NEED TO KNOW: YOUR SAFETY 3.4 ELECTRICAL SAFETY

A large proportion of domestic fires each year are caused by electrical faults.

Swan carries out electrical safety inspections on its rental properties at least once every five years to keep our customers safe - and we recommend that homeowners do the same. The inspection is required to make sure your mains electrical system is safe and suitable to use.

If you rent your home from us, Axis will write to you before your electrical inspection is due so that one of its fully qualified electricians can complete the next inspection before your existing electrical safety certificate expires.

We will do our best to make the appointment for a time that suits you, but we do reserve the right to take legal action if we cannot gain access to your home.

This ensures that we always have an up to date electrical certificate for your home and can comply with our duties under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

• It is important that you look after your electrical equipment between these inspections – just because something works doesn't mean it's safe!

• To make sure your home is safe, you should inspect electrical fittings and equipment to make sure they're in good condition.

• Always be conscious not to overload your sockets.

• Please do not carry out your own electrical repairs. If you think a socket in your property or an electrical supply in a communal area is damaged or faulty, please contact Axis straight away, or if you're a homeowner you will need to arrange for an electrician to attend.

• Remember, all electrical work or repairs must always be done by an NICEIC-registered electrician.

Electrical items

There have been many fire incidents caused by electrical installations and appliances over recent years. Manufacturers regularly recall products for safety issues. You can check for product recall updates by visiting www.productrecall.campaign.gov.uk. You can also keep up to date with product recall and safety notices by registering your electrical appliances directly with the manufacturer (details supplied when you purchase) or visit register my appliance.

More information about electrical safety can be found at:

• Electrical Safety First www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

• National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting niceic.com