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Please note: This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!
Just because there is no flame does not mean there is no risk from electricity
Electric wires do not even have to touch anything for a spark to jump and a fire to start.
| Danger signs - what to check for |
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Safety tip: Turn off and unplug electrical appliances when they are not being used, unless they are designed to be left on (for example, freezers and dvd/video recorders).
- Watch out for hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no reason, flickering lights, and scorch marks on sockets or plugs.
- Check electrical leads and plugs for wear and tear and faulty wiring. Frayed leads or exposed internal wires are fire risks.
- Do not overload sockets – use one plug in each socket.
- Keep electrical leads, plugs and appliances away from water.
- Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order, and have them serviced regularly. This is especially important for washing machines and tumble dryers that may be left
on overnight.
- Never buy an electrical appliance without knowing it is safe to use. New appliances should have the British or European safety mark on it. If the appliance is second-hand, always have it
checked by a qualified electrician before you use it.
- Prevent overheating by using the right fuse
- Throw away and replace damaged cables
- Never use tape to mend or join cables
- Never run cables under mats or carpets where you cannot see wear and tear
- Do not overload sockets
- Wire plugs carefully
- Never cut sealed plugs off to use them again
Do not take chances with electricity
If you have any concerns, consult a qualified electrician
Don’t take risks.
There is no such thing as a safe fire. It’s better for you to prevent fire than to fight it. Tackling fire is a job best left to professional firefighters.
Further information
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Electrical safety
www.communities.gov.uk
Provided by the CLG
The Electrical safety leaflet is available as PDF in the following languages:
Bengali, Chinese, English, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh
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Community Fire Safety
01743 260 260 The above information is provided by the Government's Fire Kills leaflet on Electrical Safety
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