Following a potential influx of toys and gadgets into people’s homes after Christmas, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is reminding people of the dangers of button batteries.
While toys are required to have a secure compartment for button batteries, other items like electronic car keys, novelties and light up accessories are not. And after the UK has seen some tragic deaths and injuries in recent years, there has never been a more important time to learn about the dangers.
What are the dangers of button batteries?
When mixed with saliva, live or dead batteries release caustic soda which can easily burn through flesh.
This can burn through organs, such as from the oesophagus to the heart.
It can cause catastrophic internal bleeding, and a child might not always be able to articulate how they are feeling or that they have ingested one.
Children are particularly at risk due to having a smaller digestive tract which makes it more likely button batteries can get lodged.
If a parent or carer suspects their child has swallowed a button battery, get immediate medical attention.
What are some of the signs to look out for?
-Suddenly developing a cough, gagging or drooling a lot
– Being sick and having an upset stomach
– Pointing to their throat or stomach
– Having tummy, chest or throat pain
-Being quiet or more clingy than usual
– Having a reduced appetite and not wanting to eat.
Phillip LeShirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said:“The dangers posed by button batteries should not be underestimated, and RoSPA welcomes the news that Standards for Toys have been strengthened recently to reduce further the risks that button batteries pose.
“We are advising parents to be mindful that it is not just toys that contain button batteries, and to be extra vigilant.”
Carbon Monoxide Awareness week runs 20 – 26 November
RoSPA: Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that can cause symptoms mistaken for other ailments like headaches and the flu
Awareness and having carbon monoxide alarm(s) is key to reducing accidents
This Carbon Monoxide Week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a stark warning to be aware of the dangers of the silent killer that causes over 4000 A&E visits and 440 hospital admissions a year in England alone.
According to RoSPA, carbon monoxide poisoning is an underdiagnosed problem in the UK, with the signs and symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide toxicity confused for other ailments like headache, nausea, flushing, the flu, muscle pain, food poisoning and depression.
Poisoning is more prevalent in the winter months, likely related to the increased indoor use of heating and other devices which are common sources of carbon monoxide, such as incorrectly installed fuel-burning appliances, blocked chimneys, gas ovens inappropriately used for heating, and barbecues or gas stoves used in enclosed spaces.
What to do if you are exposed to carbon monoxide
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you believe there to be a leak (unignited gas does not contain carbon monoxide):
stop using all appliances and evacuate the property immediately
call the relevant National Gas Emergency Service number to report the incident or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363
do not go back into the property (wait for advice from the emergency services)
get immediate medical help.
If you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and feel unwell or are worried call NHS 111, contact your GP or in an emergency contact emergency services on 999.
The relevant National Gas Emergency Service number you need depends on where in the UK you’re based and the type of gas that’s involved:
Country
Natural Gas (NG)
Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Towns Gas/Mains Gas**
England, Wales and Scotland
0800 111 999
Contact number on bulk storage vessel or meter*
N/A
Northern Ireland
0800 002 001
Contact number on bulk storage vessel or meter*
N/A
Isle of Man
0808 1624 444
0808 1624 444
0808 1624 444
Guernsey
N/A
01481 749000
01481 749000
Jersey
N/A
01534 755555
01534 755555
Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA said:“With the colder months almost upon us and more people using fuel-burning appliances, it’s vital to be aware that carbon monoxide poisoning is silent and can often be confused with other ailments like a headache, nausea, flushing, the flu, muscle pain, food poisoning and depression.
“Carbon monoxide is colourless, tasteless and odourless, so it is essential that you fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets British or European Standards (BS Kitemark or EN 50291).
“We recommend testing the alarm at least once a week, changing the batteries regularly and replacing the whole alarm before its expiration date.
“Finally, if you’re camping or caravanning, irrespective of how cold or rainy it gets, ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using fuel-burning products and always have a carbon monoxide alarm with you.”
Phil went on to describe what you should do depending on the type of fuel appliance you have at home:“We recommend only using a qualified Gas Safe engineer to install gas boilers and appliances and advise that they are serviced annually by Gas Safe approved technicians.
“Solid fuel appliances should be installed and serviced annually by a qualified HETAS engineer, and chimneys and flues should be kept clean by being swept from top to bottom at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep and should not be blocked.”
“It is also advised that oil heaters should be installed and serviced annually by a qualified OFTEC engineer.”
For further information on carbon monoxide, please visit RoSPA’s carbon monoxide pages.
