FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Pat Labels Online explores the worrying statistics that those over 60 are more at risk of electrical fires, especially during winter.
AN AGEING PROBLEM
With an ageing population the UK faces a range of challenges, relating to the economy, public services and the growing dependency on people of a working age.
A study carried out by the UK charity Electrical Safety First found that if you are aged over 60, you are 10 times more likely to die in a house fire than if you are aged between 17 and 24. The research also revealed that over a four year period around 4,200 people aged over 65 in the UK were injured from electrical fires.
With the colder winter months approaching, and with an increase in the use of portable electrical heaters, paying attention to electrical safety in the home is paramount.
Phil Buckle, director of Electrical Safety First commented: 'Half of all accidental fires are caused by misuse, so they are preventable. As a result, the charity is spearheading a campaign with fire brigades nationwide to get
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loved ones and neighbours to help older people stay safe'
Any Reynolds, lead offer for Electrical Fire Safety for the Chief Fire Officers Association, said: “I would urge people who are visiting older people to take the time to check sockets aren't overloaded and to raise any concerns they may have with the householder so we can try to reduce the number of needless fires and help keep people safer in their homes.”
Will Best, Director at Pat Labels Online, UK supplier of Health & Safety Labels commented: “Here at Pat Labels Online, we serve thousands of PAT testers and electrical contractors who are passionate about electrical safety, in both homes and workplaces. The importance of understanding and applying electrical best practice and safety cannot be underestimated, not only in your own home, but the homes of both family and friends, especially those who are older.”
www.patlabelsonline.co.uk
The Pat Labels Online team have compiled a list of top winter, electrical fire tips:
• Ensure that chimneys and vents are professionally cleaned every year.
• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container away from your home or buildings.
• Plug only one heating appliance into a socket at a time.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a heat source.
• Never use extension cords with electrical heaters.
• Turn off portable heaters when leaving a room and sleeping.
• Place a glass or metal screen in front of any open fires.
• Take care when cooking.
• Avoid cooking when tired or having consumed alcohol.
www.tomorrowshs.com
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