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New rules for electrical safety in the home

 

When do the new rules start?

From 1 January 2005, people carrying out electrical work in homes and gardens in England and Wales will have to follow the new rules in the Building Regulations.

Why have the new rules been introduced?

· To reduce the number of deaths, injuries and fires caused by faulty electrical installations.

· To make it harder for 'cowboy builders' to leave electrical installations in an unsafe condition.

What will happen if I do not follow the Building Regulations?

· The electrical installation might not be safe.

· You will have no record of the work done.

· You may have difficulty selling your home if you do not have the right electrical safety certificates.

· Your local authority's Building Control Department may insist that you put right faulty work.

ASC Electrical is NICEIC approved

Why should I use an installer such as ASC Electrical who is registered with a competent person scheme?

· Members of schemes can deal with all the new rules for you.
· Members are qualified to carry out electrical work.
· Members will give you a certificate to confirm their work follows the new rules.

NICEIC Certification Services Ltd
Phone: 0800 013 0900
Website: www.niceic.org.uk

 
 
 

 

Safety in the home - practical tips

· Don't forget a cover for your computer's surge protector
· Keep your video safe from your baby with a cover that prevents him posting things into the slot! Remember that babies 8 months and older really focus on what adults are doing
· Always switch off appliances after use when you are either inside or outside your home and remove the plug from the socket immediately
· Never touch a mains plugs supply or socket with wet hands - water and electricity don't mix
· Keep appliances out of the reach of children until they are able to use them safely
· Never allow a child to use an electric mower or other electrical gardening equipment
· Always use a residual current device (RCD) to power points serving your garden - these will cut off the circuit as a protection against electrocution in the event of an electrical fault
· Keep garden paths and patios free from trailing flexes to prevent little people from tripping over
· If you or your child does suffer from an electric shock - firstly, make sure you switch off electricity and remove the casualty from danger, then contact the emergency services www.eastbourne.gov.uk/Community/Health_Services

Teaching children electrical safety

The Electricity Association has educational advice on safety www.electricity.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=237 aimed at children aged 5-11 years.

The key messages for children are:
· Electricity in your home is safe if used properly. We use it every day, but remember it is very powerful.
· If you play with electricity or touch exposed wires, switches or equipment, with electricity flowing through them, you could suffer serious burns or injuries.
· An electric shock CAN KILL YOU. A small flow of electricity is enough to stop your heart

The Energy Networks Association Electricity Safety Outdoors www.energynetworks.org/education.asp website is aimed at young people aged 11-14 years, warning of the potential dangers of interfering with or playing too close to electrical equipment found outside the home.

  

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