Whether setting up spooky decorations, lighting up the home or arranging a haunted house, following electrical safety precautions this Halloween is essential.
To ensure no one receives a spooky electric shock, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses – is warning homeowners to stay safe and mindful when dealing with electricals this eerie season.
As homeowners prepare for the most terrifying night of the year, Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, shares his top five tips on avoiding a house of horrors this Halloween:
Set up Safely: before setting up a scary display, take into account the number of electrical socket-outlets needed and be sure to not overload them. Overloading can lead to overheating, which can cause electrical fires
Professional Help: if you’re planning an over-the-top display, extra socket-outlets may be required, therefore, it is vital that a certified electrical business is employed to complete the work safely and to required standards
Observe Decorations: when recovering ghostly decorations from storage, be sure to inspect them for any frayed or damaged cables. Play it safe and always replace any faulty items
Outdoor Safety: if planning to light up the garden or outdoor space, be sure to use weatherproof decorations that are specifically designed for outdoor use. It’s important to make sure all electrical equipment being used is protected by using a residual current device (RCD), which automatically cuts off the electricity if a fault is discovered
Keep Children Educated: teach children about the importance of electrical safety during Halloween. Make sure they understand not to touch or tamper with electrical decorations or cables
For further information or to search for your nearest NICEIC Certified electrical business, visit www.niceic.com.
In recent times working life has become much more flexible and hybrid working is offered as standard in many businesses across the country, so it’s vital that business owners fully equip their employees with the knowledge of how to upkeep good electrical practices when at home and on the move.
As an increasing number of homeworking homeowners seek to invest in renovating their home office space, NICEIC has stressed the importance of the safety of any electrical equipment being used in the work-from-home environment.
The standard office environment poses little obvious threat of danger if maintained correctly, but poor electrical management can result in damage to the property or physical injury.
Paul Collins, NICEIC’s Technical Director has compiled a list of top things to consider when working from home:
Make sure you don’t overload sockets – it can be tempting to have all your chargers working within reaching distance, but this can create a fire hazard
If more sockets are required, or if you are adapting any of the electrics in your home always use a certified electrical business, such as those certified by NICEIC. They can ensure that the job is carried out safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards
Ensure you unplug any chargers or leads that are not in use and double-check before you log off for the evening that you’ve turned everything off.
Despite us moving towards a more digital world, you may still rely on a lot of paper for your day-to-day operations. If this is the case, make sure they’re kept well away from any electricals or any potential sources of heat
Regularly check any cables for signs of damage or scorching
Only ever purchase electrical goods from reputable retailers
For many, home working setups can be somewhat haphazard, especially when it comes to electrical safety.
Recent research conducted by Electrical Safety First found that two-thirds of those working from home are using extension leads, and 38% of them admitted that homeworking means that they have more plugged into them than they normally would[1].
Not only should you avoid overloading extension leads, but you must also not daisy chain them. This is the process whereby several extension leads are connected to reach further or cater for more appliances / electrical equipment. This is highly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
Advising those to stay safe when working from home, Paul Collins, said: “It is crucial that safe electrical practice is maintained in people’s home working space. Many people are unaware of the importance of the surface on which charging appliances are kept. Electrical items such as phones and tablets should only be charged on non-flammable, hard surfaces, so leaving charging computers on top of a bed for example is a potential recipe for disaster.
“Electrical Safety First found that 28% of UK adults have bought and used a cheap, unbranded charger and this rises to 45% of 18-24-year-olds[2]. Workers, whether at home or in the office need to make sure they are using legitimate chargers to ensure they are certified as safe. Counterfeit chargers not only can damage your device but can also result in electrical fire or overheating.”
If the home office set up requires any type of electrical work or new installation, it’s important to assess your workspace and determine if you need any further sockets. If you do, it is advisable to speak to your nearest NICEIC certified business.
Not only can they make the alterations safely and in line with the required standards and regulations, thanks to their certification they can also sign the work off and notify building control (where applicable) on your behalf, saving you time and money.
Hot, dry weather could increase risk of fires this bank holiday
Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual urges visitors to the countryside not to use disposable barbecues or start campfires
One spark can start a massive fire which threatens people, wildlife and livestock
Homeowners also urged to beware of greater fire risks around the home and garden during hot weather
With the Met Office predicting warm, dry weather for the bank holiday weekend and the following week, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is making a plea for homeowners and holidaymakers across the UK to practice good fire safety to avoid disaster.
