Maintenance and renovations
Most electrical accidents happen inside the home. When working around the house follow these safety precautions:
- Never do your own electrical work. It is dangerous and illegal. Always use a licensed electrician.
- Switch the power off at the main switch if you are doing any household maintenance or renovations.
- Have broken switches and sockets immediately replaced by a licensed electrician.
- Light fittings are usually connected to live wires, even when switched off. Light fittings, switches and power points should not be removed for painting.
- Do not use metal ladders, metal scaffolds or metal painters’ trestles when working close to wiring, as they are good conductors of electricity.
- Take care not to contact electrical cabling when nailing and fixing metal roofing and tile battens.
- When selecting outdoor lights check that they are weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use. A licensed electrician should install outdoor power points and lighting.
