SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
THE RISKS OF USING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OUTDOORS With the warmer weather and more people spending time in their gardens, the use of electrical equipment outdoors is increased. According to a recent survey by Technique Learning Solutions, more than 85% of the UK public use electrical equipment outdoors. While those in the electrical industry will already be familiar with the dangers this can bring, it’s important to stay aware and inform customers about them too.
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any different types of equipment are used outdoors, all of which bring their own risks:
• Extension leads are the most common electrical item used outdoors, allowing homeowners to plug in many different items. • The majority of homeowners begin fixing up their gardens as early as April, requiring the use of tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. Lawnmowers are the most dangerous garden tool, causing 6,500 accidents per year in the UK. • One in seven Brits have outdoor lighting – whether outdoor lights have been installed and wired up by an electrician, are battery or mains powered, they all bring risks. • Many Brits use mains powered entertainment equipment outside, such as speakers, and some may even bring their TV outdoors for an ‘outdoor cinema’ experience. It can be extremely dangerous to bring any mains powered items outdoors. • Many Brits have hot tubs, Jacuzzis, or heated pools in their gardens, and despite these usually being wired up by experts, they still bring hazards. Hot tub sales surged in the 2020 lockdown. These are just a few examples of equipment that homeowners may have or use outdoors – in warmer months, gardens often become an additional living space, with some survey respondents even claiming to use their iron outdoors in warm weather. The most common hazard which comes from electrical equipment is electric shock. One in 10 have experienced electrical shock or accidents whilst using electrical appliances outdoors. There are many ways electric shock can happen and a common cause is cutting a live wire when
using lawnmowers and other gardening equipment. Additional hazards include fires, damaged appliances, and even death in some extreme cases. Everybody knows electricity and water do not mix, yet people still risk bringing equipment outside, despite the UK weather being unpredictable. Water is a great conductor of electricity, so getting electrical equipment wet will make it live and make surroundings live too, increasing the chance of electric shock. Whilst those in the electrical industry know and understand the dangers associated with the above equipment, the general public might not realise just how many hazards are created from having electrical equipment outdoors and how easily they can happen. Its important electricians share their knowledge and expertise as it can help save lives. When it comes to powering these items, outdoor sockets are a better and safer option than trailing extension cables outside from indoor mains sockets. Outdoor sockets need a minimum rating of IP56, meaning they will stay watertight and protected, even if the garden is being jet washed. However, findings show the main way electrical items are powered is simply by plugging an extension cable into an indoor socket and bringing it outside, which brings a range of hazards due to possible overloading, weather conditions and the risk of cutting wires. It’s not likely customers will hire electricians solely to improve their outdoor electrical safety, as they often aren’t aware. When an electrician is attending a domestic job, specifically in the warmer months, it may be a good idea to ask customers how often they’re in their back garden and if they use electrical equipment outside, if they have an outside socket, and if their sockets are RCD protected. Depending on their answers, electricians could suggest ways to make sure
homeowners are keeping themselves, their family, and their home safe. Over 50% of the public don’t know what RCD protection is, and two in five people have no idea if their sockets are RCD protected. Explaining the importance of RCD protection to customers and recommending they ensure all sockets, inside and outside of their home, are RCD protected could prevent accidents, fires, and save lives. There are RCD plugs on the market which homeowners may use – whilst these do provide protection, a built-in RCD offers more protection. As well as suggesting RCD protection and outdoor sockets, if you notice any damaged cables, socket or installations whilst working in a home, it’s always worth pointing these out and advising customers to get them fixed as it can be very dangerous. There are many outdoor electrical risks during warmer months, and whilst homeowners are overall responsible for the safety of their homes, family, and selves, those who are trained to work in the electrical industry providing information, advice and recommendations can reduce risks, spread awareness and save lives.
The most common hazard which comes from electrical equipment is electric shock
Technique Learning Solutions, learntechnique.com
The European Leader in Home Life Safety www.aico.co.uk | 01691 664100 | enquiries@aico.co.uk Ad_Generic_224 40 Strip | July 2021 x 40.indd
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