Thirteen tips to reduce electrical risks at home
Posted on 8th November 2023
Hybrid working means many of us are spending a lot more time in our homes. Here are some simple things you can do to minimise risks of electrical shocks, fires, and accidents.
Electrical risks at home
If you have unprotected contact with electricity it can cause a shock and burns, which could be fatal.
Household electrical accidents, including electrocutions and electrical fires, cause around 45 deaths and 2,500 injuries each year in the UK, according to the Electrical Safety First (ESF). Almost half of accidental house fires in Britain are caused by electricity.
It’s estimated that more than 12 million people in Britain are using faulty plugs or sockets and 1.5 million could be ignoring burning smells coming from an electrical appliance or socket.
Here are our lucky thirteen home safety tips to help reduce electrical risks at home:
1. Check regularly for damaged plugs, cables and equipment.
2. Avoid overloading wall sockets and, if you need to use an adapter, choose a multi-socket adaptor and cable rather than a multi-way adaptor that plugs straight into the socket.
3. Reduce the risks of tripping and damage by using only the length of extension cable you need.
4. Avoid tripping hazards by making sure that cables from electrical appliances and extension cables don't run underneath carpets or rugs.
5. Prevent extension cables from overheating by making sure they aren’t kept coiled.
6. Check the wattage for your light fittings and don’t exceed them.
7. Don’t mix electricity and water; never use mains powered electrical equipment in the bathroom.
8. Save money and improve safety by turning off electrical appliances when you're not using them.
9. Give yourself advance warning by making sure that your home has smoke alarms fitted and that they are all in working order.
10. Make sure you can access the consumer unit (or old-fashioned fuse box). It's a good idea to keep a torch nearby, so you can see what you're doing if the lights go out.
11. Don't touch or use any electrical items that you think are unsafe. If you can do it safely, turn them off and unplug them.
12. Plan what to do in case of fire and be aware of all your escape routes.
13. Make sure that your exit routes are always kept clear.
If you’re concerned about electrical safety at home, we will be happy to give you some advice, so please get in touch.
Tagged as: Electrical safety
Share this post: