Home Green Ideas

Summer Project Tips + Safety Precautions You Must Know

Outdoor fun is synonymous with summer and warm weather. It is also the best time to get to that outside summer project and take a dip in the pool after the chores are done. We all look forward to summer after the cold of winter. When undertaking those outdoor project ideas and activities, that we have been putting off all winter, it’s important to practice home green ideas by keeping in mind a few summer electricity hazards and safety tips. Remember, safety is #1. The following are some DO’s and DON’T’s to keep in mind to keep our projects easy and done safely.

• Answer T or F – The ground prong (3rd prong) on the plug of any appliance or power tool is not important and can be safely cut off and removed so it will fit into a common 2 prong receptacle. o False! The third prong on a 3 prong plug plays a vital role in properly grounding the equipment. Its function is to prevent the operator from the danger of electric shock or electrocution in the event of a “dead short”, a condition where an unshielded wire touches the metal case of the equipment. This can cause electric shock that could be fatal and/or result in starting an electric fire. Always comply with equipment safety practices and never remove the third prong of a plug or use an adaptor that allows it to be plugged into a two prong outlet.

• Inspect all equipment and electrical cords for wear, cracks or bare wires. If there are any signs of wear or damage the equipment is dangerous and cannot be used safely until it is properly repaired or replaced.

• Keep power and extension cords clear of your work area. Have adequate electrical outlets available to eliminate the use of extension cords. If extension cords are used, care should be taken to place them so they do not create tripping hazards in your work area. Extend them overhead or place tape or a rug over them if they are on the floor. This will prevent them from becoming damaged do to wear or create traffic hazards.

• When working with electricity, use rubber or wood handled tools and rubber soled shoes.

• Never use electric equipment in the rain or around wet or damp surfaces. Water is a conductor of electricity and can cause severe electric shock and even fatality.

• Read and follow the equipment manufacturers’ operation instructions and follow any equipment safety precautions required.

• Aluminum ladders conduct electricity! This may cause severe electric shock and likely death. Take precautions to stay far away from all electrical wires. Watch out for overhead wires running across the work area while carrying or moving the ladder. Fiberglass or wood ladders are a better choice when working around electricity because they do not conduct electricity and therefore there is less of a chance of being shocked.

• Be sure to leave adequate clearance from the electric lines to allow for the swing of your ladder when placing it against your house or structure. The tilt angle of the ladder against the surface should be 4’ to 1’. Every 4 foot of ladder up the wall should be 1’ away from wall at base of ladder.

• Keep your ladder free of oil, grease or paint. It will become very slippery and will make it act as a lightning rod.

• Work safely, remember that water is a conductor of electricity. Never work on electricity or plug into an electrical outlet while standing or working in a wet or damp area.

• Keep radios and other electrical devices away from water.

• Never touch electrical appliances when you are wet.

• Remember that any plugged-in appliance, whether it is in operation or not, can be dangerous around water.

Enjoy the nice and warm days of summer with family and friends. Keep these home green summer electricity hazards & safety tips in mind as you go to work on your summer project and activities that you have been putting off all winter long. By applying these home green ideas it will make your projects easy, done safely and enjoy a hazard free summer. Working together and turning it into a family event can make it a very rewarding and satisfying experience that will be memorable for a life time. Have a great and safe summer!