Electrical hazards

Overloaded electrical circuits, faulty electrical equipment and misuse of electrical equipment are common causes of fire.

• Never run extension cords under carpets or rugs – it could over-heat and cause a short circuit that could start a fire.
• Replace any frayed or cracked extension cords.
• Repair or discard malfunctioning electrical appliances immediately.
• A qualified electrician should identify the cause of repeatedly blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers. Replacement fuses must be the correct load capacity for the circuit.
• Turn power off at the power point for electrical equipment that isn’t in use.
• Do not place fans, heaters, laptops, computers, televisions and electrical equipment in areas with restricted airflow as overheating could occur.
• Do not overload power supplies by connecting double adaptors or linking power boards.
• Use safety plugs in unused power points to prevent accidental contact.
• Consider purchasing surge protection power boards to protect your items from electrical surge.
• Keep all electrical appliances away from water.
• Have small appliances like electric blankets, heaters, hair dryers and fans serviced by a licensed electrician in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• When buying second hand appliances make sure they have been tested by a licensed electrician and have been certified as safe.
• Never leave heating tools like hair straighteners unattended. The heating plates on a hair straightener can cause severe burns and potentially cause a fire. Keep out of reach of children.
• Use all electrical equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Rechargeable Devices

• Don’t leave rechargeable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets or eReaders on charge or plugged in to charge for long periods of time.
• Unplug portable devices from the main power source when you leave your home or go to sleep.
• Only charge your devices on solid fire resistant surfaces such as a table or bench rather than soft surfaces like the couch or bed. Recharging devices can generate a large amount of heat that could cause a fire.

Candles

Candle and oil burner usage can be a serious fire hazard if used improperly.

• Never leave an oil burner or candle alight when you leave home or while you sleep
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use in a safe area where they won’t be knocked over and away from small children and pets.
• Don’t leave candles or oil burners near curtains or other flammable objects and liquids.
• Don’t restrict the airflow to oil burners.
• Don’t use spirits or petroleum products in oil burners.
• Ensure candles are in suitable candle holders and placed on a fire resistant surface such as a ceramic, metal or glass plate.
• Make sure there is clear space above and around candles. Do not place them under curtains, near paperwork, or on christmas trees.

Smoking

• Never leave lit cigarettes unattended.
• Store matches and lighters away from children.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Make sure all smoking materials are properly put out before disposing.
• Use deep-sided ashtrays as an additional safeguard, and empty them regularly.
• Empty ashtrays frequently into an outside bin ensuring that all cigarette remnants and matches are extinguished first.
• Check furniture for cigarette butts and ashes before going to bed. Cigarette embers can smoulder unnoticed and later burst into flame.
• E-cigarettes can cause fires or small explosions from battery failures. Use only the charger provided with your e-cigarette, replace the batteries if they become wet or damaged, and do not leave your e-cigarette to charge unsupervised or overnight.

Download the Ceiling Insulation and Fire Risk Information Sheet (PDF, 332 KB)

Safety when cooking

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Do not leave use a portable stove inside.
• Keep flammable items such as tea towels, oven mitts and curtains away from the cooking area.
• Keep the oven, stovetop, and rangehood filters clean and clear of grease.
• When cooking, heat oil slowly and control any splatter.
• Keep the saucepan lid handy as it can be used to smother a fire.
• Turn off hotplates and ovens when you have finished cooking and before you leave the room.
• Place fire safety equipment such as a fire blanket or extinguisher between the stove and the exit.
• Learn how to use your fire safety equipment.

Microwave

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and operating your microwave.
• Do not use metal items such as metal containers, foil, or twist ties in a microwave as they can cause arcing which can create a fire.
• Clean the microwave interior and door frame regularly to reduce the chance of fire.

Electrical Appliances

Unplug your small kitchen appliances when not in use. Kitchen fires can easily start from faulty electrical connections or appliance malfunctions. Always stay in the kitchen and monitor your appliances when in use.

• Toasters. Unplug and clean the crumb tray in your toaster regularly to prevent fire during normal use. Remove any crumbs that become stuck to the heating elements. Always unplug your toaster when not in use.
• The heating element on a coffee machine can start a fire if the thermostat jams in the closed position. The heating element will get hotter and hotter until a fire starts.
• Slow cookers have been known to cause fires when left unattended.

Putting out a fire in the kitchen

• If cooking oil catches fire, do NOT use water and do NOT pick up the pot. Turn off the heat source, place the lid on the pot or use a fire blanket. Do not remove until the pot has cooled completely.
• If a fire starts in the microwave, immediately turn it off and, if safe, unplug the power cord. Do not open the microwave door until you are sure the fire is out.
• If the fire has spread, evacuate and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are essential items in every home. They should be located near the entrance of the kitchen. Make sure you’re familiar with their operation.

