To prevent home accidents, correctly using daily small home appliances and knowing safety precautions are vital.
Stating that small home appliances can pose potential dangers if not used correctly, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, a faculty member in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, said, “Every home appliance may have its unique safety requirements, so it is always important to act according to the product's instructions.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, a faculty member in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, evaluated small home appliance accidents and shared her recommendations.
Many Electrical Devices Found in Homes Cause Various Home Accidents
Stating that there are many home appliances that cause home accidents, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay said, “Many electrical devices found in our homes, such as stoves and ovens we use for cooking, pressure cookers, cutting tools like knives and scissors, irons, vacuum cleaners, water heaters, and hand mixers, cause various home accidents.”
Noting that careless or uncontrolled use of stoves and ovens can lead to burn accidents, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay stated, “Situations such as gas leaks due to incorrect use or uncontrolled spread of flames can cause accidents. To prevent these errors, it is important to regularly check stoves and ovens, use detectors that control gas leaks, and use the devices in accordance with their instructions.”
Iron Surfaces Should Be Covered with Protective Lids to Cool Down!
Noting that irons with high temperatures, which pose a burn risk, can be dangerous even when not in use, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay said, “After use, irons may be forgotten to be turned off or, if not stored safely, can cause burns. After iron use is completed, it is recommended that the surface be covered with protective lids to cool down safely and stored in a locked cabinet when not in use.”
Unplug the Vacuum Cleaner When Not in Use!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that vacuum cleaners can also pose a risk of falls and injuries during vacuuming by tripping over their cables, and continued:
“Situations such as contact with water, cable damage, or a malfunction in internal components can cause electric shocks. The cable may short-circuit, or internal components like the motor may overheat, leading to fires. Clogged filters or not cleaning them regularly cause pressure buildup and evaporation within the vacuum cleaner, leading to accidents. To prevent these accidents, regular maintenance of the vacuum cleaner, monitoring filter cleaning and replacement, and regularly checking cables to prevent damage are essential. Neatly coiling cables and organizing them with cable organizers prevents overloading the cables. Unplugging the vacuum cleaner when not in use and storing it safely reduces the risk of accidents.”
Protective Measures Should Be Taken for Cutting Tools When Not in Use
Explaining that careless use of cutting home appliances, sudden movements, or leaving them in wrong places can also lead to accidents, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated the following:
“Knives, scissors, and other cutting tools can cause cuts due to incorrect use or carelessness. Improper storage of cutting tools or leaving them in an accessible place creates a risk of accidents for children or adults. To prevent such accidents, it is important to receive training on the correct use of cutting tools. Tools should be used in accordance with their instructions, and knowledge on how to store them safely should be acquired. Cutting tools should be sharpened regularly, and damaged ones should be replaced immediately. After use, they should be cleaned promptly and maintained regularly. When cutting tools are not in use, protective measures such as protective covers or storage boxes should be taken.”
Outlets with Multiple Devices Plugged In Can Cause Overload!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that electrical devices left plugged into outlets or prone to overheating can also cause accidents for various reasons, saying, “Electrical devices left plugged in can continuously draw electrical current and lead to overheating. This situation can increase the risk of short circuits or fires. Poor connections of outlets and plugs can lead to problems such as low performance or overheating for electrical devices. Continuous use or running electrical devices for long periods causes overheating and, consequently, accidents. To prevent such accidents, electrical devices should be checked regularly, and cables, plugs, and outlets should be inspected for damage or poor connections. To prevent overloading of outlets, they should be used in a way that does not exceed the power capacity indicated on them. Outlets with multiple devices plugged in can cause overload.”
Electrical Devices Should Be Purchased from CE Approved Quality Products…
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay also pointed out the precautions to be taken against accidents and continued:
“Unplugging unused electrical devices from the outlet is a precaution against overheating and accidents. Purchasing electrical devices from reliable CE-approved quality products ensures safer use. Regular maintenance, careful use, and use under appropriate conditions are important for the safe use of electrical devices. Additionally, periodically checking the electrical installation to ensure plugs and outlets are working properly will also be beneficial.”
Pressure Cookers Must Be Used According to Instructions!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay also explained that some important points should be considered for the safe use of home appliances such as pressure cookers and water heaters, stating, “When using a pressure cooker, the operating instructions must be read. Every pressure cooker may have different features. In particular, the lid must be closed correctly and ensured to be locked. Instructions regarding cooking times, pressure settings, and cooling time must be followed. After the cooking process is complete, the lid should not be opened before the pressure cooker cools down. Paying attention to the cooling time is very important, as excessive pressure can cause severe burn injuries.”
Water Heaters Should Never Be Operated Without Water Inside!
Emphasizing the importance of not exceeding the maximum water level specified for water heaters, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay said, “Overfilling can be dangerous during evaporation. The water heater should be cleaned regularly, and necessary maintenance should be done to prevent limescale buildup. Water heaters should never be operated without water inside. Water heaters should automatically turn off after reaching a certain temperature. If this feature does not work, there is a risk of overheating and fire. Cable damage, plug problems, or malfunctions in internal electrical circuits are among the causes of accidents from electric water heaters. The water heater's cable and plug should be checked regularly, and if damaged parts need to be identified and repaired or replaced, this maintenance must be carried out.”
Electrical Devices Should Be Kept Away from Children and Pets!
Emphasizing that home appliances can pose a potential danger if necessary precautions are not taken for children or pets, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay explained the following:
“Children may touch outlets or electrical devices, pull out plugs, or pets may chew on cables. Electric shocks or burns can pose a risk in this situation. Outlet covers and outlet locking mechanisms should be used to prevent access to outlets. To keep electrical devices away from children and pets, devices should be placed out of children's reach or in locked cabinets.
Knives, scissors, and other cutting tools can pose a serious danger to children. Accidental cuts or injuries can occur. Locked drawers or locked cabinets should be used to store cutting tools safely. Contact of children or pets with hot surfaces such as stoves, ovens, or water heaters can cause burns. Special safety locks should be used to prevent access to dangerous areas.”
Tools Should Be Cleaned and Maintained Regularly
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay continued by stating that small home appliances are practical tools used in daily life but can pose potential dangers if not used correctly:
“The safety precautions that must be taken to eliminate these dangers should be observed. Always read the product's user manual carefully first. This ensures knowledge about how to use the device correctly and its safety precautions. Electrical appliances should be unplugged when not in use. This reduces the risk of accidental activation, electric shock, and fire, and saves energy. Avoid storing tools in places accessible to children. Child safety locking measures should be used. Tools should be cleaned and maintained regularly. This ensures the longevity of the tools and prevents malfunctions.
Tools with Worn Cables Should Not Be Used!
“Incorrect use or neglect of cable organization can cause breakage or damage to cables. Especially if there is any wear on the cables, tools should not be used. This can lead to electric shocks and fires. Organizers or cable management systems can be used for cable organization, and it is also important to regularly check cables and replace damaged ones. Every home appliance may have its unique safety requirements, so it is always important to act according to the product's instructions. Safety and regular maintenance ensure the healthy and safe use of home appliances.”