Home safety
Protect your family and home
Protect your family and home
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Electricity is an integral part of our lives. We use it from the moment we wake up (switch on lights, boil the kettle), throughout the day (radio, TV, computer, vacuum) and whilst we sleep (alarm, electric blanket). As a result we sometimes forget how powerful and dangerous electricity can be if not treated with respect. It is therefore important that we do all we can to reduce the risk of a fire starting in our home due to an electrical problem. In 2004, there were 22 deaths and 1200 injuries from fires caused by electrical means and a further 21 deaths and 2788 injuries caused by electric shock in domestic premises.
Modern living has necessitated a greater use of electricity in the home. For instance, just 20 years ago the average UK home had a hi-fi system and one TV/video, whereas today it is more likely that there are at least two TVs, a video, a DVD player and a computer/printer/scanner. Your children are also increasingly likely to have more electrical equipment in their rooms. So the potential risk of electrical accidents in the home is higher now than ever before.
We would like to educate you in implementing some simple but effective precautions for a safer home.
What are the hazards from electricity? |
The main hazards are:
- Contact with live parts at 230 volts which can cause shock or burns, and if these are severe, death;
- Faults in appliances and the installation which can cause fires.
By having the electrics in your home checked regularly and by taking some simple precautions when using electrical appliances, the risk of fire and electric shock can be significantly reduced. Remember – regardless of the age of your property and its electrical installation, deterioration will occur, and checks should be carried out by someone competent to do so at least every ten years, or after a change of occupancy. Do you even know when your electrics were last checked?
Electrical hazards around the home |
Electricity enhances and improves our everyday lives - but only when used correctly. Don’t create potential hazards by overloading sockets, and never ignore warning signs like burning smells, sounds of arcing (buzzing or crackling), fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping or excessive heat - electrical accidents are most likely to occur when equipment is damaged or misused and failure to correct the problem could have devastating effects. This sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised how many of us fail to follow basic safety guidelines. When did you last check the condition and safety of your plugs, socket outlets and flexes?
Obvious hazards – yet we all make these mistakes |
Drying Clothes on an electric heater, with water dripping on to live parts
This is particularly hazardous, and could cause an electric shock or fire. Many electrical appliances, such as heaters, have ventilation slots to prevent overheating. If these slots are covered up, the appliance could overheat and catch fire, or if water drips in, there is a risk of electric shock.
Changing a 60 Watt bulb to a 100 Watt bulb
Using a bulb with a higher wattage than that indicated on a light fitting or lamp shade can cause overheating. In exceptional circumstances the lampshade or lampholder may overheat and start a fire. Try using a low energy compact fluorescent lamp, which can last around eight times longer than a normal tungsten lamp, can run cooler, and can provide as much light while saving on electricity.
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Trailing the cable under the carpet or rug to keep it out of the way
Flexible cables trailed under carpets, rugs or across walkways are not only a major trip hazard, but a potential fire risk. Repeated stretching and treading on the cable may damage the cable insulation.
How reliant are you on adaptors and extensions around your home? |
Extension leads and adaptors often provide a quick and easy solution but, in reality, such leads and adaptors are often misused, and can present a very real danger. In extreme cases they can overheat, which can lead to a fire. If your children have electrical appliances in their room (TV, playstation etc), regularly check that they are not overloading adaptors or using equipment with damaged cables or plugs.
The most sensible course of action would be to ask a registered electrician to put in extra sockets. While you are at it ask them to install twin sockets rather than single ones. Always use an electrician registered with one of the government-approved schemes to carry out any electrical installation work in your home. A list of organisations that register electricians can be viewed on our website.
Kitchen Safety |
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Take special care when using electrical appliances in the kitchen - the mixture of water, hot surfaces, flexes and electricity can be very dangerous. Check that flexible leads and appliances such as kettles and toasters are in good condition. Never allow cables to trail across the cooker.
Bathroom Safety |
Because electricity and water don’t mix, never allow your child to bring mains powered portable appliances such as hairdryers, heaters or radios into a bathroom.
It could result in injury or death from electric shock. Ensure that electric heaters in a bathroom are of the appropriate type and are fixed and permanently wired. They must never be supplied via a plug and socket.
Garden Safety |
What are the dangers of using electrical equipment in the garden?
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Although electricity makes light work of gardening, wet conditions and physical contact with the ground means that the risk of injury or death from electric shock is greatly increased in comparison to using electrical equipment indoors. Many garden accidents are the result of careless handling of equipment, lack of concentration and failure to follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. By following simple safety guidelines every time you work in a garden, serious accidents can easily be avoided. You and your children should never use electrical equipment in wet conditions and appliances used outdoors should always be used with an RCD.
What is a Residual Current Device (RCD) and why do I need one when using electrical equipment outdoors?
An RCD is a safety device that switches off electricity automatically if it detects a fault. Using an RCD when using electrical equipment outdoors can be a life saver – without it, if you cut through an electrical lead, a simple job like mowing the lawn could turn into a deadly disaster. All equipment when used outdoors, such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and other power tools should only be plugged into a socket protected by an RCD. RCDs are easy to use and readily available in DIY and electrical wholesalers for under £10.
Always use an RCD when using electrical equipment outdoors – it could save your or your child’s life.
They should be tested regularly by pressing the button marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’.
For up-to-date information or advice, or to
obtain one of our leaflets, please visit our
website www.electricalsafetycouncil.org.uk,
send us an e-mail to
enquiries@electricalsafetycouncil.org.uk or
call us on: 0870 040 0561
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