KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): There are many simple steps the public can take to avoid electrical fires, said Energy Commission Malaysia Department of Regulatory Electrical Safety Equipment Unit regulatory officer Nur Faidarina Alias.

These include never plugging in or operating appliances with wet hands, selecting the appropriate cable size for the extra cable for an electrical appliance, and getting rid of and replacing electrical cords and cables that are already frayed, exposed and cracked.

Other good practices include unplugging appliances by holding the plug and not the cord, never attempting home repairs on malfunctioning appliances, and disconnecting appliances before cleaning them.

She also urged the public to ensure that their appliances have a SIRIM (Scientific and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) sticker to ensure that they have gone through the required testing procedures to prove that they are safe to use.

“All electrical appliances must obtain a Certificate of Approval required for the importation or manufacturing of electrical appliances or equipment as required by the Malaysian Electricity Regulation 1994. The types of appliances refer to any domestic equipment, any low voltage equipment that is sold directly to the general public and any low voltage equipment that does not require special skills in its operation,” she said.

Approved electrical equipment or appliances are required to be affixed with safety labels before being sold to the public, to prevent malfunctioning.

She was presenting on the topic of ensuring electrical safety at home in EdgeProp.my Symposium 2017, titled Is Your Home A Fire Hazard?

The symposium was organised by EdgeProp.my at Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Gamuda Land was presenting sponsor while the supporting sponsor is Nippon Paint Malaysia. The half-day event was also supported by The Edge Malaysia.

For the full coverage on the symposium, read the Oct 20, 2017 issue of EdgeProp.my pullout, which will be available for free download.