Top 10 tips for keeping safe this winter

With Australians pulling heaters and electric blankets out of storage and spending more time indoors as the weather cools, Building and Energy has released an informative list of tips for keeping safe in the home during the winter months.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Saj Abdoolakhan, has urged householders to check electrical and gas appliances before using them, to be conscious of extra mould growth, and to ensure properties are prepared for rain, hail and wind. Read on for more detail.

Gas appliances

1. Get your gas heater serviced by a licensed gas fitter

Building and Energy recommends having gas appliances serviced at least every two years by a licensed gas fitter or annually if the equipment is more than 10 years old. Faulty and poorly maintained or misused gas heaters can cause a build-up of potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas.

Before using a gas heater this winter, check the date on the service sticker on the appliance. If it has been more than two years or the heater is showing signs of discolouration or difficulty relighting, a licensed gas fitter should be contacted to examine the equipment. The Building and Energy website contains more information on gas safety tips, including its ‘safe and warm’ campaign.

2. Make sure the room has enough ventilation when using indoor gas heaters

When a licensed gas fitter services your gas heater, they should also check whether the room has adequate ventilation. Otherwise, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. Carbon monoxide can be produced when gas does not burn properly due to a faulty appliance or lack of fresh air in an enclosed space. A room with a bayonet socket for a gas space heater should have two unobstructed ventilation openings — one close to the floor and the other close to the ceiling.

“Never use exhaust fans at the same time as an open-flued gas heater, as this can draw carbon monoxide into living spaces,” Abdoolakhan said.

3. Always use outdoor or portable gas appliances in the open air

Outdoor and portable gas appliances, such as patio heaters, camping equipment and barbecues, should only be used in the open air to avoid potentially lethal exposure to carbon monoxide. These appliances, which should be labelled ‘outdoor use only’, must never be used inside tents, caravans, campervans, homes or other enclosed areas, even if the flaps, doors or windows are open. For more information, see Building and Energy’s Great Outdoors, Lethal Indoors campaign.

Electrical equipment

4. Check your smoke alarms and RCDs

Smoke alarms can only offer protection when they are working, so it is vital they are tested monthly and have the battery replaced every year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. If you have recently moved into a house, check the date of manufacture which should be displayed on the alarm.

It is also an opportune time to test the RCDs on premise by pushing their ‘Test’ button. The device should snap off in an instant. If the RCD does not operate, make sure you have them replaced by a licensed electrical contractor immediately. Tenants should inform their property manager, who will arrange for the RCDs to be replaced.

5. Look for the RCM on all electrical products

Check that electrical appliances, such as electric blankets and heaters, carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) before using them. The mark usually appears as a tick inside a triangle.

“Checking products for the RCM ensures that the product complies with Australian electrical standards,” Abdoolakhan said. “Be cautious when buying electric blankets and heaters from overseas or online. If an electrical product does not bear the RCM then it has not been approved to be sold in Australia.” See the Electrical Equipment Safety System website for further details on RCMs.

6. Examine electrical appliances that have been in storage

Electric blankets and heaters are often in storage for most of the year. Building and Energy recommends that appliances are checked for any wear and tear before they are used this winter. Look out for frayed power cords and worn-out electric blankets. Replace blankets that are more than 10 years old.

There have been various electrical blanket recalls in the past 10 years due to risks of fire and electric shock. Check the Product Safety Australia website to confirm yours isn’t subject to a recall. If your heater has a dust filter, clean it frequently as it reduces the risk of clogging, overheating and electrical fires.

Building and property safety

7. Watch out for mould growth

The winter months can cause an increase in conditions that encourage mould growth, due to factors like greater rainfall, cold temperatures, and the use of heaters and clothes driers.

“Heating a space can add moisture to the air, causing a temperature difference between inside and outside the room. Heat is lost through the walls and windows, making those surfaces cold enough for moist air to condensate,” Abdoolakhan said.

To lessen the chance of mould growth in homes, particularly in smaller rooms, limit the amount of moisture produced by bathrooms and driers by regularly opening doors and windows, especially when using a drier.

“Other sources of moisture, like water leaks caused by external water entering the building or plumbing and waterproofing failures, should be repaired as soon as possible. Water ingress is more likely to occur in winter due to higher rainfall and wind-driven rain during storms,” Abdoolakhan said. Building and Energy recommends the Product Safety website as a guide on how to clean mould if it develops.

8. Pack away or tie down loose objects outside

Loose objects outside the home could become airborne in strong winds and should be packed away or tied down. These can hit overhead power lines and have the potential to cause power outages or fires.

Abdoolakhan advised checking the strength of structures — like brick piers, walls, roofs, ceilings and beams — if they are being used to support an additional attachment. “Items like shade-sails, hammocks, swings, hanging chairs and basketball hoops need to be connected to a structure that is suitable for the weight and load, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds. If in doubt, don’t risk it,” he said.

9. Clear vegetation from powerlines

Serious fires, accidents and loss of electricity supply can occur when vegetation is not controlled or kept clear of overhead powerlines. Property owners are urged to check that the vegetation within their property boundary is clear from powerlines. If vegetation is within 2 m of the overhead powerline, do not attempt to clear it. A vegetation control worker certified to work near powerlines must be contacted to deal with the matter.

10. Call a network operator if you see a fallen or damaged powerline

In the event of a fallen powerline or vegetation across an overhead powerline, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and wait for the network operator to make the area safe.

For more information on these issues and other safety topics, visit the Building and Energy website: dmirs.wa.gov.au.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Andrey Kuzmin