1. Think Abel – Think Safety
PEO Services
Summer 2008
Avoiding Outdoor Electrical Hazards
Welcome to Abel’s Summer Safety Ladders: Be aware while placing a The Outdoor Pool: How many of us
newsletter. We sincerely hope that, with ladder. So many times we are cleaning overlook this hazard? For those of you
all your hard work this spring, you are all the gutters or installing Holiday lights with this potential hazard, keep a few
able to spread the workload out a little but don’t even realize how close we things in mind. The pool motor runs
more. The topsoil has been spread, flow- are to the feeder lines from the pole to on electricity and what two things do
ers planted, grass cut for the first time, the house. Every year 10%-12% of not go together very well???
gutters cleaned, and some houses and Electrical Fatalities are caused by con- Yes! Water and Electricity!
decks power-washed. Hopefully, we all tact with power lines to the home.
In most cases we are casually walk-
came out of these projects unscathed Power Tools: Another hazard we face, ing around the pool, sandals on or
because of taking a little extra time to be and probably the biggest, is the hedge off, possibly in a wet bathing suit,
safety smart. In this issue, we would like trimmer plugged into 1000 feet of and then we go turn on the filter.
to touch on one of those everyday prob- extension cord. Gosh we never seem
Keep this in mind, walking around
lems we face, both at home and at work:
the perimeter of the pool with the
Electrical Safety!!
Electric Weed-wacker plugged into a
Warmer weather brings out the need for 1000 feet of extension cord that has a
us to use tools that we do not frequently cut in it with exposed wires touching
use, such as hedge trimmers, electric the wet grass.... Ah, now we’ve got
drills, and for some the electric lawn you thinking.
mower. Thousands of people are injured The bottom line is this: we would like all
or killed each year due to an electrical of our readers to use common sense
to have enough cord, do we? Then, we
hazard. Did you know that electricity when around these hazards. Use Ground
drape it over the very same bushes or
ranks 6th among the most common Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) on all
trees we plan to trim. Next thing we
causes of occupational fatalities? outdoor outlets around the house and
know we are standing there looking
Working at home, we are exposed to bug eyed when the trimmer won’t pool. This is just a small sampling of the
many electrical hazards and may not work, not even realizing we cut the potential hazards that exist in and around
even know that they exist. Here is a list extension cord in half. Yes, probably your home.
of some exposures that we face every- half of the readers have just smiled Don’t be shocked by what you have read
day. Our purpose is to help you identify because they have been there. here, be thankful you took the time to
and prevent possible electrical injuries. Be Alert, Be Smart! read it!
Outdoor Grilling Tips
Summertime brings the joy of gathering with friends and family bends in the hose or tubing. If you detect a leak, immediately
for outdoor picnics. When cooking out this year, remember the turn off the gas at the tank and don’t attempt to light the grill
following safety checks for the star of the day: The Grill! until the leak is fixed. Newer grills and propane tanks have
When cooking with gas grills, check the tubes that lead into the improved safety devices to prevent leaks. The newer propane
burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. tanks have a triangle knob on top. Avoid using the tanks with a
Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. star or any other type of knob.
(Covering a suspected crack or hole with liquid soap will create When using charcoal grills, never bring the grills inside,
bubbles and confirm the leak). Make sure there are no sharp because burning charcoal produces deadly carbon monoxide.

2. The Buzzz About Insect Bites and Stings Extension Cord
Insect bites and stings are common occurrences in the summer months and can be very User Tips
bothersome or even dangerous. Sometimes bites can be avoided. Knowing the most com-
mon types of insects and being familiar with the complication that their bites can cause Extension cord safety begins with
should prepare you for the season. inspecting cords before you use them.
Why do insects attack? Do not use any extension cords that are
Nonvenomous insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, usually bite their victims when cut or damaged. Touching even a single,
they are hungry. Once the skin is pierced, the insect sucks the blood of the host in exposed strand of wire can give you an
order to feed. electric shock or burn.
Venomous insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets, only attack when Also, check the cord's plug to ensure that
they feel threatened. They usually sting when they are trying to defend themselves. the blades and grounding pin are present.
Never cut the plug blades or grounding
Here are some of the most common insects found in our area:
pin of an extension cord or an appliance
Mosquitoes: found worldwide and commonly seen between spring and fall. to plug it into an old outlet. If an exten-
They are most active at dusk and dawn. They prefer a warm humid climate sion cord plug doesn't fit an outlet, have a
and live near water. Only the female mosquito can bite. They are carriers of qualified electrician replace the outlet.
many diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus which can be transmitted
to humans and animals. Read the label when you're buying a new
extension cord. UL Labels carry valuable
Ticks: transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted
information about the use, size and
fever, both caused by bacteria. They feed on human and animal hosts by
amperage rating of the cord. This can
sucking their blood.
help you choose the right cord for the
Bees, Wasps, Hornets and Yellow Jackets: use a stinger to inject venom into their right job rather than overloading or mis-
victims. Only females have a stinger. When bees inject their stinger into the vic- using a cord. For example, outside exten-
tim, it detaches from the rest of the bee, and the bee later dies. In contrast, the sion cords are clearly labeled 'Suitable
wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket stingers do not detach, so they can continue to sting. for Use with Outdoor Appliances.' Using
How to Avoid Being Bitten or Stung an indoor extension cord outdoors could
In all instances you should wear clothing (preferrably light colored) to make it more diffi- result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
cult for insects to penetrate the skin. Insect repellents may prevent a bite from a mosquito Cords are marked with a size or gauge,
or tick, but are not effective in repelling stinging insects. In the case of stinging insects, the larger the wire, the smaller the gauge
avoid wearing perfume and using perfumed soaps, shampoos and deodorants. Also be number. A 12-gauge wire is larger and
aware that sweat angers bees so wearing clean clothing is a deterrent to them. Avoid can power larger wattage tools than a
flowering plants and messy picnic areas because bees are drawn to these areas. Never 14-gauge wire.
swat at a stinging insect flying near you, it may sting you.
The best known method of preventing bites and stings is to avoid contact with insects and
use insect repellents when appropriate. After all of these hints, if you still get bitten or Summer Lighting
stung be safe and seek appropriate medical attention when needed. Longer days mean shorter nights. Don't
forget to adjust your indoor and outdoor
RIDDLE: lighting timers. You'll save money and
What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries? extend bulb life.
(find the answer on the bottom of this page)
Low-voltage outdoor lighting and solar-
powered garden or walkway lights are
A Few Words on Mowing smart ways to illuminate your garden
When mowing this summer, please keep Having a child ride on your lap while path or walkway. They are also energy-
the area clear of people and pets to pre- mowing the lawn is a great photo efficient, inexpensive to operate, simple
vent them from being struck by flying opportunity and it may put a huge to install and safe.
objects such as stones or glass. smile on the child’s face, but the out-
If you need constant lighting on your
Also, if your lawn slopes and you are come could change the look on that
patio for safety reasons, install compact
operating a walk behind mower, always child’s face forever. If you want to go
fluorescent lights that use less electricity.
go side to side, never up and down. With for a ride on the mower, please do so
A timer or lights on a motion sensor can
a riding mower, drive up and down the with the blades turned off; this is not a
also save electricity and extend bulb life.
slope, never across it. time for multi-tasking. Answer: A towel.
2 Corporate Drive, Cranbury, New Jersey, 08512-3604
t: 609-860-0400 f: 609-860-0440 safety@ThinkAbel.com www.ThinkAbel.com