From power tools to appliances, today’s equipment is built to meet rigorous safety standards. But even with those standards, equipment may not be safe if it’s damaged, modified, or used incorrectly, advises Rick Coons, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC).

“If you use equipment that is unsafe, you’re exposing yourself and those around you to the possibility of being shocked, electrocuted, or otherwise injured,” says Coons. “You could also cause serious damage to your home.”

IEC says there are a variety of ways that you can protect yourself from unsafe equipment, including:

• If you drop a tool or an appliance, inspect it carefully to make sure no components have been damaged. If it has suffered serious damage, replace it or take it to a professional repair service for an evaluation.
• Should you cut or otherwise damage a power cord for equipment, do not try to repair it yourself. Either bring it to a professional, or replace the equipment.
• If the outer casing of a power tool or other piece of equipment is cracked or otherwise damaged, replace the entire tool. A damaged casing can’t protect you from wires and other components inside.
• Make sure that all equipment is connected to a properly grounded electrical system. Grounding provides effective protection against most kinds of electrical problems.
• When equipment or tools have been in flooded areas or exposed to rain, do not use them until they have been inspected by a professional.
• Never cut off grounding plugs or use three-to-two-plug adapters with outlets that aren’t properly grounded.
• Don’t try to bypass circuit breakers or fuses that keep triggering. Instead, try to find out what’s causing the overload.
• Never use multiple extension cords to connect equipment to a power source. It’s far safer to use a single, longer cord that’s properly rated for the load and distance. If you have to use multiple cords, make sure the connections are not in damp areas.
• When using extension cords, working outdoors, or in damp areas, always use circuits that are protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Sometimes, the safest approach is simply to replace older equipment with newer models that include the latest safety features. In addition to being substantially safer, the newer equipment may also be more efficient, so you might actually save money over the long run.

SOURCES: ESFI, Georgia State University, OSHA.