Hot weather in Spring generally leads to a spike in reports of fires at home and in public spaces across the United Kingdom. These fires can spread quickly and are difficult to put out, causing devastating damage to vast areas of the British countryside and coastland, destroying natural habitats and endangering livestock and wildlife.
Many large grass or gorse fires last year were traced back to disposal barbecues or fire pits, including fires in the Peak District, Salisbury Plain and Northern Ireland’s Murlough National Nature Reserve. Blazes in Bristol, Dorset and Devon were also sparked by disposable barbecues in 2022.
With the risks clear, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is making a plea to day-trippers and the rural community alike not to light barbecues or fire pits in the countryside, unless in a designated area.
Andrew Chalk, rural insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said:“Every year we see large fires quickly spreading through grass and gorse land in the UK, wreaking havoc in our countryside, coastland and important habitats.
“These fires can also encroach onto farmland, putting farmers, livestock and crops at risk and disrupting them at a vital time of year.
“While we don’t yet have the tinderbox conditions of high summer, an out-of-control barbecue could still cause a devastating blaze. We’re imploring people to enjoy the countryside responsibly: Please don’t use disposable barbecues, light firepits or build open fires, as these can spit sparks and also smoulder for hours after you leave.
“Additionally, don’t drop matches or cigarettes, which could spark a fire, and don’t risk leaving bottles on the ground which can act as a focus for sunlight.”
Fire safety at home
Barbecues and fire pits can also lead to devastating fires at home, so it’s important homeowners practice good fire safety.
Andrew Chalk explains: “While it may not be advisable in extreme heat, homeowners should be fine to barbecue this week providing they take sensible precautions.
“Open flames and grease will always present a fire risk, so keep barbecues well away from dry grass, shrubbery and bushes and make sure they are clean before lighting to prevent dangerous sparks from spitting up. Make sure you have access to water and keep barbecues well away from the home – particularly if you have a thatched house.
“Also be careful with electronics. Even in these temperatures, devices kept in direct sunlight or which become too hot when charged could spark a fire.
“By taking sensible precautions, people can protect their homes and possessions by preventing the cause of fire. It is also worth talking to your insurer to make sure you are adequately insured should the worse happen. Gardens are often overlooked when it comes to insuring a home, but restoring a garden with established plants, shrubs and trees can be a costly affair.”
NFU Mutual countryside fire checklist:
Don’t drop used matches or cigarettes – they can smoulder and start a fire
Don’t start campfires or use disposable barbecues on grass, moorland or in forests
Call 999 if you spot a fire while out in the countryside
Avoid parking in narrow country lanes where access for emergency services vehicles could be blocked
Don’t drop litter – discarded bottles can focus sunlight and start a fire
Keep to footpaths when walking in the countryside
At home:
Don’t overload plug sockets – this can increase the chance of sparks
Keep an eye on charging electrical devices to ensure they do not get too hot
Avoid leaving electrical devices out in the sun
Dispose of matches and cigarettes in a fireproof container
Keep air conditioning units free of dust, which can build up and be a fire hazard
If barbecuing, ensure the barbecue is regularly cleaned and keep it away from dry grass, shrubbery or bushes. Do not barbecue in an enclosed area or too close to the house
A study by online training provider High Speed Training has found that 96% of GB residents are not testing their smoke alarms as regularly as recommended, and that less than half have a fire escape plan for their home.
In the year 2020/21, fire services in England, Scotland and Wales attended over 630,000 total incidents, tragically resulting in over 300 fatalities.
Many of these incidents occur in the home. In fact, 20 people are injured or killed every day just by accidental fires that start in their kitchens.
As part of a report on residential fire safety, High Speed Training surveyed over 2000 GB adults, and found that an incredibly high number [96%] were not engaging in weekly testing as is recommended by fire services.
Smoke alarms are one of the most effective defences against fatal fires in the home, with estimates suggesting that you are eight times more likely to die in a fire if your home does not have working smoke alarms.
There should also be one smoke alarm placed on every level of a home, which was the case with 84% of the survey respondents.
In private rented and social rented homes, it is the duty of the landlord to ensure a suitable number of smoke alarms are installed and functional at the beginning of the tenancy, with at least one smoke alarm on each storey where a room is used as living accommodation.
