Tip of the Month: Fire Safety and Electricity

Many fires involve electricity as an ignition source, and there are a number of simple precautions that can be taken when purchasing and using electrical equipment.

• Make sure that electrical appliances, tools and equipment have a British or European safety mark when you buy them, and buy only from a reputable supplier. Non-standard, low-cost batteries, leads, chargers and power supplies that may not be approved are a common cause of fire at work and at home.
• Always follow the manufacturers’ written advice and instruction when using electrical tools and equipment. This would include cleaning lint filters in tumble driers and providing suitable ventilation to electrical products that require it such as heaters, computers, fridges and laptops.
• Ensure that a suitably rated fuse is fitted to all electrical plugs.
• Try to keep one plug per electrical socket and endeavour not to use extension leads to avoid overloading and overheating, this is particularly important with items that produce heat such as tumble driers, washing machines and electric heaters and other equipment that has a high electrical current demand. Extension leads that are on a reel have a greatly reduced current capacity when wound, as opposed to fully un-wound.
• Keep electrical equipment in good working order, and carry out visual and electrical safety checks to ensure that there is no mechanical or electrical damage present to plug casings, leads or appliances. These checks should be recorded if the equipment is used at work.
• If electrical items are designed to get hot in use, such as hair dryers, straighteners, soldering irons and paint stripping tools, then ensure that they are kept away from flammables, and placed in a suitable device or location whilst cooling down after use.
• Switch electrical items off and disconnect from the electricity supply when not in use, and particularly when left unattended.