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

CLEVELAND, OH, May 20 /PRNewswire/ - Summer is a much anticipated time for many Americans to enjoy the sun by spending more time outside, either at home or on the road. The warmer months are an opportune time to catch up on home and yard maintenance. Before cleaning out the garage, replacing the propane tank on the barbeque, or heading out on a camping trip, CSA International is reminding everyone to take a few moments to be proactive about safety.

                     CSA INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
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CSA International, a leading 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 12 years. 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 Star 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

    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

    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 ten feet 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

SOURCE CSA International