediately stop using it. Discard the appliance or call a qualified electrician to repair the appliance before any further use.

·         Put safety covers on unused electrical sockets, this is very important if you have children in your home, never let children play around sockets.

·         Teach children to be aware of the dangers in the kitchen. Warn them of the dangers of reaching up to areas that they cannot see properly or should not be reaching.

·         Where your appliance is designed in any way to heat, boil liquids, cook, grill, fry or in any way heat food, great care should be taken when touching the appliance’s surfaces so as to avoid the risk of burning or scalding as these appliances get very hot.

·         Should scalds occur run cold water over the effected area immediately. Do not stop to remove clothing, get medical help quickly.

·         Always locate any worktop appliance away from the edge of the worktop, ensuring that the appliance is used on a firm, flat, heat resistant surface. Do not use inside or underneath cupboards.

·         Always ensure that sufficient space is left above and around all sides of an appliance to allow air to circulate. Do not use too close to curtains, hanging fabrics, walls, cupboards or any flammable materials.

·         Always replace blown fuses with the correct fuse for the appliance.

·         Care must be taken while cleaning or carrying appliances to avoid damage to fingers and hands.

·         Do not attempt to sit or stand on top of your appliance, or to stack appliances as they are not designed for this purpose.

·         Do not obstruct the flow of air from vented items such as tumble dryers and cookers. Do not touch these vents as they may be hot, as will any air or steam being vented through them.

·         Always use protective gloves when removing hot items from cookers, microwaves etc.

·         Appliances are not intended for use of persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the application by a person responsible for their safety.

 

 

 

 

·         If the mains plug supplied with your appliance is not the appropriate plug for your socket, cut off and dispose of the old plug and replace with an appropriate plug. 

 

 

·         Never disable the grounding pin on a 3 prong plug as it is an important feature. Removing the grounding pin will increase the rise of damaging the equipment.

 

 

 

There are further safety instructions, in addition to these general safety points, applicable to specific types of electrical equipment.

 

Microwaves & Mini ovens

 

·         Do not use microwaves/ovens for purposes other than cooking food.

·         Never use metallic dishware, utensils, foil or place any other metallic object within the microwave as it will cause internal arcing.

·         Never use a microwave when the microwave oven is empty as this causes damage.

·         Always allow the microwave oven to cool after a long cooking process, before starting another cook cycle.

·         Clear away excessive grease from inside your microwave oven as it may cause smoke or fire when operating.

·         Do not apply excessive force to the door as it may distort the door and result in microwave leakage.

·         Always use ‘microwave safe’ containers in your microwave. Do not use sealed containers. For foods with skin, please prick skin before cooking.

·         Do not cook eggs in their shells, to avoid bursting.

 

Toasters

 

·         Empty the crumb tray regularly to avoid crumbs catching fire.

·         Do not insert over sized foods, metal, foil packages, plastics or utensils into the toaster.

 

Grilling Machines/Sandwich Toasters

 

·         They must not be operated by an external timer or remote control system.

·         Do not wrap food in plastic film, polythene bags, or metal foil. You’ll damage the grill and you may cause a fire hazard.

 

Kettles

 

·         Always pour water slowly and carefully to prevent burns from scalding water.

·         Do not place the appliance onto a metal tray or metal surface while in use.

·         Always close the lid and have the filter in place, when in use.

·         Extreme caution must be used when moving or opening the lid of an appliance containing hot liquid. Do not open the lid while the kettle is boiling.

·         Only fill with cold water.

·         The water level must between the Min and Max markings.

·         Do not hold the switch in the ‘On’ position or tamper with it to fix it in the ‘On’ position.

·         Do not place the appliance on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.

·         For kettles with base units, the appliance must not be on the base unit when it is being filled. Do not tamper with the connector in any way. Do not attempt to connect any other appliance to the base unit or your appliance to another base unit.

 

Food Processors/Blenders/Smoothie Makers & other ‘bladed’ devices.

 

·         Take extra care when handling blades, especially when cleaning, as they are very sharp.

·         Avoid touching moving parts. Keep hands, hair, clothing and utensils away from chopping blades during operation, to prevent personal injury and damage to the appliance.

