DALLAS, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The same yard tools that help us trim, edge, weed and mow can pose outdoor hazards if electrical safety tips are ignored, Oncor Electric Delivery reminds consumers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that 8 percent of accidental electrocutions in the United States each year are related to small appliances. Another 7 percent are attributed to power tools, and 4 percent are linked to lawn, garden and farming equipment.
Oncor Electric Delivery offers tips this month to help homeowners avoid injury while making the most of labor-saving yard and gardening equipment. Before flipping the "on" switch, a basic inspection is in order to see that:
* The tool is intended for outdoor use and is certified by a recognized
testing lab. A tag or label on either the tool or the power cord will
indicate that the equipment was designed and manufactured in accordance
with established safety standards.
* Cords, plugs and wiring are in good condition.
* Extension cords are intended for outdoor use. Extension cord gauges
should match the amperage rating of the power tool.
* Safety guards or shields on mowers, saws and other outdoor tools are in
place. Never remove the safety guard from an electric-powered tool or
appliance.
Once tools and accessories are inspected, the following safety rules will help protect you as well as children, pets, and other bystanders:
* Carry power tools by the handle, never by the cord.
* When using an electrical device, hold it by the insulated gripping
surface to avoid electrical shock.
* Turn off and lock appliances when installing attachments such as mower
baskets or saw blades.
* Never leave a power tool unattended, even temporarily. If there is a
key, remove it. Put the tool where children cannot misuse it.
* Keep the power cord and extension cords out of way -- not draped over a
hedge or in the path of the mower, for example.
* Wear safety goggles or other protection when mowing, trimming or
edging. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in
moving parts.
* If an appliance cord becomes hot, or if the power tool has tripped a
protective device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI),
avoid using it until it has been checked by an authorized service
provider or professional electrician.
Visit http://www.oncor.com/ for more electrical safety tips and to download a free checklist for a home safety audit.
Oncor Electric Delivery, a subsidiary of TXU Corp., is an electric distribution and transmission business that provides power to more than 3 million homes and businesses and operates more than 115,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. Information about Oncor can be obtained by going directly to http://www.oncor.com/.
Oncor Electric Delivery
CONTACT: Carol Peters of Oncor communications, +1-972-791-6200
Web site: http://www.oncor.com/
