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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NICEIC, the UK’s leading electrical certification body, has launched a campaign to warn consumers of the dangers of online DIY tutorials that could be encouraging them to tackle jobs they are not qualified for.
Platforms such as YouTube and TikTok have become virtual classrooms, where individuals seek guidance on a wide array of subjects.
With a staggering 122 million active users on YouTube per day[1] and 70% of those searching for “how-to” videos[2], many are turning to the internet for quick-fix solutions, in a bid to save time and money.
However, the new campaign launched by NICEIC, is warning that this surge in DIY tutorials could pose a serious threat to personal safety and is keen to warn homeowners against the dangers of dabbling in jobs that should be left to the professionals.
When it comes to electrics within the home, DIY attempts at repairs can have disastrous consequences. In a recent survey carried out by NICEIC, it found that 53% of Brits would be happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications and almost a fifth (18%) think asking for help is embarrassing or a sign of weakness.
According to recent data, there has also been a notable increase in electrical accidents caused by unqualified individuals attempting electrical repairs. These accidents range from minor shocks and burns to catastrophic fires and even fatalities. On average, 400 people are electrocuted in the home every year, resulting in about 200 deaths[3], a troubling trend that underscores the urgent need for proper education and change.
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC said: “With the accessibility of online tutorials at the touch of a button, it’s unsurprising that so many UK homeowners are willing to get stuck in and ‘have a go’ when it comes to DIY.
“However, nothing can replace the rigorous training and experience that certified businesses undergo. A botched electrical job attempted at home 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.
“Our stance is not to discourage individuals from learning and engaging with technology but rather to stress the importance of knowing one’s limits. Electrical work demands a deep understanding of the electrical installation and safety protocols that cannot be fully grasped through online videos.
“Ask yourself: ‘If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?’. If in any doubt, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical business such as those certified by NICEIC – 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.”
“Our online educational campaign around home electrics will raise awareness about the risks associated with DIY electrics and aims to influence homeowners’ behaviour at critical moments.”
To learn more about the campaign and watch the videos, visit niceic.com/dontdiy.
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.
With Child Safety Week just around the corner, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses – is reminding parents about the importance of having sufficient measures in place to ensure electrical safety in the home for the whole family.
Child Safety Week takes place from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 June 2023, with this year’s theme being, ‘Safety Made Simple’. ‘Safety Made Simple’ provides parents with the simple changes they can make to stop the scariest of accidents happening within the home. Offering easy solutions that can fit into busy routines, the theme acknowledges the dangers that youngsters face both inside and outside of the home.
In support, NICEIC says that there will be a proportion of the nation’s families who are unaware of the electrical dangers that can exist around the home; whilst for others, they may be aware but too busy to keep up with simple maintenance and vital periodic checks.
Ahead of Child Safety Week, Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, has provided some simple advice for families to stay safe within the home.
Paul says: “It’s no secret that electrical devices such as tablets and video games are becoming the chosen choice of entertainment for many children. As a result, many tech-savvy kids are unknowingly leaving themselves open to serious electrical dangers.
“Should devices such as these be handled incorrectly, especially by children, the consequences are frightening. That’s why we want to encourage parents to take on some simple checks and measures in order to safeguard their family in and around the home.
“All of these devices need to be plugged in at some point in the home and parents should not overlook the potential risks surrounding these. It’s vital that the socket-outlet is not overloaded, as this can increase the risk of a fire in the home.
“Other simple precautions that parents can take include keeping electrical cords out of reach, checking cables for damage, keeping appliances off when not in use and never leaving younger children unattended when using a device still connected to the mains.
“The charity Electrical Safety First has also done some fantastic work around highlighting the sale of dangerous goods via online marketplaces. We support in their message and urge parents to shop safely online and only buy goods from reputable retailers.”
With summer just around the corner, parents must not overlook the potential hazards playing in the garden may bring. The garden poses particular electrical safety risks due to the added potential for water and electricity to mix – especially with children dipping in and out of paddling pools.
Paul continues: “When using electrical equipment outside, it’s important to make sure all electrical appliances are using a residual current device (RCD). An RCD is a safety device that automatically turns off electricity if a fault has been discovered.
“Another important tip that may be surprising to parents is to not rely on plastic plug in socket covers. Regular sockets, that comply with British safety standards, have a built-in protection mechanism already and socket covers will not prevent electric shock if the installation is not safe.”
Crucially, NICEIC recommends that any electrical work in the home should be conducted by a certified business, such as those listed with the NICEIC, as even the seemingly simplest of jobs can be incredibly dangerous if not installed properly.
