Articles related to electrical equipment safety tips mainly around portable appliance testing

12 Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances so often (number 8 may shock you!)

Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances One of the biggest problems in any workplace is the use of portable electrical equipment. Referred to as portable appliances, electrical equipment fitted with a plug presents a high risk of becoming damaged and thus dangerous.  Portable appliances include any electrical appliances that can be plugged in and include computers, kettles, toasters, heaters, hair driers, power tools, etc. Considered the main problem with portable appliances is that they have a flexible insulated electric cable, which is used to connect it to the plug and aid its movement, that can easily become damaged. Additionally not all cables are secured to the appliance, and are plugged into it themselves. 12 Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances A high proportion of electric shock accidents in the workplace involve portable appliances. Here are just a few reasons for this: Using inappropriate equipment for the job Using inappropriate equipment for the environment Overloading extension leads Adding to or ‘daisy chaining’ extension leads, potentially overloading them  Misuse of appliances, such as running cables under carpets and furniture, where the insulation can become damaged Using the flex to pull the plug out [...]

2021-10-11T12:11:26+00:00Safety tips|

6 ways to avoid an electrical fire and to prevent your workplace burning down

6 ways to avoid an electrical fire Don't leave washing machines, tumble driers and dishwashers running when you're out or asleep Don't leave portable heaters switched on and unattended Don't overload sockets with too many plugs Register your electrical products and check for recalls Always follow the manufacturers guidance when using appliances Don't buy fake electrical goods or cheap imports Don't use damaged electrical appliances DRA PAT testing specialise in appliance testing; contact us today for a PAT Testing quote

2020-10-01T14:28:17+00:00Safety tips|

Socket safety – why do we use socket covers when they’re not needed?

Please don't use these electric socket covers These plastic 'socket protectors' or 'socket protective covers' are not made to any British Standard and the pin dimensions tend not to comply with BS1363, which often results in internal damage to the socket outlet contacts or their own pins braking off and getting stuck in the socket. For this reason they are not recommend. But also for this reason, the PAT engineer needs to check every socket in your property to make sure they are not damaged, including that no pins are stuck in. How many sockets in your school, nursery or home have those little flat white 'covers' stuck in them? Parents and teachers plug them in to electric sockets because they think they'll make the socket safer to children. However, in reality - they're actually really dangerous, pose a fire risk and increase the chances of a user getting an electric shock! When was the last time you tried to pull one out? They're actually really hard to get out, not only that you find yourself reaching for something thin like a screwdriver or knife to force them out, risking [...]

2022-03-07T11:41:04+00:00Safety tips, Schools|

8 Top Tips to prevent an electrical accident – you’ll get a shock if you do number 4

8 Top Tips to prevent an electrical accident Don't use an appliance if you don't know how to Don't repair an appliance that is plugged in Turn off the power before attempting work on the mains supply Don't work in damp environments or with wet hands Don't place flexible cables under carpets where they can deteriorate unseen Don't use an appliance where wires can be seen through the flexible cable Replace damaged cables with new cable; don't repair with insulating tape Get appliances testing regularly by a competent PAT Tester

2020-05-06T12:00:01+00:00Safety tips|

9 handy tips to avoid an electrical fire – number 6 will affect most of us

9 handy tips to avoid an electrical fire Almost half of all domestic fires are caused by electricity; there were over 20,000 electrical fires in 2011; there are 70 deaths and 350 injuries every year as a result of electrical fires. The most common causes of electrical fires are: Faulty appliances Misused appliances Overheated appliances Tips for Avoiding an Electrical Fire Ask your landlord for an electrical installation condition report if you live in a rented home Ensure your electrical supply meets the UK standard BS 7671 Check sockets, plugs and flexible cables regularly for signs of wear and tear Check your electrical appliances are compatible with UK socket outlets Remember to unplug appliances that could overheat and cause a fire when not in use, such as hair straighteners, irons and portable radiators Don't use cheaper 'fake' versions of popular appliances, like phone chargers - they are an increased risk of overheating Don't overload multi socket adaptors and extensions If you smell burning but can't find a fire - call the Fire Brigade for help - it could mean an appliance is faulty and overheating - acting fast may help avoid further damage Get workplace equipment PAT tested to [...]

2020-05-06T11:58:39+00:00Safety tips|

Product recalls are being ignored

More than 4 million household appliances have been recalled by manufacturers in the past four years with faults that include a risk of fire or electric shock, and yet the majority may still be in UK homes. The findings are reported in a study published by Electrical Safety First. Since the start of 2011, 228 different electrical products have been recalled– including seven types of fridge, four washing machines and seven hairdryers – yet typically only 10% to 20% of recalled products are ever returned or repaired. Underestimating the risks posed by recalled products is a major factor in the low recall success rate. Many people surveyed by Electrical Safety First said they associated recalls with ‘annoying faults’ rather than safety, and 2.6 million UK adults say they have knowingly ignored a recall notice. The Charity wants to raise awareness of the risk of ignoring a recall notice after it found that 77% of people would be more likely to respond if they understood the potential dangers. Electrical Safety First is also keen to stress that whilst there have been a number of high profile fires involving kitchen ‘white goods’ in the past year, smaller items can also pose [...]

2021-09-07T14:03:36+00:00Safety notices, Safety tips|

10 Top Electrical Safety Tips

10 Top Electrical Safety Tips You may think the dangers of electricity are obvious; but you'll be surprised how many people don't know These are our 10 Top electrical safety tips to help you stay safe, to keep your staff and customers safe at work, and to avoid electrical fires and accidents. Make sure you turn off electrical appliances when they're not in use. Before leaving work at night, make it a routine to check that all electrical devices not in use are properly shut off. Never ever overload sockets. You shouldn't use more than one plug in every socket. If you have to use an adapter make sure it's the type that has a fuse. The total output of all plugs in the adapter should be no more than the specified rating (usually 13 amps). Add a residual current device (RCD) which is an easy way to cut off power and prevent shocks, especially if you are working outdoors Reguarly check the condition of plugs and sockets. You should pay attention to any burnt or frayed wires on appliances. It's best to get the services of an electrician to fix such problems Never ever allow electric wires or [...]

2021-10-11T11:55:31+00:00Safety tips|
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