Using electrics and appliances
Plugs and cables
- Unplug electrical appliances when you’re not using them.
- Don’t overload sockets – use one plug in each socket.
- Don’t put cables under carpets or mats.
- Make sure that the plug has the correct fuse for the appliance.
- If you have to use an adaptor, use a ‘bartype’ one with a fuse
and keep the totaloutput of all plugs in the adaptor to no
more than 13 amps. A kettle alone uses 13 amps.
- Check for signs of loose wiring andfaulty plugs or sockets (such as scorch marks or flickering lights),
and have any problems you find fixed. Replace any worn or taped-up cables and leads.
Electric blankets
- Don’t fold electric blankets. Protect the wiring inside them by storing them flat
or rolled up.
- Don’t leave an electric blanket switched on all night, unless it is thermostatically
controlled so it can be used all night.
- Electric blankets should carry the British Standard Kitemark and the British
- Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) symbol on them.
Portable heaters
- Always position heaters so the back is against a wall and
they’re facing the room. If possible, secure them to the
wall to prevent them from falling over.
- Don’t place heaters near curtains or furnishings, and never
use them for drying clothes.
- Switch heaters off if you’re not in
the room, and also when
you go to bed.
Lights
- As light bulbs get hot, don’t place them near curtains and other fabrics.
Furniture
- Check that your furniture has the permanent fire-resistant label.
Gas appliances
- Every year about 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and
flues which have not been properly installed or maintained. You can’t see, taste or even smell carbon
monoxide but it can kill you without warning in a matter of hours. You should have gas appliances
safety-checked by a Confederation for the Registration of Gas Installers (CORGI) registered installer
at least every 12 months.