We work hard to keep you safe in your home. While we make sure our buildings and services meet the highest safety standards, risks can come from everyday household items. Electrical appliances are one of the most common causes of home fires, which is why using them safely is so important.
We spoke with Andy Kennedy, our Assistant Director for Building and Customer Safety, about some simple steps we can all take to reduce risk and protect our homes.
Hi Andy, tell us why it’s important for everyone to think about appliance safety.
Electrical appliances – like kettles, toasters, washing machines, phone chargers, etc – are part of everyday life, but if not used safely, they can cause serious accidents. Simple steps like carrying out visual checks and using appliances correctly can make all the difference.
What should people look for when checking their appliances?
Look for frayed wires, scorch marks, cracked plugs or unusual noises or smells. If something doesn’t feel right, unplug the appliance straight away and get it checked or replaced.
How else can customers reduce risk?
Always buy products from reputable retailers, and avoid cheap, unbranded items online. Unsafe or counterfeit goods can look convincing but may not meet safety standards.
It’s also really important to register your appliances with the manufacturer or through www.registermyappliance.org.uk. That way, you’ll be contacted if there’s ever a safety recall.
Any final advice?
Small actions can prevent big risks – please don’t overload sockets or run appliances like washing machines when you’re asleep. It’s important to make sure you have working smoke alarms in place, and if it isn’t working, please contact us.
Five quick appliance safety tips:
- Check them regularly
- Only buy appliances from trusted, reputable retailers
- Register your appliances
- Use them safely – avoid using them when you’re out or asleep
- Test your smoke alarms monthly, contact us if it isn’t working
We work hard to keep you safe in your home. While we make sure our buildings and services meet the highest safety standards, risks can come from everyday household items. Electrical appliances are one of the most common causes of home fires, which is why using them safely is so important.
We spoke with Andy Kennedy, our Assistant Director for Building and Customer Safety, about some simple steps we can all take to reduce risk and protect our homes.
Hi Andy, tell us why it’s important for everyone to think about appliance safety.
Electrical appliances – like kettles, toasters, washing machines, phone chargers, etc – are part of everyday life, but if not used safely, they can cause serious accidents. Simple steps like carrying out visual checks and using appliances correctly can make all the difference.
What should people look for when checking their appliances?
Look for frayed wires, scorch marks, cracked plugs or unusual noises or smells. If something doesn’t feel right, unplug the appliance straight away and get it checked or replaced.
How else can customers reduce risk?
Always buy products from reputable retailers, and avoid cheap, unbranded items online. Unsafe or counterfeit goods can look convincing but may not meet safety standards.
It’s also really important to register your appliances with the manufacturer or through www.registermyappliance.org.uk. That way, you’ll be contacted if there’s ever a safety recall.
Any final advice?
Small actions can prevent big risks – please don’t overload sockets or run appliances like washing machines when you’re asleep. It’s important to make sure you have working smoke alarms in place, and if it isn’t working, please contact us.
Five quick appliance safety tips:
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