Electrical safety
Unplug and cool an iron safely before storage
Switch off, unplug by the plug, and leave the iron upright on a stable heat-resistant surface out of children's reach until fully cool.
Why it matters
A hot iron can burn people, scorch materials, or build heat in a closed cupboard.
Wrong action
Unsafe: Leaving a hot iron face-down on fabric or storing it before it cools.
Correct action
Switch off, unplug by the plug, and leave the iron upright on a stable heat-resistant surface out of children's reach until fully cool.
What to do
- Check the area, equipment, and household arrangement before starting.
- Switch off, unplug by the plug, and leave the iron upright on a stable heat-resistant surface out of children's reach until fully cool.
- Stop and tell the employer if the situation is unsafe or unclear.
If something happens
For serious injury, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, or immediate danger, call 999 and keep yourself safe first.
Sources and review
- Electrical and Mechanical Services Department — Household Electrical Safety Handbook
Source checked: 2026-08-22
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
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