Tag: home safety

Stay safe when working from home!

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Regularly check any cables for signs of damage or scorching
  6. 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.

To find your nearest NICEIC certified business, visit NICEIC.com. 

BBQ and home fire safety plea as hot weather arrives in UK 

  • 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

Study finds that 96% of us not testing smoke alarms regularly enough

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:

www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/report-fire-safety-in-the-home/

NICEIC offers safety advice ahead of Hogmanay

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.

STOP: Mum issues safety warning after toddler suffered 27% burns

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. 

Industry data suggests UK households are compromising on gas safety

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.”

Edinburgh electricians reveal the 10 most common electrical mistakes they see in homes

Leaving switches or outlets loosely connected is the most common electrical mistake seen by Edinburgh electricians

Edinburgh electricians have revealed the 10 most common electrical DIY mistakes they see in people’s homes, with some possibly leading to serious injuries or worse. 

Almost half (49%) of Brits have meddled with their home’s electrics, so ElectricalDirect, the specialist retailer of electrical products, asked hundreds of electricians to reveal the most common errors people make, and then rank them in terms of severity. 

These are the 10 most common electrical mistakes seen by Edinburgh electricians:

1. Leaving switches or outlets loosely connected

2. Installing electrical outlets close to water

3. Leaving plastic-sheathed cable unprotected

4. Installing cable without a clamp

5. Reversing hot and neutral wires

6. Installing lightbulbs near flammable materials

7. Over-stacking extension cords or electrical outlets

8. Recessing boxes behind the wall surface

9. Cutting wires too short

10. Handling electrical appliances or outlets with wet hands

The most dangerous mistake is not protecting plastic-sheathed cable. John McCallister, electrical expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, explains why this is problematic: “Leaving plastic-sheathed cables unprotected exposes them to snagging and cuts, which could lead to fires or lethal shocks. Running them through a conduit minimises this risk.” 

The 10 most dangerous electrical mistakes we make at home are: 

Second on the list is leaving switches or outlets loosely connected.  

John says: “Loose connections cause movement that can potentially disrupt the power supply or allow live wires to wiggle loose, exposing them to your fingers. This means that there’s a potential risk of electrocution or fire.”

 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, said: “Interest in DIY has massively increased over the last few years and while this is great to see, it’s important that people stay away from certain electrical jobs that can lead to injuries. 

“That’s why we consulted electricians from across the country to reveal the tasks which are best left to the professionals.” 

For more expert comments about why these 10 electrical mistakes are dangerous, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/blog/10-dangerous-electrical-diy-mistakes

DIY or DI-Why?

BAN THE BRAVADO: SCOTTISH HOMEOWNERS’ ‘HAVE A GO’ MENTALITY COULD BE PUTTING HOMES IN DANGER

  • More than a third of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt DIY in the home since lockdown
  • That is in spite of almost two thirds (65%) ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ or below
  • Almost three quarters of households in Scotland do their own DIY as opposed to calling in a professional – yet well over half (58%) admit to calling in a professional tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job; potentially costing thousands
  • In response, leading electrical certification body, NICEIC, is encouraging homeowners across the nation to ‘ban the bravado’ and go pro when it comes to electrical DIY in the home 

Whilst Scots may be known for their ‘have a go’ mentality, when it comes to safety in the home a can-do attitude may be putting UK homes and families in danger.

According to new research by NICEIC, the UK’s leading electrical certification body, more than more than a third (36%) of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt their own DIY in the home since the Coronavirus lockdowns – in spite of 65% of respondents ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ at best.

Lockdowns aside, almost three quarters (74%) of households in the country will attempt to do their own DIY in the home as opposed to using a professional; yet 58% admit to having to call in a tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job. Where a professional has been called in to rectify a DIY project which has gone wrong, over a third (35%) has ended up with a bill in excess of £500. A fifth (19%) wish they’d got a professional in to start with.

Ironically, a desire to save money is the main reason for those in Scotland carrying out DIY themselves (62%) – but well over a quarter (28%) still prefers to avoid having people in their home due to COVID-19.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK homeowners, also found that 53% of homeowners across the UK would be happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications – and it’s not just painting and decorating. Almost a quarter (24%) would dabble in general electricals, 51% in landscaping and 25% in plumbing.

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, said: “With so many Brits forced to stay home during the national lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, its unsurprising to see that so many UK homeowners are willing to get stuck in and ‘have a go’ when it comes to DIY.

“It is worrying, however, that so many are willing to do this in spite of having a clear lack of experience, qualifications or even ability – especially when it comes to home electrics.

“A botched electrical job can easily lead to hefty costs and further underlying issues that may not become noticeable until it’s too late, putting UK homes and families in danger.

“With well over half of Scottish homeowners admitting to calling out a professional when things go wrong, the message is clear – when it comes to electrics in the home, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical contractor such as those with the NICEIC; it could mean the difference between life and death.”  

And it would seem a reluctance to ask for help or a belief that ‘I can do it myself’ (55%) has led to over a quarter (27%) of the region’s homeowners waiting until the absolute worst-case scenario before calling a professional tradesperson to fix a botched DIY job in the home.

In fact, 11% of those surveyed admit to ‘Googling it’ and giving it a go when it comes to a DIY job they haven’t done before.

https://youtu.be/PEBC3tJBp1Y

Martyn Allen, Technical Director for Electrical Safety First, comments: “There is only so much that online videos can tell you. Even watching the better ones will not give you the knowledge or experience to carry out more complicated tasks.

“Ask yourself: ‘If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?’ If in any doubt, get a professional in – it could not only save you a lot of time and money in the long run, but could also avoid a serious electrical accident impacting you and your loved ones.”

To find your nearest NICEIC Certified Contractor, please visit NICEIC.

