Electricity is often overlooked as a possible fire hazard. Maybe this
is because there is no flame. However, some 28,000 fires in the home are reported each year as being caused by electrical faults, accidents or by misuse of electrical equipment. This page looks at the main areas of electrical hazard in your home and explains how you can stop fires starting. Remember 'Electrical Safety leads to Fire Safety'
PLUGS & FLEXES
Some electrical appliances are designed to be left on all the time. Check the manufacturer's instructions or, if you are unsure check with the shop where you bought it. All other electrical appliances should be switched off and unplugged when not in use. Remove plugs carefully, don't remove them by pulling the flex.
Use a three pin plug which conforms to the British Standard and carries the 'Kitemark'
Overloading the socket by using several adaptors into one socket can cause it to overheat and catch fire. Use a good quality adaptor and ensure it has the correct fuse. When buying equipment look out for the BEAB Mark of Safety. This means that it has been approved by the 'British Electrotechnical Approvals Board'
WIRING A PLUG
Learn the wiring colours and make sure you follow them when fitting a plug. Always use the correct fuse for the equipment you are using and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Always make sure that saucepans are in a safe position on the cooker. Handles should not stick over the edge of the cooker, where they can be knocked over, or left within reach of children.
Make sure the handles are not over a hot ring or burner. Flexes from electrical equipment, such as kettles and toasters, should be kept well away from the cooker and tea towels should never be dried over the cooker.
ELECTRIC BLANKETS
Many fires and deaths are due to blankets being left accidentally switched on. As with all electrical equipment, it is important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Check the instructions to see if you should switch off your blanket when you get into bed.
Under blankets should always be tied to the bed and be switched off before you get into bed.
All electric blankets should be kept dry and flat. Once your electric blanket is out of guarantee, have it serviced once a year or in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The shop where you bought it can tell you about servicing arrangements.
When buying an electric blanket make sure it conforms to the British Standard and carries the kitemark. This will be shown on the label.
HEATERS
Make sure you don't sit too close to the heater to keep warm. You could easily set light to your clothes or your chair, particularly if you fall asleep.
Heaters should always stand in a safe place where they can't be knocked over and where they can't be tripped over. They should be kept well away from furniture and soft furnishings, such as curtains and cushions.
Do not position heaters where objects may fall on them. Portable heaters should never be placed close to beds or used to dry clothes.
As with open fires, make sure that all heaters are correctly guarded. If you have young children at home, make sure you use an all-enclosed guard with your heater as well.
WIRING
Look out for warning signs of dangerous wiring:-
Hot plugs and sockets
Fuses that blow for no obvious reason
Lights flickering
Brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs
If you see any of the danger signs you should ask your electricity board to check out your wiring. Regular checks of the wiring in your home should help prevent these danger signs occurring. Contact either your local electricity board or an electrician on the roll of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