If a fire does break out in your home, having an agreed escape plan is essential to increase your chances of escaping without serious injury. The main key to a good fire escape plan is to include alternate routes to safety in case one exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
Though escape plans are recommended by fire services, the survey found that 55% of people in the GB do not have a fire escape plan in place in their home. The report also found that younger generations are less likely to have a plan in place, with 68% of 18-24 year olds saying they don’t have or don’t know if they have a plan.
In contrast, 45-55 year olds are most likely to have a plan, with 51% stating they have an escape route prepared.
Faulty electrics, including appliances, wiring, and overloaded sockets, cause around 4,000 house fires in England every year. The maximum current allowed to safely flow through the socket (power rating) should be clearly marked on the back or underside of the extension lead. If not, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
High Speed Training’s report found that 77% of respondents were unsure on how to check either the voltage or the amperage levels of a socket.
Closing all of the internal doors in your home is one way to increase your chances of being able to escape from a house fire. A closed door can hold back fire and smoke, and buy you precious time to escape. However, in our survey, we found that 66% of people don’t close their internal doors every night.
Another simple step to add to your routine is to make sure that your exit route is clear of trip hazards. In the disorientating smoke of a house fire, objects on the floor could pose a real risk. Our survey found that a huge 71% of respondents don’t ensure their exit routes are clear every night.
William Cunningham MIFSM, MIIRSM, GradIOSH, DipFD, Director of Safety Group and Fire Safety Consultant, said: “Over the last few years, we have all spent more time at home. It is so important that we make sure that our homes are as safe as possible, minimising the risks of a fire breaking out, and maximising our chances of escaping safely if one does.
“Having spent over 15 years working in fire safety, I can say that the steps included in this report, such as regularly testing properly placed smoke alarms, ensuring you have an escape plan, and not overloading sockets, are simple and practical ways to improve the fire safety of your home.
“The stats that High Speed Training have found show that many households across the UK could be doing more to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their homes. There is a real need to raise awareness of what can be done to improve fire safety across the country.
“By following the advice suggested in this report and by fire services across the country, we can decrease the risk of serious and potentially fatal fires occurring in our homes.”
Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, said: “This report really highlights the need for everyone to have an awareness of how important it is to practise good fire safety at home.
“The steps outlined in this report are practical and accessible, and can easily be adopted by all homes to minimise the risk of a tragic fire.
“We would encourage everyone to assess the current situation in their home, and make any necessary changes to improve the fire safety of their property.”
For more information on the results found in the survey, including more detailed statistics on the importance of night-time routines, fire doors and smoke alarm placement, the full report can be viewed at:
HOGMANAY is always a popular night for gathering, and after a couple of years of scaled back celebrations, this year’s NYE is expected to be a big one.
If you’re having a night in and choosing to host a party, it’s important to ensure electrical safety is upheld, even when you’re caught up in the festivities of the evening. Research carried out by NICEIC concluded that 42% of homeowners pay more attention to aesthetics over safety. People are easily preoccupied with planning the event, and can be focused on how everything looks, but NICEIC is putting safety back at the top of the agenda.
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, advises: “When decorating for your New Year’s party, its crucial to check any decorative lights for damage and ensure that you don’t hang additional festoons from fairy lights.
“Many decorations are highly flammable and attaching them to your lights is a fire hazard. Also, be mindful to not overload any socket-outlets or extension leads when hooking up sound systems or maybe that extra wine cooler.
“If you’re hosting the festivities in your garden, take care that any outside socket-outlets are RCD protected for safety. An RCD (residual current device) works by switching off the flow of electricity should something go wrong. In addition, any electricals used should be suitable for outdoor use and avoid trailing wires through windows and doors.
“Finally, make sure lights are turned off when you’re out, or asleep, to avoid them over-heating and to save on your energy bills. New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a night to celebrate and we don’t want your evening (or potentially your home) ruined by an unsafe home.”
For more information or to search for a NICEIC certified business in your area, visit niceic.com.
A mum whose daughter fell into a scalding bath when she was just three-years-old has urged other parents to be aware of the dangers of burns.
Little Courtney, now seven, spent years battling back to full health after she suffered devastating burns to more than a quarter of her body.
The schoolgirl, from Kirkcaldy, had to undergo numerous painful procedures and physiotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh following the accident.
Now on “Burns Awareness Day” (12th October), her mum, Chloe Abrahams, is warning other parents to be aware of potential burns hazards around the home.
Chloe said: “I would never have thought that tap water could burn so badly.
“The pain Courtney went through just from lifting her into a different position on the hospital bed still breaks my heart when I think about it. Seeing my daughter in that state was the worst thing I’ve ever been through.”
