PROJECTS ONLINE: CHILD SAFETY--PLAY IT SAFE AROUND ELECTRICITY
Project Difficulty:
Moderate
Here's a few ways to keep a child's environment free of electrical hazards.
1.
Appliance Hazards
Never leave electrical appliances plugged in near water. In areas where water sources are near electrical outlets, install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These safety devices will break the electrical circuit when an abnormal current or overload is detected. You can also purchase portable plug-in GFCIs, which are less expensive. In either case, they can be a life saver.
2.
Electrical Outlet Safety Tips
* Hairpins, keys, or other metal objects can result in shocks and burns if they are stuck into outlets. Install safety outlet plates or guards in your electrical outlets. Children may learn to pull out plastic outlet plugs; consider changing to an outlet with a cover. (Fig. 1)
* Position heavy furniture so that they prevent children from reaching the outlets.
* Always be sure when inserting electrical plugs into outlets that no part of the prongs are left exposed for little fingers to touch.
3.
Pay Attention to Electrical Cords
* Never allow children to put an electrical cord in his or her mouth--injuries can result from simply sucking on a cord.
* Frayed cords can lead to burns, shocks, and even fire; replace these cords immediately.
* Long cords, such as extension cords, can lead to strangulation. If long spans of wire are absolutely necessary, use cord shorteners to tie up unneeded length for better security.
* If you use a clamp apparatus to keep a table lamp from falling over, the table must be secure, or the lamp and table may be pulled over.
