Tag: electrical safety

Lorna Slater adds her name to SELECT’s Wall of Support as backing for recognition for electricians continues to grow

Green Party co-leader also joins 25 other politicians backing motion congratulating trade body on 125 years of fighting for the profession

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, continues to draw cross-party support for its activities in its 125th year, with another prominent MSP publicly supporting its campaign for protection of title for electricians.

Scottish Green Party co-leader and former Minister for Green Skills, the Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater is the latest politician to add her name to the campaigning trade body’s Wall of Support.

Showing her support with a virtual ‘brick’, the MSP for Lothian Region said: “Currently within Scotland, due to a lack of regulation anyone can claim to be an electrician and carry out electrical work without proper qualification or oversight.

“The installation of electrical work by unqualified or inadequately trained individuals is a major safety concern and risks potential harm to people and businesses.

“I therefore welcome SELECT’s campaign for the regulation of the electrical industry and to make electrician a protected title to aid the protection of the people and the profession.”

Ms Slater – who was born in Canada and worked in Scotland as an engineer in the renewables sector – has also joined 25 MSPs from across the political divide who have backed the recent tabling of a special motion in the Scottish Parliament, congratulating SELECT on representing the electrical industry since 1900.

The motion was lodged by Monica Lennon, Labour MSP for Central Scotland, who also singled out the ongoing contribution of SELECT and its members to renewable technology and apprenticeships and training.

Other MSPs now backing it are the SNP’s Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Gordon MacDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Kevin Stewart, Michelle Thomson and David Torrance.

Conservatives Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Murdo Fraser, Craig Hoy, Edward Mountain, Annie Wells and Brian Whittle have also added their support, along with Labour’s Jackie Baillie, Foysol Choudhury, Alex Rowley, Paul Sweeney, Mercedes Villalba and Independent John Mason.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “As we celebrate our 125th anniversary as the world’s oldest electrical trade body, it is gratifying to see our ongoing work being supported by such a large cross-section of politicians.

“We very much welcome Ms Slater’s expression of solidarity for our campaign for regulation of the electrical industry. It has been a long, hard road but we will continue to focus all our efforts in bringing it to a successful conclusion.

“We are also very grateful to the MSPs who have backed Ms Lennon’s special motion highlighting just how much SELECT has done to promote the cause of public safety and the contribution the electrical sector makes to it.”

As well as a number of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the Wall of Support include the Scottish Joint Industry Board, Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group and the Energy Saving Trust. 

SELECT has been campaigning for years with other leading industry bodies, such as the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust and the SJIB to make sure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner.

Christmas Lights: Recognise the Dangers

AS many homeowners up and down the country will be transforming their homes into a beautiful winter wonderland this Christmas, NICEIC, the UK’s leading body for registered electricians, are encouraging households to recognise the lurking dangers that can stem from plugging in extra Christmas décor around the home.

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Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC shares his tops tips for a safe Christmas:

Paul comments: “After 12 months of being stored away, Christmas lights can easily get damaged. You should always check the lights thoroughly to ensure they are not impaired or broken and only use replacement bulbs of the same type and rating as those originally supplied.

“Never attempt to repair lights by using tape or joining with another set of lights and remember to check the wiring of the plug to make sure no bare wires are visible. Finally, avoid using too many extension leads or adapters and always switch lights off before you go to bed or go out as they can overheat.

“Many will be unaware of the additional dangers that can arise, but with our advice, we hope that we can limit any Christmas catastrophes and that everyone can enjoy the festivities safely.”

You can search for a registered electrician in your area by visiting www.niceic.com

“Students, Get Switched on to Hidden Hazards!” says NICEIC

According to Universities UK, in 2021-2022 there were 2,185,560 studying at UK higher education providers. As another academic year approaches, the excitement of that first taste of independence will be setting in for another record number of students due to start their university journey this September.

Summer preparations will be essential – however one area that might be overlooked is the priority of electrical safety in their halls of residence.

When embarking on a new journey at university, there can be a lot to think about. And one thing that may be far from students’ minds is the potential electrical hazards and necessary precautions which need to be taken to ensure their safety.

According to data released by Electrical Safety First, electrical fires are one of the leading causes of domestic fires, with an estimated nine out of ten (89%) fires in the home caused by electrical products.[2] Faulty appliances, overloaded sockets and misuse of electrical equipment are all common culprits.

To address these concerns, NICEIC, the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses, is urging students to stay safe. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, offers five top essential tips to follow when it comes to electrical safety in private university accommodation.

“Electrical safety is of utmost importance, especially in shared living environments such as university halls. By being aware, informed and responsible, students can create a safer living space for themselves and their fellow housemates.

  1. Know the location of your consumer unit (fuse box)

It’s vital for them to be familiar with the location of the consumer unit or to give it is more common name the fuse box in their accommodation, should they ever need to point an electrician in the right direction or check if the circuit-breakers have tripped. Also, attending any induction sessions or safety briefings provided by the university or accommodation provider is recommended so they know what to do in an emergency.

  1. Be responsible, Think Safety First

Don’t overload socket-outlets or use multiple adapters in socket-outlet’s and always unplug or switch off appliances when not in use before leaving the room or the premises – this is a good tip for keeping energy bills lower too and being more eco-friendly. It’s also advisable to carry out regular visual checks of cables and plugs and look for any signs of damage and report any issues immediately.

  1. Stay Safe in the Kitchen

When using the kitchen, although it may seem obvious, always follow the appliance guidelines and refrain from leaving the likes of laundry appliances, toastie machines or air fryers unsupervised while in use. Avoid overloading the microwave and never put aluminium foil or metal objects in it. Always keep electrical appliances away from sources of water to prevent potential electrocution. Electricity and water DON’T mix.

  1. Test Safety Alarms and Understand the Escape Route

To stay safe in case of a fire, be sure to test the smoke alarms regularly where you have been instructed to do so and report any faults immediately. If you are in a block these should be tested regularly by the estates team. It’s important to plan and know the escape route in case of a fire emergency and ensure that everyone in the flat is aware of the procedure. Don’t be tempted to tamper with or cover smoke detectors as they are crucial in providing early warning signs of a fire.

  1. Be Smart and Always Seek a Professional

Finally, and vitally, do not attempt to fix electrical problems and be sure to report any maintenance issues such as electrical faults, flickering lights or other electrical concerns to the accommodation provider as soon as possible. Always, rely on a qualified electrician authorised by the accommodation provider.

“At NICEIC we strongly advise students to prioritise their safety and be mindful of the potential risks associated with electrical installations in university halls. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the chances of accidents, property damage and personal injuries.”

For more information, additional electrical safety tips or to search for your nearest NICEIC certified business, visit niceic.com.