Take My Advice

In the news

This week in the news, a survey commissioned by the?charity, Electrical Safety First published results which showed, ' A fifth (22%) of people who were surveyed have bought an electric heater, amidst the rising fuel costs, (Source ITV) (Source Electrical Safety First).

Whilst this may seem an obvious cost-saving exercise, it may not be and if you aren't careful they can cause fires.

When I spoke to our Fire safety expert Tom Stallard MIFSM CFPA.Dip, Head of Fire Services?within Ligtas gave this invaluable advice on electric heaters which may well save your life!

Electric heaters

Electric heaters are a frequently used appliance during the colder months and can be a helpful way to stay warm. However, when heater fires occur, they can be devastating.

Warm and toasty

Electrical heaters can be a great way to keep warm – especially if you only want to warm up one room. However, they should be used with care. This winter, more people are expected to use electric heaters, particularly those living alone, in an attempt to avoid paying high energy bills.

Figures show that over the past five years, more than 800 fires were caused by electrical heaters in London alone

Tragically, a third of electrical fires that resulted in a fatality involved heaters.

Causes

There are many reasons fires start, but fires involving heaters seem to have a particularly high fatality rate. This might be because of the circumstances they start in:

Fires typically start when bedding, blankets, or clothes are placed too close to heaters.

People with mobility issues are especially at risk of tripping or falling onto a heater – placing them at a safe distance is more important.

Some kinds of heaters also present a carbon monoxide risk which can be fatal. It can make you drowsy and less able to escape. That's why it's so important to always fit a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with solid fuel, gas, or paraffin heaters.

More fires seem to occur when it's colder

Tips for using heaters safely:

• Make sure heaters are well-maintained and in good working order
• Check that your heater isn't on a recall list – there have been many fires in the past year connected to heaters that have been recalled
• Never install repair or service appliances yourself. Make sure anyone who does is registered with the Gas Safe Register (for gas appliances), the Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) (for solid fuel appliances), or the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) (for oil appliances)
• Don't take risks with old heaters – if it's electrical and getting older, get it tested by a qualified electrician or buy a new one
• Where appropriate, secure heaters against a wall to stop them from falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters
• Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains, and furniture, and never use them for drying clothes
• Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair
• Before attempting to move your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first
• Never leave electric heaters unattended or on overnight
• Plug them directly into the mains wall socket and avoid using an extension lead

Don’t take risks with old heaters. If in doubt, get them tested by a qualified electrician or buy a new one

Colder months

Electric heaters are a frequently used appliance during the colder months and can be a helpful way to stay warm. Over the course of this year, domestic energy bills have risen dramatically, putting households under much bigger financial strains when it comes to heating their home.

With bills set to increase again before the end of the year, members of the public, especially those who have not traditionally turned to electric heaters, may look to using them as an alternative heat source.

However, when heater fires occur, they can be devastating. Please take care this winter

If you would like to contact our team of expert fire consultants please do so at 02922 800 000 or [email protected]

Or if you would like to learn more about fire safety we offer a range of Fire Safety NEBOSH and Ligtas accredited courses.

Our NEBOSH Certificate in fire safety is a globally relevant fire safety qualification that you can complete in just one week.

Course Overview

This qualification can help you protect people, property, and ultimately your business from the harm a fire can cause. The NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety is ideal for:

• Those responsible for fire safety in low to medium-risk workplaces
• Health and Safety managers
• Facilities Managers
• Health and safety representatives within businesses

Or for developing an understanding of the nature of fire and fire spread as well as what to do in the event of a fire being discovered. We would recommend our Ligtas-certified Fire safety awareness course.

Course Overview

The Fire Safety Awareness course will cover fire hazards, prevention, and precautions. Introducing the fire triangle participants will learn about the importance of managing fire risks in the workplace.

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at all employees.

For more information on any of the aforementioned courses or to chat with our professional, trusted experts please contact us at 02922 800 000 or [email protected]