1. home and garden
2. appliances

Choose Safer,
Easy-to-use Electrical
Appliances
Some electrical appliances have design features which make
them easier for people with disabilities to use, in turn helping
the user perform many tasks around the home.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
Switches, Cords & Plugs
 Can you read markings and instructions and
tell if the appliance is on or off?
 Can you easily turn or push the switches or
dials?
 Touch, push-button or large rocker switches
may be easier to use
 Some appliances have an easier-to-grip
plug
 Appliances with storage areas for cords
reduce hazards of trailing cords. Also
consider curly cords as a safer option.
Shape of Handles
Other
 Can you access the handle?
 Is the grip comfortable?
 Consider the weight of the appliance and
ease of changing parts: e.g. food
processor, vacuum cleaner etc.
 Is it easy to assemble and dismantle?
 Is it possible to assemble it one-handed?
 Is an Automatic Cut-Out Switch a required
safety feature?
 Cordless or battery operated appliances
may be safer than those with trailing cords.
Design of Controls
Choose Safer, Easy-to-use Electrical
Appliances
The Independent Living Centre provides a free and impartial
information and advisory service to help you choose the right
product for you
KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Electric Can Openers
Electric Kettles
 Require less effort than manual can
openers.
 Hand-held and some bench top models
may assist a one-handed user.
 A vertical handle on an upright kettle gives
more pouring control. Consider safety.
 Water level gauges and automatic cut-out
switches make it safer to boil small
quantities of water
 Only fill the kettle to the required level to
reduce its weight
 Use a Kettle Tipper to reduce lifting
 Plastic kettles are safer than metal kettles if
accidentally touched
 Kettles with open spouts are easier to fill.
 Consider a travel kettle or a domestic urn
as an alternative to a standard kettle.
Toasters
 Automatic pop-up toasters are safer than
‘flipdown’ models
 Check that you can open the crumb tray
door
 Choose a model which has an exterior that
stays cool
 Is it easy to clean without risk of scratches
from sharp edges or dirt getting into
crevices?
Food Processors and Mixers
 Require less effort than manually slicing
and stirring.
 Check that you can assemble and
dismantle and consider ease of cleaning.
 Choose the lightest hand-held mixer for
smaller quantities of food.
 Some processors have multiple functions,
such as chopping, cooking, stirring,
weighing etc., which can help conserve
energy.
Choose Safer, Easy-to-use Electrical
Appliances
LAUNDRY APPLIANCES
SAFETY
Irons
Do not attempt to repair faulty electrical
equipment, appliances or power points
yourself. Always seek advice from a qualified
repairman or licensed electrician.
Compare and choose the lightest model.
Remember that water will add weight.
 ‘Steam’ enables effective ironing with less
effort
 A temperature sensor and timer cut-out
switch are important safety features
 Cordless models may be useful, but check
ease of replacing on its stand and time to
reheat
VACUUM CLEANERS
Whether upright, barrel or hand held, check
that it is:
 Light to operate
 Fitted with an easy to handle hose
 Easy to assemble and empty
 Consider your environment – Upright
vacuums are difficult to use on stairs.
FANS & HEATERS
 Some radiators switch off automatically if
accidentally knocked over
 Fans or sealed heaters may be safer than
radiators
 Fans and heaters with timers are an
advantage
 Does the outside surface transfer heat? Is it
safe to touch?
 Combined heating/cooling units are handy
for year-round use.
EARTH LEAKAGE PROTECTION
Earth leakage circuit breakers can be installed
to automatically switch off the power supply if
an appliance develops an electrical fault.
These reduce the possibility of electrocution.
They can be installed on main switch boards,
individual power points and extension power
boards.
FIRE SAFETY
Smoke detectors will sound alarms in the
event of fire.
A small, light-weight fire extinguisher should be
installed at a convenient height near a
doorway. A dry chemical-type extinguisher is
suitable for electrical and oil fires.
Fire-smothering blankets can be placed near
cooking areas for quick response if necessary.