Spark the fun without the folly this summer with safety tips from CSA
International

TORONTO, May 20 /CNW/ - Summer is a much anticipated time for many Canadians to enjoy the sun by spending more time outside, either at home or at the cottage. The warmer months can also be an opportune time to catch up on home and yard maintenance. Before cleaning out the garage, replacing the BBQ tank, or hitting the road for a camping trip, CSA International is reminding everyone to take a few moments to be proactive about safety.

CSA INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

CSA International, a global testing and certification organization, is sharing its summer safety tips with consumers to help them avoid accidents and injuries while they enjoy the summer season.

    
    I. Outdoor Entertaining

    -   Gas Grills and Barbecues
        -  Before firing up the barbecue for the first time, carefully
           inspect burners and burner tubes for blockages due to dirt,
           grease, insects or rust build-up. Clean or replace any blocked
           parts or have a certified technician make repairs.
        -  Check for cracked, brittle or leaking hoses. To check for leaks,
           apply a 50/50 solution of soap and water to hoses and fittings and
           turn on the main gas or propane valve while leaving burners off.
           Any leaks will show up as bubbles. Replace any damaged hoses or
           fittings.
        -  Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 10 years
           in Canada. A date stamp on the cylinder indicates when it was last
           qualified. Do not use a rusty or damaged cylinder. If in doubt,
           have your tank replaced.
        -  Keep grills and barbecues away from combustible materials such as
           fences, trees, buildings, awnings and carports. Never use a
           barbecue in a garage!
        -  When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it
           carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the
           CSA International Certification Flame indicating that it meets
           applicable national standards.

    -   Decorative Lighting
        -  When installing decorative lighting on patios or along walkways,
           inspect your lighting to make sure that it is certified and marked
           for use outdoors. Always turn off the electricity supply before
           working with outdoor lighting and unplug lights when possible.
        -  Carefully inspect lights and lamps to make sure there are no
           broken or cracked sockets or housings and that there are no bare
           or frayed wires.
        -  Use a timer to turn lights on and off. Turn lights off during peak
           summer hours to avoid strain on local electricity resources.

    II. Yard work and Renovations: Before mowing the lawn, pruning the
    bushes, or building a backyard deck, keep these safety tips on hand:

    -   Lawn Mowers
        -  Before mowing, take the time to walk the yard to remove objects
           that may cause an obstruction or be tossed by the rotating blades.
        -  Children under 12 years of age should never operate a power lawn
           mower.
        -  Never clear an obstruction on a running mower! If the mower is
           electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it is gas,
           turn off the power and make sure the engine is not running and
           that all safety features have been activated.

    -   Portable Power Tools
        -  Inspect all power tools and cords before each use. Never use a
           power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords.
           Ensure all safety guards have been put in place and are in proper
           working order.
        -  Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug
           or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge - or wire size - to
           handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault
           Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electric shock.
        -  Make sure the tool is turned off before it is plugged in or
           unplugged. Always turn off and unplug the tool before changing
           parts such as drill bits or cutting blades.
        -  Use an extension cord only as a temporary connection. Never link
           extension cords; instead, use a single cord that is long enough to
           reach from the outlet to an appliance or tool without stretching.
           When working outside, only use cords clearly labelled for outdoor
           use.
        -  Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet.
           If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use immediately
           and replace with a heavier gauge cord.

    III. Camping: Whether you are at a camp site, cottage or by the lake,
    remember the following tips for a safer summer expedition:

    -   Camping Stoves and Lanterns
        -  Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and
           outdoor cookers should only be lighted outdoor, in well-ventilated
           areas and at least three meters from tents, combustible materials
           and vehicles. Never light a stove or lantern indoors or in a tent
           or vehicle! Before use, carefully inspect parts for leaks,
           blockages or damage
        -  Keep loose, flammable clothing away from open flames and carefully
           monitor children and pets around stoves and lanterns. Before
           packing up equipment, make sure it is completely turned off and
           cool to the touch.
    

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csasafetytips.com

About CSA International

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org

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For further information: Marco Ouji, Media Relations Officer, CSA Group, T: [phone], E: [email protected]