5 Electrical Safety Tips
Many people underestimate the danger of electricity and the risks it imposes on those using it. Whilst it may appear to be a non-threatening part of your everyday life, it can in fact have a huge negative impact if not used correctly or in a dangerous situation.
To ensure all risks are minimised and the chances of injury are significantly slim, here are 5 electrical safety tips to consider:
1. Electrical Faults
Faults are quite a common problem in electrical products, however they should not appear early in the life of the product if it is treated as expected.
Testing will highlight any probable faults that may begin to appear, from the electrical testing, changes to the product can be made to make it safer.
Electrical appliances should be serviced every 12 months; this will reduce the chances of any faults developing.
2. Safety Standards
All electrical products must meet safety guidelines to be sold and used within the EU. For a product to meet these standards they must be put through rigorous testing – this allows consumers to feel comfortable when purchasing and using the products.
Testing often comes in the form of CE certification companies– all products sold within the EU must be CE Marked, this confirms the verification by a manufacturer that the product meets the EU safety, health and environmental standards.
3. Testing
To obtain CE Certification to sell electrical products within the EU, in depth testing must be carried out. Electrical experts will consider the risks from such products – this will include wiring issues, power voltage, circulation of power, and other risks including overheating etc.
Such testing will allow experts to remove dangerous problems or advise consumers on possible safety guidelines.
4. Improper Use
One of the biggest dangers surrounding electrical products is improper use. All electrical appliances will come with strict instruction booklets – this is something that should be followed with care.
If the electrical product is not used as intended, it can result in injury or even fatalities.
5. Safety Guidelines
When using electrical products, it is advised that you should use your common sense to reduce the risks associated with them.
You should never use electrical appliances near water as this can be extremely dangerous. Keep all electrical items well away from where liquids may be stored or used.
It is advised that electrical items should not be used in the bathroom as this can be highly dangerous. As the bathroom tends to be an area associated with liquid – using electrical products in this environment can lead to injuries occurring.
To avoid unnecessary accidents – it is advised that all wires should be kept secure to avoid people tripping over them. Avoid having wires lifted off the ground or located across a room – if the wiring does need to be spread across a room, fix it to the ground and ensure warnings are made clear.
Another common danger associated to electrical products is the fire hazard. When electrical appliances are left switched on for longer than advised, they are at an increased risk of overheating and generating a fire. Users should also avoid overloading plug sockets with electrical devices as this can also be a fire hazard.
Kerry Moloney understands the importance of ensuring electrical appliances are safe for sale in the EU. Getting the product CE Marked allows the consumer to know it is safe to use.