Courtney’s accident happened in 2018. She was reaching for a toy when she tumbled into a bath that was filling with scalding water.
Chloe said: “We heard horrendous screams and found that Courtney had fallen into a scalding hot bath. I quickly scooped her out of the bath, stripped her clothes off and wrapped her in a wet towel.She was covered in massive bulging blisters and we rushed her to hospital. But at this point, I didn’t realise how much damage had already been done.”
Courtney was immediately transferred to the high dependency unit in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) where she was sent to theatre every few days to get her burns scrubbed and redressed to prevent any infections.
Her little thighs and feet received the worst damage as her socks and pants had held the scalding water close to her skin.
After being released from hospital, Courtney’s feet had to stay bandaged for over a month, meaning that she was struggling to walk for up to two months.
She received regular physiotherapy alongside numerous other appointments for over a year to aid her recovery and to help with the inevitable scarring.
Chloe added: “I honestly can’t thank all the amazing doctors and nurses at the RHCYP enough. Courtney is now seven and is doing great. She has lots of scars but she doesn’t let them define her.
“I would like other families to know that you can turn the water temperature down on your boiler. If we had known that – things might have been different for us.”
According to the Burns and Plastics Clinic at the RHCYP, burns are the most common household injury with over 7,000 children suffering serious burns or scalds in the UK in 2021.
As Halloween and bonfire night approaches Rosie Bainsfair, Burns & Plastics Nurse Specialist at the RHCYP, said: “Many of the children we see at the RHCYP in Edinburgh are injured in accidents around the house, involving very common things like hot drinks, irons or hair straighteners.
“If your child has a burn or scald, follow this simple ‘STOP’ first aid advice:
“Strip clothes, jewellery or nappies off (unless they are stuck to the skin).
“Turn on a cold tap or shower and run the burn under cool water for 20 minutes whilst keeping the child warm. Do not use ice.
“Organise medical assistance – attend A and E or dial 999.
“Protect the burn with cling film, provide painkillers and keep the child warm.”
To find out more about how you can prevent burns from happening at home, please visit the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents website here.
Latest research from the Gas Safe Register reveals that almost one third (31%) of UK homeowners will skip their annual gas safety checks this year in attempts to reduce household costs. Heating expert and leading manufacturer, Alpha, believes a nationwide call to action is needed to address this imbalance and ensure gas safety remains an essential priority.
“The Gas Safe Register data is alarming and demonstrates yet further implications of the cost-of-living crisis,” says Alpha’s product engineer, Jonathan Kidner. “Gas safety checks in the home can prevent serious or life-threatening accidents including gas leaks, explosions, house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
While it was encouraging that the research also showed the majority (77%) of homeowners knew the benefits of regular servicing and maintenance, most notably performance and cost savings, it seems this awareness isn’t translating into enough action and is therefore an extreme cause for concern.”
Alpha argues one of the most important steps for homeowners is to arrange for a Gas Safe Registered engineer to undertake checks on all gas appliances, including an annual boiler service.
This will not only ensure boilers continue to run at optimum efficiency, but also identify any potential faults and ensure warranties and insurance policies remain valid. Homeowners can set reminders for boiler services via the Gas Safe Register’s Stay Gas Safe website.
Jonathan continues: “The boiler is one of the most used pieces of equipment in the home yet the perceived maintenance costs remain one of the main reasons people don’t book a service; our own research from 2021 indicated this being the barrier for 54% of respondents. This needs to change.
“The experts at Which? suggest the average price of a boiler service is just £80 which, when compared with the cost of repairing or replacing the most common faulty parts, could save homeowners anywhere between £30 and £219.”
Additional measures homeowners can take to remain gas safe include:
Undertaking visual checks to look for warning signs on unsafe appliances including lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue; pilot lights which frequently blow out; excessive condensation on windows; and unusual dark marks/staining on or around gas appliances;
Testing and replacing smoke alarm batteries;
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and familiarising themselves with the six key symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jonathan concludes: “While some of these points may seem obvious or even repetitive, the Gas Safe Register research highlights there is a need for reinforcement.
“Only one in three homeowners knew house fires were a potential result of not having regular gas safety checks and less than half could correctly identify symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“This is a conversation we need to keep having until this knowledge becomes commonplace.
“We understand the collective concern about rising costs but the loss could be far greater if we do not encourage homeowners to act now and prioritise their gas safety.”
