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Safety tips for electricity

Using electricity safely is a combination of using your common sense and knowing where the potential dangers are and how to minimise them. Here are some essential safety tips.

  • Kitchen
  • Bathrooms and Laundry
  • Hot water safety
  • Keeping your appliances safe
  • Being safe with electricity outside
  • Overhead powerlines
  • Safety checklist
  • Kitchen  
    • Don't let pan handles or electrical cords hang over the edge of your stove, where children can reach them.
    • Keep your stove top clear of everything except cooking utensils.
    • Never run a cord over your stove top.
    • Don't leave cords and appliances near wet areas.
    • Never fill your kettle while it's plugged in.
    • Dry your hands before touching power points (this applies wherever you are in the house).
    • If toast gets stuck in your toaster, unplug it before trying to get the toast out.

    Bathrooms and laundry  
    • Don't use extension cords in the bathroom or laundry.
    • Keep appliances away from wet areas.
    • Heaters and heated towel rails should be permanently wired by a registered electrician.
    • Clean your dryer's dust filter regularly to remove the risk of fire.

    Hot water safety  
    • Even the recommended temperature of 50 - 55ÂșC can cause burns. Always treat hot water with extreme care.
    • Install a hot water mixing valve to control the temperature of your tap water.
    • Make sure taps are clearly marked hot and cold.
    • Always run the cold water first when running a bath, then add the hot water.
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    Keeping your appliances safe  
    • Replace damaged plugs or frayed cords immediately.
    • If an appliance begins to smoke, you notice a burning smell or you get a slight shock, switch it off at the wall immediately and either replace it or seek advice from a registered electrician.
    • Don't overload your power points. If you need more power points, contact a registered electrician to have them installed or make sure you have a multi-plug board with a built in overload switch.

    Being safe with electricity outside  
    • Only use one-piece extension cords. Never, ever plug two cords together.
    • Don't use electric mowers or hedge clippers in the rain or after heavy dew.
    • When using a mower or clipper, keep the power cord clear of the area you are working in.
    • When working outside, use a Safety Switch (Residual Current Device) or an isolating transformer. The Safety Switch automatically disconnects the circuit if there is a leakage to earth and the possibility of an electric shock.

    Overhead powerlines  
    • Keep extension ladders, boat masts and window washing equipment away from power lines.
    • Never climb anywhere near power lines.

    Safety checklist  

    If you answer 'No' to any of these questions, either fix the problem or contact your electrician immediately.

    1. Do you have enough power points in your business, eliminating the need for overloaded multi-plugs?
    2. Are your power points in good condition?
    3. Are all power points firmly attached to the wall?
    4. Are all your plugs in good condition?
    5. Are all the cords and connections to the plug in good condition?
    6. Are all the power points in any kitchens placed in such a way that you don't have to reach over toasters, kettles or ovens?
    7. Are all your appliances in good condition?

    Who to call

    If you have any questions about electricity safety, please call our Dedicated Business Team on 0800 20 18 20.

    Safety in your business
    Power for medical reasons
    Safety tips for electricity
    Safety tips for gas
    Renovations and alterations
    What to do in an emergency