Discussing the importance of child safety at home, Rory Carroll from the UK’s leading charity Electrical Safety First comments: “In the UK, online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Wish are not obliged to obey by the same laws as traditional retailers. So large numbers of dangerous electrical products are being sold to unknowing customers.
“As these possibly contain sub-standard or non-compliant parts, they can pose a serious risk of fire or electric shock. We want to ensure everyone stays safe within the home and urge you to only purchase from reputable retailers.
“If you are unsure about any areas of electrical safety inside or outside, we have various resources available on our Safety Around the Home hub and more information is available at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.”
For further information or to search for your nearest NICEIC Certified business visit www.niceic.com.
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.
ELECTRICAL BODY ISSUES ‘THE 12 SAFETY TIPS OF CHRISTMAS’
As we move through the festive period and the echoes of Christmas cheer begin to spread, it’s that time when homeowners dust off their Christmas decorations and set themselves to untangling dazzling arrays of fairy lights. Yet many householders fail to recognise the lurking dangers that can stem from seasonal décor.
Whilst the 2022 Yuletide may be less elaborate than recent years, there is sound advice at hand for those still decking out their homes to brighten the December nights.
NICEIC, the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses, provides here its 12 tips for keeping safe this Christmas.
After months of being stored away, Christmas lights can easily get damaged. Check your Christmas lights thoroughly to ensure they are not broken or damaged before use
Use only replacement bulbs (lamps) of the same type and rating as those originally supplied
Always switch lights off before you go to bed or go out
Do not be tempted to keep them on too long as they can overheat
Keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily
Avoid using extension leads or adapters wherever possible
Never attempt to repair lights by using tape
Avoid tampering with lights to string sets together
Check the wiring of the plug and make sure no bare wires are visible
Only use outdoor lights that have been specifically designed to be used outdoors. If you are unsure, check the manufacturers’ instructions
All outside sockets must be RCD protected for safety. An RCD (residual current device) works by switching off the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is damaged
We would advise that any fixed or permanent outside lighting should be installed by a certified electrical installer to ensure it complies with the appropriate safety standards
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services for NICEIC, comments: “Faced with soaring energy prices, 54% of Brits unsurprisingly have admitted to playing down their illuminations this year and some local authorities have opted for dimming municipal lights, or culling them entirely.
“But as the countdown to Christmas begins, we will still no doubt enter that prime time for electrical catastrophes when wiring has degraded while in storage, socket outlets get overloaded, or homeowners riskily explore creative ways to illuminate their outdoor areas.
“Our message is simple: deck the halls without the folly. Carry out our basic safety checks and be sensible when using electricity around the home; but always call in the professionals if you need any new socket-outlets installed or rewiring carried out.”
With the summer bank holiday due, we can expect to see that traditional spike in home improvement activity. In anticipation of this, the UK’s leading electrical certification body is cautioning homeowners against dabbling in dangerous electrical DIY.
According to research by NICEIC, more than three quarters (76%) of British households will attempt to do their own DIY in the home as opposed to using a professional; and that is in spite of 60% of respondents ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ at best.
As a result of this, almost two thirds (64%) 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, almost one quarter of respondents (24%) have ended up with a bill in excess of £1,000 – but this has even exceeded £25,000 in some cases. Over a fifth (21%) wish they’d got a professional in to start with.
Ironically, a desire to save money is the main reason for Brits carrying out DIY themselves (69%) but 53% admitted to being happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications.
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, comments: “With the cost of living at unprecedented levels, it is hardly surprising to see that so many UK homeowners are willing to have a go when it comes to DIY as a way of saving money.
“However, 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.
Martyn Allen, Technical Director for Electrical Safety First, adds: “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.”
Paul continues: “With almost two thirds of people 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.”
To find your nearest NICEIC Certified Contractor, visit NICEIC.
What do I need to know in terms of electrics when fitting new lights in the garden?
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, answers:
“When fitting new lights in the garden, it is vital that all work completed is done in accordance with the latest Electrical Regulations (BS 7671) to guarantee maximum safety. As the lights are being fitted outside, there is the added risk of adverse weather – this increases the risk of injury from an electric shock when handling outdoor electrical equipment.
“Outdoor lighting is at the top of the list for garden installations, with 51% saying they planned to install lighting to their garden last year. Speak to your local NICEIC certified electrical contractor before any outdoor light fixtures are fitted as they can advise the safe and appropriate steps that need to be taken to ensure the work is carried out to the highest standard.
“Should you employ their services, they will also be able to take care of the appropriate notification to the local building control body (if required) and issue certification once the work is completed.
“You can also speak to your local NICEIC certified contractor about carrying out an electrical inspection, especially if you have any concerns regarding the electrics in your garden.
