Student Safety 101: College campus tips from CSA International

CLEVELAND, Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - As summer winds down and the start of school quickly approaches the annual back-to-school ritual has begun.  During these busy, hectic and often frugal times, it's easy for students to overlook simple safety precautions to save a dollar. So, for students heading off to college and away from the watchful eye of protective parents, CSA International has safety tips to share to help students avoid accidents and injuries and ensure a safe and enjoyable school year.

Chemistry Q&A

• Make sure that at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is installed near your bedroom. When purchasing a CO alarm, check for the mark from an accredited certification organization, such as the Blue Flame from CSA International.

Pass the Test

• Whether you're making popcorn for a dorm movie night or trying to cook a nice meal for your roommate, remember that only working smoke alarms tell you when there is a problem. Test your smoke alarms monthly and install them outside all sleeping areas, and if you take the batteries out of your smoke or CO alarm, remember to put them back in.

Read and Take Note

• While space heaters are great alternatives for heating bedrooms and small areas, they are not meant to dry clothes, heat or reheat food, or provide warmth beneath the covers like a heating pad.
  Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Space heaters, as the name suggests, need space, so ensure they have plenty of air circulation in the front and the back of the unit and  are kept far away from flammable materials such as drapes, clothing and bedding.

• Do not let your hunger blind you to being safe. Hot plates are a popular choice among students looking to save space while still being able to prepare quick, hot meals. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and double check campus rules for permitted cooking appliances. Finally, never leave electrical appliances such as hot plates or mini-ovens unattended.

Knowledge is Power

• Just as you need the right textbook for a particular course, you also need the right electrical cord and power source for an electrical appliance.
• Extension cords are only a temporary connection and should never be linked together. Appliances should plug directly into power sources without stretching and when unplugging an electrical cord, pull on the plug, not the cord. 
• Students often add personal touches such as lights and hanging decorations to make their dorms and bedrooms feel more like home. Avoid placing these items on or near safety systems such as fire sprinklers, extinguishers, exit corridors and exit signs.
• To help avoid shock and fire hazards, ensure all electrical appliances are certified by an accredited organization, such as CSA International.

Don't Cut Class - or Corners

• Counterfeiters often cut corners on safety to reduce production costs. While you may think you're saving a few bucks, bargains can often cost more in the long run and can even cost you your life! Never compromise on safety by buying fake products.
• Avoid electrical products that are missing certification marks from accredited certification organizations such as CSA International. When products don't include brand identifiers or trademarks, return addresses, or company contact information, they may be fakes.
• Beware of potentially unsafe or fake consumer items such as microwave ovens, mini-fridges, hot plates, and MP3 docks that could present a significant shock or fire hazard.

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