A toaster may seem like a boring everyday item, but it could be very dangerous if used incorrectly. At Jim’s Test & Tag, we are electrical safety experts. Check out these toaster safety tips and get in touch for our electrical test and tagging services.
Our Toaster Safety Tips
Did you know that your toaster can cause electrical shock and start fires? There are different ways you can prevent each of these situations. Take a look.
Preventing a Toaster Fire Hazard
- Clean your toaster regularly – shake out the crumbs, wipe off the grease, and wash other areas with soap at least once a month and wipe it dry. Make sure your toaster is unplugged when you clean it. Left over residue can get hot and clog up the vents in your toaster, causing a fire to start when overheated.
- Toasters can get hot, and so can the items next to them. Make sure don’t place any items around the perimeter of your toaster – especially flammable items and liquids. Give it a bit of space.
- Don’t leave your toaster unattended while it is in use. Keep an eye on it so you can act quickly if a fire does start.
- Make sure you have fire protection equipment available in your kitchen (fire extinguishers and blankets).
- Unplug your toaster when it isn’t being used.
- Check the product recalls website to make sure your toaster isn’t faulty.
- Check for signs of visual damage (to the wires and the buttons) to make sure your toaster is safe.
- Replace it regularly – toasters have a shorter lifetime than most other kitchen appliances.
At Jim’s Test & Tag, we are experts in both fire and electrical safety. We have a whole range of fire protection services that will help you keep your kitchen appliances safe. Ask us about our supply and maintenance services now (fire extinguishers, blankets, and fire hose reels).
Preventing an Electrical Fault
Our next round of toaster safety tips is designed to help you use your appliance safely and prevent electrical shock. Have a look.
- Don’t poke anything into your toaster, especially metal items. If something does get stuck, turn off the toaster, unplug it, and give it a shake.
- Unplug your toaster when it isn’t being used.
- Make sure your toaster isn’t next to your sink or any other wet areas where water could be easily spilled on it.
- If you notice your toaster sparking, throw out your toaster and buy a new one. The cost of a new appliance is less than the cost of an injury.
- Visually inspect your toaster for damage.
- Make sure your RCDs are in working order.
At Jim’s Test & Tag, we test and inspect a range of appliances as well as residual current devices. Regular maintenance will help to prevent any electrical accidents.
Contact Jim’s Test & Tag Today
If you own or operate a business, you need to make sure all the appliances in your building are in safe working order. This includes your kitchen equipment.
You are also required to maintain your circuit protection and provide adequate fire protection equipment.
Luckily, our team of technicians can take care of it all for you. We provide safety testing services to businesses all around New Zealand. Now that you’ve read our toaster safety tips, you make sure you eliminate any toaster fire hazard.
Get in touch with our professional team to discuss your safety needs.
Call now or fill in the online form for a free quote.
