Which of the following actions can help prevent electrical hazards?

Turning off appliances when not in use is an effective way to prevent electrical hazards for several reasons. Firstly, it eliminates the risk of overheating, as appliances that are left on can generate heat and potentially lead to fires. Additionally, it reduces the chance of electric shock, especially with appliances that may have frayed cords or faulty components. By turning off appliances, you are also conserving energy, which lowers the risk of overloading circuits that could result in blown fuses or tripped breakers.

The other actions listed do not contribute positively to electrical safety. Avoiding reported hazards is important, but it doesn’t proactively mitigate the risks; it merely addresses the symptoms of poor electrical safety culture. Increasing the load on circuits at peak times can actually exacerbate electrical hazards by overloading systems, which leads to malfunctioning and potential hazards. Using outdated equipment often introduces more risks due to wear, obsolescence, and lack of modern safety features, making it a dangerous practice. These aspects reinforce the importance of turning off appliances correctly as a preventive measure.