Safety tips for the home: A parent’s must-read to prevent accidents
With the excitement of a new TV, many people fail to consider the dangers posed by installation in a home. Modern flat-screen technology weighs less than traditional tube based equipment however problems are not going away; if anything they are getting worse. The tendency now is to install multiple displays with bigger and bigger screen sizes. LCD, LED and Plasma displays have a relatively high centre of gravity and when standing on a bench or sitting on a shelf they can be surprisingly easy to knock or pull over. The pictures are dazzling to young eyes while the thin edges and large surface areas are a target for teenagers with wayward elbows and flying footballs. Figures published in the US indicate that TVs account for up to 47% of the injuries caused to children by falling furniture.
Parents often go out of their way to place safety devices on doors, electrical outlets, cabinets and even toilets. Rarely do they think take the same precautions for large and expensive electrical equipment. Common sense predicts that a child is likely to climb and lean on furniture for support, and parents need to ensure TVs are mounted securely to withstand the pull.
If you have children then it is a good idea to have your electrical devices, particularly your TVs, properly secured. Jerome Green, managing director at Atdec, Australia’s largest flat screen mounting company and a world leader in mounting innovation and design, advises parents to take precautions. Jerome says, “Mounting solutions are not that expensive, particularly when you consider all that is being protected. A simple TV mount is a smart investment and with the right model it can actually add value; improving presentation and the overall viewing experience.”
By following a couple of basic tips, it is possible to create an environment that is safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing...
- The humble television may have changed in style and features but it remains a delicate electronic device that uses 240V. It should be installed up and out of harm’s way. The house is a playground for young children so this applies equally to dining, living, and bedroom areas.
- TV's are large and heavy, particularly when considered beside a small child. If you are looking at a mounting solution then choose a quality product from a reputable vendor. Make sure the product suits the weight, size and mounting hole pattern (the screw holes on the back) of your device.
- Your television is often the centrepiece of a room. It should be easily viewed from whatever height or angle at which people congregate. If you wish to mount your display at an elevated height, have a low seated or reclined viewing position, then consider a tilt mount (preferrably with spring loading so you can easily adjust the screen angle as and when required). If you have a need to occasionally rotate the display so it can be viewed from different locations such as a kitchen or patio area then consider a pivot, full motion or ceiling mount.
- Projector TVs are particularly sensitive devices and when located in the centre of a room they create a major hazard with all the cables, etc. While having a projector fall and break is bad enough, it could be worse if it lands on someone or creates an electrical fire. The important issues with a projector are to position it at the right distance and with correct orientation, while ensuring it stays in place. A good projector mount should handle the weight easily while offering a high degree of adjustment. After spending time attaching the base to your ceiling you don’t want to find you are out by one or two millimetres or a couple of degrees with no facility offset as this will be magnified over the projection distance.
- Wires are a danger. At minimum a TV will require a power and aerial connection; each creating a separate hazard for tripping and pulling over your screen. More advanced A/V, home cinema and gaming set-ups can have quite a tangle of cables, many of which contain live mains power. Containing this problem and removing the mess is easy. A simple cable channel can be purchased from an electrical store or you can source a more stylish solution which directly matches your mount. Some of the specialised cable manager devices even allow mounting of your A/V components; lifting more sensitive electrical componentry out of the reach of little hands.
To conclude, a smart home incorporates features which enhance aesthetics while improving device functionality and managing safety..