At home (9 articles)
- Asbestos in the home.
Australian homes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos. Common locations include fibro cement or 'AC' sheeting, flues and water pipes. Special precautions should be taken by anyone who needs to disturb asbestos.
- Burns.
Some of the causes of burns include flame, UV radiation, hot liquids, electricity, lightning and certain chemicals. Major burns are a medical emergency, and require urgent medical attention. In some cases, skin graft surgery is needed.
- Electric shock explained.
Injuries from an electric shock can include burns and heart failure. It is vital to disconnect the power supply before trying to help a victim of electric shock.
- Falls prevention for older people.
Falls are a major cause of injury for older people. There are many things that older people and carers can do to improve safety in and around the home and grounds, or away from the home, to enhance independent living.
- Gardening safety - potting mix.
Gardeners are to take extra care when using potting mix and mulches.
- Gas heating - health and safety issues.
Gas heaters need to be looked after. An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes. A faulty gas heater can cause serious problems. Health problems that seem to be worse, or that only occur when the heating is on, may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion and chest pain. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
- Microwave ovens - safety issues.
The microwave oven can be hazardous if not used correctly. Common dangers include unevenly cooked foods and scalds from escaping steam.
- Personal alert Victoria.
Personal Alert Victoria (PAV) gives you confidence to live independently in your own home by providing contact 24 hours a day.
- Pest control treatments and your health.
Government controls ensure that pesticides can be used safely. When handled correctly, they should not affect human health or the environment. Pest control contractors mustbe licensed with the Department of Human Services.
- Pesticides - home safety issues.
Household pesticides are substances that you may use at home to control pests. They can cause harm if not used appropriately. Household pesticides may be used to control insects like cockroaches, mosquitoes and fleas or rodents like rats and mice.
- Vision loss - safety around the home.
Deteriorating vision can turn simple tasks around the home into potential hazards. There are many ways to improve general safety.
- Vision loss - safety around the home.
Deteriorating vision can turn simple tasks around the home into potential hazards. There are many ways to improve general safety.
