CSA International, a leader in testing and certification, has created the following checklist to help Canadians avoid common seasonal dangers and keep the holidays glowing bright.
• Out with the old: Carefully inspect holiday light strings each year and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections.
• Size 'em up: Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and check to ensure replacement bulbs match the voltage and wattage of the original. Make certain that bulb reflectors are the correct size for the light string.
• Spot the mark: When purchasing light strings, extension cords and electrical decorations, look for a certification mark such as one from CSA International that provides assurance that the products are tested and certified to the applicable standards for safety and performance. Also, ensure that outdoor light strings, cords, spotlights and floodlights are certified by CSA International and marked for outdoor use.
• Don't be tacky: Never hang decorations from fire sprinklers, or allow them to obstruct exit corridors or exit signs, fire extinguishers and hose cabinets. Never tack or staple lighting strings or extension cords to a wall or cubicle. When hanging lights outdoors, keep electrical connectors above ground, out of puddles and snow and away from metal eavestroughs. Use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks to hold light strings in place.
• Safe storage: After the holidays, wrap and store lights and decorations in their original packaging, as they likely contain manufacturer's instructions on replacement bulbs and details for proper product use. Remove outdoor lights promptly after the holiday season to avoid damage caused by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions.
• Watch the flicker of candles: Do not use open flames or candles on or near flammable materials such as wreaths, trees or paper decorations.
• Designate those decorations: When decorating the tree, place breakable ornaments on the higher limbs to protect children and pets. Remember to always use flame-resistant decorations.
• Don't get juiced: Before working with outdoor wiring, turn off the electricity to the supply outlet and unplug the connection.
• Fresh or fake, be safe: If you buy a real tree, make sure it's fresh. Fresh trees will be less likely to dry out and become a fire hazard. Artificial trees with electrical lights should have a certification mark on them and should be made of fire-resistant material.
• Pardon the interruption: Whenever possible, connect all outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by eatherproof ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). These can provideprotection from electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical power.
Compliments of www.newscanada.com
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