Air Conditioners and Fans

• Have old or heavily used appliances, like air conditioners and fans, checked regularly by a qualified tradesperson.
• Keep appliances clean and free of dust by vacuuming filters regularly

Heaters

• Do not hang clothes, towels or blankets on the heater to dry them out or warm them up.
• Always turn off your heater before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Keep everything at least two metres away from heaters as a build up of radiant heat can cause a fire.
• Choose a portable heater with an automatic safety switch that turns off if the heater is knocked over.
• Before the weather gets cold each year, have your heater checked by a licensed electrician that it is safe to use.
• Position portable heaters away from areas of heavy traffic.
• Keep portable electric heaters away from wet areas to avoid the possibility of electric shock.

Fireplaces

• Have the flue installed professionally and insulated from roofing timbers and wall panelling.
• Have the chimney checked and cleaned every year to prevent a build up of flammable materials and ensure it functions correctly.
• Use a screen with a fireguard on any open fire to protect from burn injuries and flying sparks or embers.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Extinguish a fire completely before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Dispose of all fireplace ashes safely. Handle the ashes with metal scoops and metal buckets and soak in water.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start an open fire.

Lights and Lamps

• Always use the correct bulb size, type, and wattage in lamps, according to manufacturer’s specifications. The incorrect bulb type can overload the internal wiring of the lamp and cause a fire.

Electric blankets

All electric blankets sold in Australia must comply with strict safety standards but careless use can cause electric shock, fire and possibly even death.

• Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have your electric blanket checked regularly by a qualified electrician.
• Throw out electric blankets that are worn or old.
• Turn off the electric blanket when you go to bed or leave the house. Use it only to warm the bed before you go to sleep.
• Do not place heavy objects on the bed while the electric blanket is in use.
• Make sure the electric blanket is tightly secured and laid flat on the bed.
• Store your electric blanket rolled up. Folding can damage the wiring.
• Electric blankets are not recommended for use by young children where bed wetting may occur.
• Never place a baby on an electric blanket – they can dehydrate and get burns at fairly low temperatures.

Washing Machine

• Don’t overload the machine beyond capacity.
• If possible, turn the washing machine off at the wall when not in use.
• Don’t overload power points in the laundry.

Clothes Dryer

• Don’t overload the machine beyond capacity.
• Clean the lint filters in clothes dryers after every load.
• Make sure that each load goes through a full cycle, giving the dryer an opportunity to cool down.
• Regularly dust the grill of the clothes dryer to prevent dust build up and overheating.
• Ensure there is proper ventilation and air space around the clothes dryer.
• From time-to-time, clean the lint filter in soapy water to remove any build up of material over the filter.
• If possible, turn the dryer off at the wall when not in use.

Iron

• Regularly check the electrical lead for fraying or exposed wires. Dispose of an iron with a damaged lead or have it repaired by a licensed electrician.
• Do not leave an iron face-down on the ironing-board.
• Unplug steam irons while adding water.
• After use, unplug the iron and place out of reach of children and pets to avoid burn injuries.

• Keep the shed securely locked.
• Make sure it has adequate ventilation
• Properly dispose of of flammable rubbish, such as oily rags, and open or used containers of oil or solvents.
• Store petroleum fuels and nitrogen fertilisers well apart. If combined, they can become an explosive mixture.
• Never store chemicals, such as chlorine, where they can come into contact with other chemicals.
• Store chemicals in their original containers with their labels intact for proper safety information.
• Do not use naked lights or smoke in the garage or workshop.
• Always clean up shavings after woodwork.
• Use properly installed electrical sockets for power tools. Avoid makeshift wiring extensions and double adaptors.
• Where possible choose non-flammable paints, strippers, cleaners etc.
• Where electric welders are used, ensure the working area is kept clear of flammable materials, and the equipment is switched off and left safe after use.

Flammable liquids

• Store flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits, paints and solvents well away from heat sources.
• Petrol, kerosene and other flammable liquids must be kept in approved containers and clearly labelled.
• Fuel lawnmowers and other motors outdoors only.

Pool chemicals

The chemicals used for chlorinating swimming pools are usually oxidising agents that may react with other common garden shed materials and cause fire. Granular pool ‘chlorine’ (calcium hypochlorite) may start a fire if it comes into contact with fuels, oils, brake fluid or detergent. It reacts with acids to release the toxic gas chlorine, so it must be stored separately from pool acid (hydrochloric acid).

• Store granular pool chlorine separately from pool acid.

Liquid pool chlorine (sodium hypochlorite solution) is a corrosive liquid. It also reacts with acid to release chlorine and must be stored separately from pool acid. The different types of pool chemicals - granular pool ‘chlorine’, liquid pool ‘chlorine’ and pool chlorine tablets - should not be mixed or used together. Some combinations are incompatible and may cause fires or explosions.

• Store liquid pool chlorine separately from pool acid.
• Do not mix different types of pool chemicals. Some combinations are incompatible and may cause fires or explosions.

Garden chemicals and pesticides

• Store chemicals and pesticides in a secure place out of reach of children and pets.
• Store chemicals in original containers with intact labels for proper safety information.
• If the products need to be diluted before use, make up enough for the day's activities only. Dispose or store excess in a properly labelled container.

Some garden chemicals may be flammable or reactive - ensure that incompatible materials are not stored together.