·         These items tend to be designed for intermittent, not constant use. Do not use continuously and always allow the appliance to cool down before further use.

 

Fridges/Freezers

 

·         Let fridges and freezers sit for at least 4 hours before switching on, to enable compressor oil to settle.

·         When discarding old fridge’s/freezer’s disable any locks or latches fitted and ensure that these units are left in a safe condition to prevent the entrapment of young children.

 

Washing Machines/Dishwashers

 

·         Never place the machine on a carpet covered floor. Lack of airflow from below your machine may cause electrical parts to overheat.

·         Fit draining hoses to a wash basin, sink or waste system securely before starting your machine, otherwise there is a risk of being scalded due to high water temperatures.

·         With Washing Machines, Never open the door or remove the filter while there is still water in the drum. There is the risk of flooding and possible scalding due to the hot water.

·         With Dishwashers, avoid opening the door during the washing process and immediately after the cycle has ended as hot steam may escape, which could cause injury.

 

Tumble Dryers

 

·         Ventilation openings must not be obstructed.

·         Exhaust air must not be discharged into a flue, which is used for exhausting fumes from appliances burning gas or other fuels.

·         Adequate ventilation must be provided to avoid the back flow of gases into the room from appliances burning other fuels, including open fires.

·         Do not dry articles that have been previously cleaned, washed, soaked in, or spotted with petrol, dry-cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances as they give off vapours that could ignite or explode.

·         Do not use the tumble dryer if industrial chemicals have been used for cleaning.

·         Do not dry unwashed items in the tumble dryer.

·         Items soiled with cooking oil, acetone, alcohol, petrol, kerosene, spot removers, turpentine, waxes and wax removers or similar, should be washed in hot water with an extra amount of detergent before being dried in the tumble dryer.

·         Items made from foam rubber/latex foam, shower caps, waterproof textiles, rubber backed articles and clothes or pillows fitted with foam rubber should not be dried in the tumble dryer.

·         Do not use fabric softeners or any anti-static products unless recommended by the maker.

·         Use only for the drying of textiles that are marked accordingly.

·         Never stop the tumble dryer before the end of the drying cycle, unless all items are quickly removed and spread out so that the heat is dissipated.

·         Do not reach into the appliance if the drum is moving.

·         Do not allow children to play in or on the appliance.

·         Before discarding the appliance remove the door to avoid the entrapment of young children.

·         Never use the dryer without the lint filter.

 

TV’s and DVD’s

 

·         There are no user serviceable parts. Opening and removing the covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or any other hazards and may void your warranty. Do not attempt to service the equipment yourself. Refer service to qualified personnel.

·         Do not touch the power cord and antenna cable during lightning.

·         Misuse may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

·         Laser beams used in DVD’s are harmful to eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the casing.

 

Vacuum Cleaners

 

·         Do not pull or carry by the cord. Do not use the cord as a handle, close a door on the cord or pull the cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run the vacuum cleaner over the cord.

·         Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts.

·         Use the cleaner only on dry surfaces.

·         Do not pick up hot coals, cigarette butts, matches or any hot, smoking or burning objects.

·         Do not pick up flammable or combustible materials, or use in the presence of explosive liquids or vapours.

·         Do not vacuum up toxic or harmful material (Chlorine Bleach, Ammonia, Drain cleaner etc).

·         Take extra care when vacuuming on stairs.

·         Keep vacuuming area well lit.

·         Only use CE-approved 13amp extension cords. Non-approved extension cords may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the cord so that the cord cannot be pulled or tripped over.

·         Before plugging the cord into the socket make sure the vacuum cleaner switch is in the off position and hold the vacuum cleaner firmly when starting and in use.

 

Steam Irons and Steam Generators

 

·         Do not use the appliance on a surface which could be damaged by heat or steam.

·         Burns can occur from touching hot metal parts, hot water or steam.

·         Use caution when using your steam iron or generator. If your iron is placed for a few moments on an iron rest plate this plate may reach very high temperatures. In this instance, do not touch the iron soleplate or the iron rest plate until the iron and the iron rest have cooled down.

·         Do not use a vertical steam feature on clothes that are being worn.

·         Do not leave the steam iron or generator unattended while plugged in or on an ironing board. Never allow the mains lead to overhang the work surface.

