The end of the festive period is one of the best times to have a close look at fire safety at home and in the workplace. There’s a good chance you’ll have some new electricals to use, but that can create risks. We want to have a look here at some of the most important tips to prevent electrical fires. So, read on and remember you can contact us if you want help with fire protection in Saltburn and other areas.
Are they safe to use?
Easily the most important thing you must do is check to make sure you’re using safe electrical items. It’s easier than ever to buy all kinds of products thanks to online shopping. However, it means a higher risk of purchasing fake, unsafe items. Whenever you deal with a third party seller, you can’t guarantee where the product comes from. It could be dangerous and non-compliant with UK safety laws.
The best thing to do is ensure you buy from reputable retailers. If you want to maximise safety, go to a brick and mortar high street retailer; by law they have to ensure the products they sell are safe and compliant. If you want to shop online, it’s recommended to buy from a retailer’s website. However, if you do want to shop on an online marketplace, make sure you check the individual seller is reputable.
Finally, make sure you check the products before you start using them. There are a couple of key things to look for, including UKCA and CE marks. Information about the manufacturer should be available, and there should be a serial number. Plus, in the UK products must come with instructions, even if they are basic. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or issues with the packaging; that’s a good way to spot a fake, potentially dangerous product.
Sockets
One thing we know from our years of offering fire protection in Saltburn is incorrectly using sockets is a major hazard. This is true in homes, workplaces, and other buildings.
The problem is it’s easy to overload sockets without meaning to. Using extension cables is convenient and allows you to plug in more products, but you could be overloading the socket. What you should do is carefully check each electrical product and see how much energy it pulls. Make sure it isn’t more than a socket can handle. Additionally, avoid plugging extensions into each other.
Unplugging
We all tend to leave electricals plugged in for convenience. However, you could be risking an electrical fire if you are leaving them overnight. A lot of products aren’t designed for it. Plus, you’re likely wasting a large amount of energy. The best thing to do is get into the habit of turning plugs off. If possible, unplug everything so appliances are fully disconnected.
Charging
Arguably the biggest fire risk in homes at the moment is charging lithium ion batteries. They’ve become a leading cause of fires. The problem is a lot of people leave them to charge overnight, including phones, tablets, laptops, and batteries for electric scooters and bikes. This means you’re taking a huge risk, potentially putting far more strain on the batteries than is necessary. The best thing to do is charge before you go to sleep.
Speak to us about fire protection in Saltburn and other areas.
ABC Fire Safety & Security appreciates it can be tricky to keep on top of everything. It’s easy to leave electricals charging or plugged in. Plus, we all love a bargain. But, is it worth risking a fatal fire?
If you have concerns about fires, you can rely on us to offer professional services. We can help to maximise fire protection in Saltburn and other areas, supporting landlords, business owners, and more. Whether it is a full risk assessment, inspecting fire doors, supplying and installing alarms, or dealing with fire extinguishers, we can handle key elements of fire safety.
So, get in touch today if you need any help.
