Electrical Safety in the Home

ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE HOME Electricity causes more than 20,000 fires a year in the UK Each year electrical faults and fires results in approximately 70 deaths and 350,000 serious injuries Modern homes have more electrical appliances than ever before Wi Fi More electrical appliances more electrical accidents & fires ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS 1. Don't overload sockets If you use an adapter make sure it's a fused 'in line' type 2. Don't leave appliances on standby for long periods Switch off appliances when they are not in use. 3. Never mix electricity and water Never use electrical appliances such as hairdryers or radios near water 4. Fit a smoke alarm Ensure it is marked with a current British Standards or European (CE) safety mark 5. Only touch and use appliances with dry hands Water conducts electricity and you could easily be electrocuted 6. Keep cables tidy Don't let them be a tripping hazard but don't hide them away as you need to be able to check that they aren't frayed or burnt. Check the condition of your plugs, sockets and 7. cables If you find any burnt or frayed wires or scorch marks, call an electrician for advice. 8. Don't dry clothes on an electric heater Tempting as this may be, it can easily cause a fire. 9. Be careful when drilling or hammering nails into walls Ensure that there are no electrical wires leading to light switches or sockets at that point. 10. Check your home has a modern fuse box It should have a Consumer Unit that meets the IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2008) GARDEN ELECTRICAL SAFETY Remember to be careful using electrical appliances in the garden! The dangers are just as great as in the home. Here are some useful tips to remember. Do NOT cut grass in wet conditions Ensure that the socket-outlet has RCD protection If you need to remove grass blockages from your lawn mower, unplug it first and wait until the blades have stopped turning. Make sure all cables are behind you so that you don't cut them with the lawn mower or hedge-trimmer etc. ELECTRICAL FIRES Do you know what to do with an electrical fire in your home? • NEVER use water on an electrical fire • If it is safe to do so, pull the plug out of the device on fire. If it has just started smoking this may prevent a fire starting. • Switch off your power at the fuse box. • If you have prevented a fire, call a qualified electrician to investigate the problem, and fix your electrics. • If a fire has started don't take any risks with your safety - get out, stay out and call 99. Sources: Capital City ELECTRICAL Capital City Electrical - http://capitalcityelectrical.co.uk/ MEEIE APPROVED CONTRACTOR Electrical Safety First - http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/