Release Details
That's a dangerous attitude, according to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
A person using a hand-held dryer while bathing risks electrocution, warn the CPSC, a federal regulatory agency, and UL, a private, not-for-profit testing and standards development organization. A fatal shock also is possible if a dryer falls or is pulled into a tub of water in which someone is bathing or if someone reaches or steps into water containing a plugged-in dryer.
"It doesn't matter if the dryer's switch is on or off. If the dryer is plugged in, the water may be electrified," a spokesperson for the two organizations said.
Underwriters Laboratories modified its marking requirements for hair dryers after the CPSC brought to UL's attention reports of injuries and deaths attributed to consumer misuse of hair dryers. Under the modified requirements, hair dryers must be permanently. marked "Danqer-- Electrocution possible if used or dropped in tub. Unplug after using." A tag with warning instructions also is required by UL to be attached to the power supply cord.
Hair dryers are electrical appliances, and using them -- even under normal conditions -- requires common sense precautions, UL and the CPSC point out. In addition, the two organizations urge people to observe the following specific safety rules for hand-held hair dryers:
- First, before using a-hair dryer, read all warnings and instructions.
- Unplug when not being used.
- Don't use a hair dryer while bathing.
- Don't place or store a hair dryer where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink.
- Don't drop or put a hair dryer into water or other liquid.
- Don't reach for a hair dryer if it falls into water or other liquid; unplug it immediately, and then remove it.
- Don't block the air openings of a hair dryer Don't place it on a soft surface, such as a bed or couch, during operation; air openings may be blocked and, also, you may create a risk of fire.
- Don't drop or insert anything into a hair dryer's openings.
- Keep air openings free of lint, hair and other matter.
- Don't use a hair dryer outdoors.
- Don't operate a hair dryer where aerosol or spray products are being used, or where oxygen is being administered.
- Don't use any attachments that aren't recommended by the manufacturer.
- Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
- If a hair dryer has been dropped into water or other liquid, if it doesn't work properly or if the cord, plug or other parts are damaged, discard it or take it to a service center for repairs.
La Comisión de Seguridad de Productos del Consumidor de EE.UU. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC) está encargada de proteger al público contra riesgos irrazonables de lesión o muerte asociados al uso de miles de tipos de productos de consumo bajo la jurisdicción de la institución. Muertes, lesiones y daños a la propiedad asociados a incidentes con productos de consumo le cuestan al país más de $900,000 millones anualmente. La CPSC está comprometida con proteger a los consumidores y las familias contra los productos que presenten un peligro de incendio, eléctrico, químico o mecánico. Los esfuerzos de la CPSC para asegurar que los productos de consumo —tales como juguetes, cunas, herramientas eléctricas, encendedores de cigarrillos y productos químicos para uso doméstico— sean seguros, contribuyeron a la disminución en el índice de muertes y lesiones relacionadas con productos de consumo en los últimos 30 años.
La ley federal prohíbe que cualquier persona venda productos sujetos a un retiro del mercado anunciado públicamente y llevado a cabo por el fabricante; o a una orden de la Comisión obligatoria.
Para reportar un producto peligroso o una lesión relacionada con un producto, visite www.SaferProducts.gov (en inglés) o llame a la línea de información de la CPSC al 800-638-2772 o al teletipo 301-595-7054 para discapacitados auditivos. Los consumidores pueden obtener información sobre noticias y retiros en www.SeguridadConsumidor.gov, vía Twitter en @SeguridadConsum o suscribiéndose para recibir los boletines electrónicos gratuitos de la CPSC.
Por favor comuníquese con la CPSC si desea información al:
Teléfono: (301) 504-7908
En español: (301) 504-7800