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HOMEOWNER
TIPS: BASEMENT
Speaker
of the House Inspection Services offers the following tips about basement
safety.
Basement
- When using
power tools, good lighting can reduce the chance that you will accidentally
cut your finger. Either install additional light, or avoid working
with power tools in the area.
- Basement, garages,
and storage areas can contain many tripping hazards and sharp or pointed
tools that can make a fall even more hazardous. Keep an operating
flashlight handy. Have an electrician install switches at each entrance
to a dark area.
- Replacing a
correct size fuse with a larger size fuse can present a serious fire
hazard. If the fuse in the box is rated higher than that intended
for the circuit, excessive current will be allowed to flow and possibly
overload the outlet and house wiring to the point that a fire can
begin. Be certain that correct-size fuses are used. (If you do not
know the correct sizes, consider having an electrician identify and
label the sizes to be used.)
- Use a properly
connected 3-prong adapter for connecting a 3-prong plug to a 2-hole
receptacle. Consider replacing old tools that have neither a 3-prong
plug nor are double insulated.
- Power tools
used with guards removed pose a serious risk of injury from sharp
edges or moving parts. Replace guards that have been removed from
power tools.
- Improperly
grounded appliances can lead to electric shock. Check with your service
person or an electrician if you are in doubt.
- If containers
of flammable and volatile liquids are not tightly closed, vapors may
escape that may be toxic when inhaled. Check containers periodically
to make sure they are tightly closed. Gasoline, kerosene, and other
flammable liquids should be stored out of living areas in properly
labeled, non-glass safety containers. Remove these products from the
areas near heat or flame such as heaters, furnaces, water heaters,
ranges, and other
gas appliances.
- Death may occur
when people swallow such everyday substances as charcoal lighter,
paint thinner and remover, antifreeze and turpentine. These poisons
should have child-resistant caps, be stored in the original containers
with the original labels, and be kept locked up out of sight and reach
of children.
(NOTE:
All information comes courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207)
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