“Following this inspection, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that will highlight damage, defects or dangerous conditions in your garden.
“You can search for an NICEIC certified contractor in your area by simply visiting niceic.com and typing in your postcode – but do make sure you get quotes from at least three different NICEIC certified contractors before agreeing to carry out any work.”
With Child Safety Week coming up, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical contractors – is reminding parents about the importance of having appropriate measures in place to ensure electrical safety in the home for the whole family.
Child Safety Week takes place from Monday 6 to Sunday 12 June 2022, with this year’s theme designed to make sure busy families have the ‘safety in mind’ that really matters, especially when under pressure.
‘Safety in mind’ places a focus on the array of dangers that youngsters face both inside and outside of the home, covering areas such as choking hazards, swallowing button batteries, fire safety and walking near busy roads.
In support, NICEIC says that there will be a proportion of the nation’s families who are unaware of the dangers that can exist around the home; whilst for others, they may be aware but too busy to keep up with simple maintenance and vital periodic checks.
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, comments: “We can all fall victim to having endless to-do lists, especially when it comes to the upkeep of one’s home. But when it comes to home safety, there are simple checks and measures which we would encourage parents to move up to the very top of their “must do” list in order to safeguard their children in and around the home.
“In terms of using electrical equipment safely in the home, it’s about taking sensible precautions; for example, keeping electrical cords out of reach, keeping appliances off when not in use and never leaving a child unattended when using a device still connected to the mains. Obviously, water and electrics don’t mix; so all drinks should be kept away from anything electrical and children must be dried thoroughly before being exposed to any light switches or nearby devices.”
With the digital age coming into its own and children seeking entertainment via tablets, phones and consoles, NICEIC urges parents not to overlook the potential risks around using these types of electrical devices. All of these need to be plugged into an electrical socket at some point or another and it’s important to always ensure that the socket or an adapter is not overloaded, as this can increase the risk of a fire in the home.
Paul continues: “Parents must not forget the hazards outside of the home too. The garden poses particular electrical safety risks thanks to the added potential for water and electricity to mix – especially with children dipping in and out of paddling pools.
“When using electrical equipment outside, it’s important to make sure all electrical appliances are using a residual current device (RCD). An RCD is a safety device that automatically turns off electricity if a fault has been discovered. This will help protect children and all family members against the dangers of electrocution and fire which can be caused by earth faults.
“Another important tip that may be surprising to parents is to not rely on plug socket covers. Regular sockets, that comply with British safety standards, have a built in protection mechanism already and socket covers will not prevent electric shock if the installation is not safe.”
Crucially, NICEIC recommends that any electrical work in the home should be conducted by a qualified, certified professional, such as those listed with the NICEIC, as even the seemingly simplest of jobs can be incredibly dangerous if not installed properly.
If parents are unsure about any areas of electrical safety inside or outside of the home, a wealth of information is available from Electrical Safety First, the UK’s leading charity on electrical safety.
Parents can also contact their local NICEIC certified electrical contractor for help and advice. Local NICEIC certified contractors can be searched for by visiting NICEIC.com.
Child Safety Week 2022 – safety in mind
The Children’s Burns Trust is once again partnering with the Child Accident Prevention Trust for Child Safety Week 2022.
Child Safety Week is an annual community education campaign run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide. CAPT’s aim is to help families build confidence and skills in managing risks to children’s safety, and for all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm.
This year’s Child Safety Week runs from Monday 6th June to Sunday 12th June 2022 and the theme is ‘safety in mind’.
The Children’s Burns Trust, whose work is focused on three core areas – prevention being one – understand first-hand how raising awareness of the dangers everyday items can pose to children really does help reduce the number of burns and scalds that occur each year.
This year, as part of Child Safety Week 2022, Children’s Burns Trust and CAPT are joining forces on a dedicated day during the week-long event to focus on raising awareness of the risks that lead to children being burned – specifically those relating to hot drink spills.
Instagram Live Event
On Thursday 9th June, the charity will be enhancing the Child Safety Week programme with an Instagram Live event on the subject of burn prevention and first aid.
The free online event, which begins at 1pm on Instagram Live, is aimed at parents, carers, grandparents, childcare professionals, teachers, health and social care professionals, and anyone with an interest in child safety.
Expert speakers, including specialists from NHS Burns Services, will share with the Instagram Live audience how they can prevent an injury from happening and the right First Aid to administer if an accident does occur.
To join the Instagram Live on Thursday 9th June at 1pm simply follow @ChildrensBurnsTrust and @CAPT_Charity on Instagram for updates and to watch on the day.