·         Never hold a steam generator base set under the tap. Always disconnect a steam generator tank from its base unit when filling with water and emptying.

·         Always disconnect a steam iron or generator when cleaning or not in use.

 

Nintendo Wii

 

·         If this product will be used by young children, this information should be read and explained to them by an adult. Failure to do so may cause injury or damage to property.

·         Some people may have seizures or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, and this may occur while they are watching TV or playing video games, even if they have never had a seizure before.

·         Anyone who has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition, should consult a doctor before playing a video game.

·         Parents should watch their children play video games. Stop play and consult a doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms: Eye or muscle twitching, Loss of awareness, Altered vision, Involuntary movements, Disorientation

·         To reduce the likelihood of a seizure when playing video games: Sit or stand as far from the screen as possible. Play video games on the smallest available television screen. Do not play if you are tired or need sleep. Play in a well-lit room. Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour.

·         Playing video games can make your muscles, joints, skin or eyes hurt. Follow these instructions to avoid problems such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, skin irritation or eyestrain: Avoid excessive play. Parents should monitor their children for appropriate play. Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour, even if you don’t think you need it. If your hands, wrists, arms or eyes become tired or sore while playing, or if you feel symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or stiffness, stop immediately and rest for several hours before playing again.

·         If you continue to have any of the above symptoms or other discomfort during or after play, stop playing and see a doctor.

·         Do not use the Wii console during a lightning storm. There may be a risk of electric shock from lightning.

·         Make sure the Wii power button is turned OFF before removing the Power Supply cord from a socket.

·         The Wii console and Wii Remote can emit radio waves that can affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers.

·         Do not operate the Wii console or Wii Remote within 25 centimetres (10 inches) of a pacemaker.

·         If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, do not use the Wii console or Wii Remote without first consulting your doctor or the manufacturer of your medical device.

·         The Wii console is a Class I laser product. Do not attempt to disassemble the Wii console. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. Caution: Making adjustments to or performing any procedures on the Wii console that are not detailed in the Operations Manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

·         Not suitable for children under 36 months of age. The Wii Remote wrist strap and the cord of the Nunchuk can coil around the neck. Adhesion tapes for the Sensor Bar and protective film of the adhesion tapes, Sensor Bar Stand and Sensor Bar are small parts and could be swallowed.

·         Consult your doctor before playing Wii games that may require physical activity if you are pregnant, suffer from heart, respiratory, back, joint or orthopaedic problems, have high blood pressure, or if your doctor has instructed you to restrict your physical activity or if you have any other medical condition that may be aggravated by physical activity. Persons receiving treatment for any injury or disorder involving the fingers, hands or arms should NOT use the rumble function of the Wii Remote.

·         Leakage of battery acid can cause personal injury as well as damage to your Wii Remote. If leaked battery fluid comes into contact with your eyes, immediately flush your eyes thoroughly with water and see a doctor, as it may result in blindness or other injury. If leaked battery fluid comes into contact with your body or hands, wash thoroughly with water. 

·         Make sure that all players using the Wii Remote are wearing the wrist strap and that it has been tightened using the strap lock. When sharing the Wii Remote between multiple players, please be sure each person using the Wii Remote takes the time to properly put on the wrist strap. Wearing the wrist strap will help prevent the Wii Remote from flying across the room if you accidentally let go of it during game play.

·         Even while wearing the wrist strap, make sure you don't let go of the Wii Remote during game play and do not use excessive motion. For example, in Wii Sports bowling, the proper way to let go of the ball while bowling is to release the "B" button on the Wii Remote - DO NOT LET GO OF THE Wii REMOTE ITSELF. If you are having so much fun that you start perspiring, take a moment to dry your hands. If you use excessive motion and let go of the Wii Remote, the wrist strap may break and you could lose control of the Wii Remote. This could injure people nearby or cause damage to other objects.

·         You will probably move around while using the Wii Remote, so be careful that all areas that you might move into are clear. Make sure that furniture, objects and people are out of the play area so you don’t accidentally bump into them while playing. Also, as indicated in the Wii Operations Manual, it is recommended to stay at least three feet (1 metre) from the television.