Page 13 - Paragon Housing Association - H&S Handbook

Installing kitchen appliances
It’s never a good idea to do this yourself unless you are competent and/or qualified to do so. If you have a new cooker (especially a gas one) you will need to get it fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing – usually a competent person. Gas Fitters need to be registered on the Gas Safe Register.
If you are fitting a washing machine or a tumble
drier which needs to be connected to your
household water supply, make sure you use
a competent plumber or you run the risk of
flooding – if you live in a flat, there is a risk of
flooding your neighbours. If you are removing a washing machine, make sure you shut off the water supply to the machine, cap off the discharge pipe and don’t cause a flood.
Fridges and Freezers
Fridge and freezers are designed to be on and plugged into the electricity supply 24 hours a day. They are designed to cope with being on all the time. However, you should make sure your fridge or freezer is not showing any signs of damage – and keep it well-ventilated.
If you are disposing of a fridge and/or a freezer, do so safely. Fridges and freezers contain gases that can cause environmental damage, or children can get trapped in them, and there is a risk of suffocation. Think about how you can recycle them or organise an uplift by the council. If you are buying a new one, you can sometimes use the store’s uplift service to take it away.
Small Appliances
Make sure you don’t use appliances like kettles, toasters, and the like with signs of damage. Be careful with your toaster—it can cause a fire if you don’t keep an eye on it. Never pick stuck toast out of the toaster while it’s plugged in.
Microwaves are very popular again. Make sure you keep your microwave well-ventilated.
More Information
Kitchen Safety - Electrical Safety First
www.paragonha.org.uk 13