Raising awareness for electrical safety

Electrical Fire Safety Week, commencing on 4 December 2023, is an annual event focused on enhancing electrical safety awareness in homes and buildings.

Jointly organized by Electrical Safety First and the Home Office, the week aims to promote safe practices and a culture of caution around electricity.

Key safety tips for home electrical safety

A startling statistic reveals that over half of all accidental house fires are attributed to electrical issues.

As part of this awareness drive, here are essential tips for maintaining electrical safety at home:

1. Avoid overloading outlets.
2. Connect heat-generating appliances directly to an outlet, not via a power strip or extension cord.
3. Ensure electrical cords are not concealed under rugs or pinched behind furniture.
4. Charge laptops and phones on hard surfaces, avoiding beds or sofas.

Ensuring appliance safety and registration

With winter approaching and energy costs rising, it’s vital to keep electrical appliances in peak condition.

This not only extends their lifespan and saves money but also ensures safety.

The campaign encourages the public to register appliances at Register My Appliance.

This free service alerts users to any safety repairs or recalls, even for second-hand or gifted items.

Advice for white goods safety includes:

1. Purchase from reputable dealers and avoid second-hand white goods.
2. Register appliances with manufacturers for safety alerts.
3. Adhere to manufacturer instructions.
4. Check for appliance recalls via Electrical Safety First’s online product checker.
5. Seek advice on safe appliance usage at whitegoodsafety.com.

Special focus on electric bikes and scooters

The rise in electric bike (e-bike) and scooter-related accidents is a growing concern.

In early 2023, incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in these devices led to fatalities, injuries, and property damage.

Essential safety tips for e-bikes and e-scooters include:

1. Follow charging instructions and unplug chargers when not in use.
2. Charge batteries while awake and at home to respond quickly in case of a fire.
3. Avoid covering chargers or battery packs to prevent overheating.
4. Store and charge these devices away from flammable materials.
5. In case of a fire, evacuate and call emergency services.

Wayne Thomas, Home Fire Safety Manager, emphasizes the importance of proper use of electrical appliances to prevent fires and their devastating effects.

European Fire Safety Week: A broader perspective

Parallelly, the European Fire Safety Week in 2023 will feature a workshop by FEEDS, focusing on electrical safety in the adoption of green technologies like heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging points.

This workshop, set to occur in Brussels, will bring together EU Commission and Parliament representatives, fire safety experts, and sector stakeholders to discuss the safe implementation of these technologies.

FEEDS is also developing helpful factsheets in collaboration with the relevant sectors to guide the safe adoption of electrification technologies.

IFSJ Comment

Electrical Fire Safety Week 2023 is a pivotal event that underscores the importance of electrical safety in an era increasingly reliant on electrical appliances and green technologies.

The initiative not only serves as a reminder of the fundamental safety practices in our daily lives but also addresses the emerging challenges posed by new technologies like e-bikes and green energy solutions.

By highlighting the risks and providing actionable advice, this campaign plays a crucial role in safeguarding homes and communities.

The engagement of various stakeholders, including government bodies, safety organizations, and the public, exemplifies a collective effort towards a safer, more informed society.

About Electrical Safety First

Electrical Safety First is a UK charity dedicated to reducing and preventing damage, injuries, and death caused by electricity.

Working closely with government, industry, and consumer safety organisations, it strives to promote safety standards and advocate for safer electrical installations and products.

Through campaigns like Electrical Fire Safety Week, the charity raises public awareness of electrical safety, helping to create safer homes and work environments.