Electrical Safety

Here's some more guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). If you are considering doing any sort of repair or maintenance on a domestic electrical appliance you must consider the following Hazards:

An electric shock can lead to serious injury, sometimes fatal. Injuries can also occur when a person reacts to an electric shock, for example by falling or touching another hazard. Factors which are likely to increase the risk of receiving an electric shock include the following:

(a) The majority of domestic appliances have large
areas of earthed metal that may be easily touched.
Touching exposed live conductors connected to the
mains supply at the same time as touching the
earthed metalwork will result in an electric shock;

(b) Some appliances could also be using water in their
operation, such as washing machines or
dishwashers. This may lead to an increased risk of
shock because water can conduct electricity and
reduces the resistance of the skin;

(c) When working on microwave ovens there may be a
risk of severe electric shock from the internally
generated high voltage (approximately 4kV);

(d) Work may be carried out in the customer’s home,
so people other than those doing the work
(including children) may also be at risk;

(e) Additional risks may be present at the customer’s
premises if their electrical installation is not
electrically sound, eg earthing, insulation
resistance, polarity.

Consider getting the work done by a trained professional if you are not competent

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