NINE STEPS TO A SAFER HOME TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL HOUSE FIRES

A campaign encouraging householders in Scotland to minimise the risk of a fire has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Latest figures show firefighters attended more than 450 accidental house fires in around one month last winter.

Sadly, during the same period, accidental house fires claimed the lives of seven people and resulted in 58 casualties.

The incidents happened between 7 December, 2020 and 11 January, 2021.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ali Perry is Head of Prevention and Protection at SFRS. He said: “Fire is a risk for everyone, but some people are more at risk than others.

“If you know someone who is over 50 and smokes, and who has either mobility issues or uses medical oxygen or lives alone, please arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit on their behalf.

“One death because of a fire in the home is one too many. Reaching out to those who are vulnerable can help save lives in our communities.”

A free online self-assessment on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s website is available to everyone in Scotland to find out how fire safe their property is.

On completion, participants can download a unique report about their home, which gives advice on how to rectify risks and problems. Since its launch last year, more than 2,000 reports have been downloaded.

There are nine steps to a safer home – as participants are asked to consider their use of smoke detectors, cooking in the kitchen, smoking and candles, electrics and heating, emollient creams, medical oxygen, air pressure mattress, night time routine and fire action plan.

DACO Perry said: “By walking through the nine steps you can massively reduce the risk of a fire in your house.

“Taking a few minutes to do the self-assessment and identify the hazards in your own home can help keep you and those around you safe.

“Colder months ahead this winter mean an increased use of heating and electricity combined with festive lights, trees, decorations, and candles –  all of these can heighten the risk of fire potentially taking hold within the home.

“If you can’t get online, then get in touch with us through your local station who will be more than happy to offer help and guidance.

“We want everyone to remember this winter, and the festive period, for all the right reasons.”

The Winter Safety section of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website has lots of information on how to heat your home safely during the colder months.

Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “Fire prevention is always much better than emergency response when it comes to safety in the home. As we reach the coldest and darkest part of the year, I would encourage everyone to follow the easy, but important steps laid out by SFRS that will help prevent fires.

“The free online safety assessment offered by SFRS is an important way to identify the hazards in your own home and please contact them direct if you think you, or any family and friends, might be at higher risk of fire.”

Please ‘Make the Call’ to SFRS to support those who are most at risk of fire. If you know of someone who needs a Home Fire Safety Visit get in touch by calling 0800 0731 999. Or text FIRE to 80800.

During a Home Fire Safety Visit SFRS staff will identify fire hazards and risks in the home, help plan escape routes and provide information about smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms.

SELECT President issues rogue trader alert

Campaign for regulation of electrical industry highlights dangers of sub-standard work

The President of Scotland’s largest trade association says regulation of the electrical industry is essential to prevent the “incompetent and downright dangerous” workmanship that its members encounter on a regular basis.

SELECT President Donald W Orr insists protection of title is the only answer to the faulty electrical work that costs Scotland around £120 million every year.

And he was supported by two professional electricians, who said they signed up to SELECT’s high-profile campaign for regulation after being regularly called upon to fix dangerous work carried out by rogue and unqualified tradespeople.

Mr Orr said: “The level of sub-standard electrical installations that we’re still seeing out there demonstrates that there is an overwhelmingly urgent need to protect the public from the activities of unscrupulous traders.

“We see incompetent and downright dangerous work on a regular basis and it could have tragic results if we don’t act now. Miscreants put the public at risk and tarnish the name of proper electricians and we must weed them out through regulation of the industry.”

Mr Orr’s warning was echoed by two new signatories to SELECT’s Wall of Support, which shows the growing groundswell of support for protection of title, and continues to attract new backing from organisations and politicians.

Jim Kerr of JK Electrical in Glasgow said: “Hardly a week goes where I don’t come across electrical work of extremely poor standard. I’ve seen some truly shocking installations and feel that the problem of unskilled personnel carrying out electrical work is worsening.

“It’s therefore absolutely essential that electricians be given protection of title.”

Another qualified electrical contractor, Brian McKenna, Director of Glasgow-based Enerlek, said: “Too often I have to fix electrical work that’s been installed dangerously and doesn’t conform to the regulations, putting people and premises at risk.

“The title of electrician must therefore be protected and regulated to ensure people are safe.”

Mr Orr also highlighted a recent case where a tradesperson in Wales was fined for signing off reports stating that the electrics in a domestic property were satisfactory. Subsequent investigation revealed that the wiring was 40 years old and unfit for purpose.

He added: “This case shows the very real danger that exists out there, and how unwitting consumers can be put in danger by unscrupulous tradespeople.

“People who falsely trade on the good name of electrical professionals are a serious danger to themselves, the public and the qualified personnel who are so often called upon to rectify their mistakes, and it’s high time they were stopped.”

SELECT’s campaign, run in partnership with the Scottish Joint Industry Board, the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust and Unite the Union, aims to make it an offence for someone to call themselves an electrician when they have no, or inadequate, qualifications.

The Scottish Government has set up an Electricians Working Group to explore the issue and two high-profile consultations on regulation have also taken place, both of which have overwhelmingly supported statutory regulation.

In Scotland, the need for qualified electricians has become more immediate as the deadline nears for the introduction of new legislation on alarms by the Scottish Government.

Mr Orr added: “Our campaign has attracted a massive groundswell of support but we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas.

“Electrotechnical work is extremely complex and it is of primary importance that the professionals who carry it out are fully trained, qualified and up to speed with the most recent developments and regulations which apply to the sector.”

Research carried out on behalf of SELECT in 2018 showed that faulty electrical installations account for 7.1% of all fires in Scotland, and damage caused to property by these fires costs around £9.6 million.

Not including the occasional major cost of catastrophic incidents, it calculated that the overall cost of faulty electrical work in Scotland is around £120 million every year.