news from: Electrical Safety First


Charity issues winter warning as energy crisis set to see spike in portable electric heater use


Concerns around the cost of energy are set to see a spike in portable electric heater use this winter, prompting a safety warning to the nation, says Electrical Safety First


W


ith household energy bills expected to soar, consumers are


turning towards cheaper alternatives to heat their homes, with portable electric heaters a popular alternative. A survey of more than 3,000 adults in the UK commissioned by consumer safety charity, Electrical Safety First, found that 77% of respondents were either very or fairly concerned about rising energy costs when it comes to heating their home this winter. Of those, 43% are considering using an electrical


heater to heat a single room in their home due to worries about the cost of running central heating. However, the charity is warning consumers


to be cautious when using portable heaters, as they can pose a significant fire risk when used incorrectly.


Although heaters are more commonly used in the winter the charity has discovered more than 30% of people set to use one this year have not done so before, making this choice due to their


Register now for ESF’s Electrical Product Safety Conference E


lectrical Safety First’s 13th annual product safety conference, The Connected Consumer, is set to attract experts from Government, industry, enforcement


bodies – and beyond. The charity’s aim is to explore the connected consumer from the key perspectives of sustainability,


designing for inclusivity, and the evolving legislative context. The conference runs over two mornings – Wednesday, November 24 and Thursday, November 25 –


from 9am to midday. The keynote address, taking place at 9.30am on November 24, is being delivered by Paul Scully,


Minister for London and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets). Mr Scully will take a look at what’s going on in Government in terms of product safety, as well as


opportunities and challenges posed post UK exit from the European Union. The conference is online and free to attend; to register visit https://hopin.com/events/electrical- product-safety-conference-2021.


concerns around the rising cost of central heating. Electric Safety First estimates this increase


in use could see more than five million more consumers using electric heaters this winter than in previous years.


‘‘ Consumers should always


follow the manufacturer’s instructions


Of those surveyed, one in ten admit to having used their electric heater to dry their clothes, posing a serious risk of fire. Portable heaters should never be covered or obstructed by clothing or and kept at a safe distance from fabric. Worryingly, a similar number admit to leaving their electric heater switched on overnight whilst sleeping. Although not inherently dangerous to use, the


charity is urging the public to be safe this winter when using plug in electric heaters and to avoid misusing them. Electric heaters will typically heat a small


room in a short period of time, but they are not designed to be permanent fixtures in the home and should always be plugged directly into a mains socket outlet. Of those surveyed who currently own an electric heater, one in six admitted they connect it with an extension lead, increasing the risk of a domestic fire. Lesley Rudd, chief Executive of Electrical Safety


First, said: “Consumer concerns about rising energy prices are pushing people towards alternative ways of heating their homes but we are urging people to be cautious this winter if they are using electric heaters. “Although they can be seen as a more economical way to keep warm, if used incorrectly they could cause a fire, damaging property and possessions, and present a risk of serious injury or even death. So, if you are buying a portable heater this year, make sure you buy from a retailer that you know and trust and consumers should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”


12 | www.ierdaily.co.uk November 2021


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