Browse > Home / News / Unplug it before you toast yourself

Unplug it before you toast yourself

Posted on December 1, 2008, 10:10am

We’ve all been faced with something stuck in the toaster, usually spicy fruit loaf or a thick slice of bread, but the state’s Technical Regulator says you must unplug the toaster before attempting a toaster rescue.

Technical regulator in the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, Rob Faunt, says don’t be tempted by a short cut when removing or cleaning food away from your toaster.

“Sticking a knife in a toaster while the appliance is plugged is unbelievably dangerous – people die doing this,” he said.

“Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the use and maintenance of any electrical appliances, including your toaster.”

A tingle or shock from an electrical appliance is a warning and you should switch it off at the power supply, disconnect it and report it to the Office of the Technical Regulator.

“Faulty equipment is a major cause of electrical fatalities, so check regularly for damage and if you suspect any faults, have them repaired by a licensed electrician,” Mr Faunt said.

Before cleaning any portable electrical appliance, be sure to switch it off at the power point and unplug it. This ensures that the appliance has no electricity running through it.

Always use the correct fuse wire, fuse cartridge or plug in circuit breakers to avoid overloads which might cause fire.

A repeatedly blowing fuse may be a signal for a fault which should be checked by a licensed electrician.

If there is a power failure, switch of heaters, electric kettles and cooking appliances that were working at the time, to avoid the possibility of starting a fire when the power comes back on.

For more information call the Office of the Technical Regulator on 8226 5518 or visit www.technicalregulator.sa.gov.au.

These articles might be of interest:
Tags:  

Email this post Email this post   Print this article Print this article

Comments

We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. We require a working email address - not for publication, but for verification.