• Never use food and drink containers to store garden chemicals or pesticides.

Oily rags

Rags that have been used with drying oils, such as linseed oil, or oil-based paints may self-heat and spontaneously ignite if they are not properly dealt with after use.

Mineral oils, like methylated spirits, mineral turpentine or lubricating oil, are not prone to self-heating and will not ignite spontaneously.

• Rags used with oil-based paints or glazes, linseed oil or other drying oils should either be immersed in water or spread out in a safe place to dry immediately after use.
• If you must transport oil or paint-soaked rags, carry them in sealed metal containers.

Barbecues

• Regularly check and maintain barbecue fittings and connections.
• Ensure there is adequate clearing around the barbecue when in use - 50cm of clearance from exterior walls, flammable items and any electrical ignition sources.
• Never put flammable liquid on a barbecue.
• Never leave your cooking unattended.
• Once you have finished cooking, turn off or extinguish the barbecue to prevent burns. Allow to cool completely before replacing lid.
• Remove all residual fat from the barbecue after each use.
• Always store gas bottles outside, upright and away from sources of heat.
• Supervise children at all times when using a barbecue.
• Always be ready to light the burner before you turn on the gas. If the pilot light does not ignite the burner at once, turn off the gas and check that the pilot is alight.

Gas bottles / cylinders

• Change gas cylinders in the open air wherever possible, and always with the tap turned off.
• Always replace the cap on the cylinder valve when the cylinder is empty or not in use.
• Keep spare cylinders outside but protected against frost.
• Ensure the flexible hose on your cylinder is suitable for gas and conforms with national standards.

If you smell gas

• Put out cigarettes.
• Do not use matches or naked flames.
• Do not operate electrical switches - leave them either on or off.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
• Check to see if a gas tap has been left on accidentally or if a pilot light has gone out. If not, there is probably a gas leak and you should turn off the supply at the meter and call the gas service.

Don't take chances. Contact a licensed plumber or gasfitter if you suspect a gas leak.

Home security measures, such as deadlocks on doors and windows, may be necessary, however it is important not to let them trap you inside your home in an emergency. If there is a fire in your home,  you need to be able to escape as quickly as possible.

• Have one common key for all door locks, or install locks that do not require a key from the inside.
• Keep a spare key where it cannot be seen or reached by intruders. For example, hang it in the middle of the back of a door.
• Choose window security screens that can be opened from the inside.
• When installing security grills on windows, select one that has keyless options on the inside.
• Ensure that any window grill bars/screens readily open outwards from the inside.
• Show all occupants, including overnight visitors, how to escape through security doors or windows if an emergency occurs.

Be prepared to smash a window as a means of escape. Use a solid object to break the window, and clear away jagged glass. Place a blanket over the window frame to protect yourself against cuts.

Smoke Alarms

In Queensland, it is the law that all private homes, townhouses, units, caravans and motorhomes must have working smoke alarms. In January 2017 new legislation was made requiring all homes to be fitted with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in bedrooms, hallways and rooms connecting bedrooms, and on every level. All homes must be compliant by 1 January 2027. Find out more here. 

• Once a month check the operation of your smoke alarms by pressing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.
• Clean your smoke alarms each month using the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Smoke alarms must never be painted.
• If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Turn on the range fan, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm until it stops beeping, or use the hush button (if fitted).
• If applicable, replace removable batteries annually. In most models when batteries are low the detector will sound a short ‘BEEP’ every minute or so. This is a reminder to replace the battery.
• Smoke alarms more than 10 years past their manufacture date (stamped on the body of the alarm) must be replaced with a photoelectric smoke alarm compliant with Australian Standard AS3786-2014.

There’s a large range of fire safety products on the market that can help prevent and respond to fires. Fire blankets and fire extinguishers can be helpful in putting out a minor fire. We recommend that you consider these products for your particular circumstance. If in doubt, consult a reputable fire protection company.

Fire Blankets

A fire blanket is a piece of fire-resistant fabric that can be used to smother a small fire or wrap around a person whose clothing is alight.

• Store your fire blankets where they can be easy retrieved yet away from areas likely to catch fire. For example, store the fire blanket near the entrance to the kitchen not near the stove.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions located on the front of the cover.
• Your fire blankets should be approved under Australian Standard AS/NZS 3504:2006 - Fire blankets.
• Download the Fire Blankets information sheet (PDF, 688 KB)

Fire extinguishers

• A Dry Chemical Powder (AB(E)) fire extinguisher is suitable for most household fires due to its effectiveness against most types of fires.
• All fire extinguishers must comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 - Portable fire extinguishers - General requirements.
• Store your fire extinguishers for easy retrieval yet away from areas likely to catch fire. Such as at the entrance to the kitchen, not inside the kitchen.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to properly use the extinguisher.
• Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure correct pressure.
• Contact your local council for information on disposal options.
• Download the Fire Extinguishers information sheet (PDF, 988 KB)

Sprinkler systems

• Download the Domestic Sprinker Systems information sheet (PDF, 560 KB) 

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