Beware of Product Accidents Involving Earthquakes

Overview

In the event of an earthquake, product accidents may occur mainly during two times: immediately after the occurrence of the earthquake and when the electricity supply resumes.

In addition, products used when infrastructure is shut down due to earthquakes include portable generators that help people to use electrical products even during power outages, and portable stoves that help people to cook even when the gas supply is shut off. Despite the convenience, incorrect use of these products may cause serious accidents.

Note: None of the pictures used in this press release relate to accidents that actually occurred.

Note: The information on product accidents in this press release includes information on serious product accidents reported under the Consumer Products Safety Act (Act No. 31 of 1973) as well as information on non-serious product accidents and minor but potentially dangerous incidents (with no damage) that were collected under the Accident Information Collection System operated by the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE).

Key points to note in the event of an earthquake and during normal times

• After the shaking stops, turn off all electrical products and pull out power plugs from outlets. Turn off the circuit breaker (turn the switch to the “OFF” position).
• After the shaking stops, turn off gas appliances. Turn off the main gas valve if there is enough time before evacuating from your home.
• Make preparations during normal times to avoid the occurrence of product accidents caused by an earthquake, including fixing furniture to the wall or ceiling, refraining from placing any combustible materials near a heater, and installing an earthquake-sensitive current breaker. ¹

Note 1. In this press release, the term “earthquake-sensitive current breaker” includes distribution panel-types with an earthquake-sensitive function, AC-outlet types, and simple types.

Key precautions in using products during a disaster

Portable generators

• Never use a portable generator indoors; always use it in a well-ventilated place outdoors.

Portable stoves and the gas cylinders for them

• Correctly install the gas cylinder into the portable stove.
• Pay attention to the aging of portable stoves and the gas cylinders.
• Do not place a pan or an iron plate on the stove that is big enough to cover its entire top, and do not use two or more portable stoves side by side.
• Do not use portable stoves or the gas cylinders for them in a place where there are any combustible materials nearby or in a narrow place. 

Points to note when the electricity supply resumes

• Confirm that the circuit breaker is turned off.
• Carefully confirm that electrical products are not damaged or submerged in water and that there are no abnormalities in their operation.

Related Material

• Examples of accidents and points to note(PDF:723KB)

Division in Charge

Product Accident Information and Analysis Office, Product Safety Division, Industrial and Product Safety Policy Group