Electrical Safety First

MIND THE GAP - ESF COMMENTS ON THE BUILDING SAFETY BILL

gazza — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:04:28 +0000

MIND THE GAP - ESF COMMENTS ON THE BUILDING SAFETY BILL

gazza Fri, 29/04/2022

Commenting on the Building Safety Bill, which receives Royal Assent today, Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of leading consumer protection charity, Electrical Safety First,
said:

“We are delighted the Bill takes us a step closer to addressing the ‘safety gap’ around electrical safety in high rises – by including a requirement for the Government to complete a cost-benefit analysis for introducing regular electrical installations checks in all residential tower blocks in England.

“Currently, only private landlords are required to undertake five yearly electrical safety checks, despite most high rises being composed of mixed tenures. England, unlike Scotland (with Wales set to follow suit), has not yet extended this requirement to social housing and there is no such legislation covering homeowners across the UK. This is despite the fact that, in 2021 alone, electricity caused 355 fires in high rises and, according to Government figures, the number has increased over the last three years.

“The Charity has led the call for a uniform approach to electrical safety in tower blocks and we have worked closely with Lord Foster of Bath to help address this regulatory gap, which leaves families and buildings at risk. We want to see mandated, five yearly, electrical safety checks in both social housing and leaseholds in mixed tenure high rises, to protect all occupants and ensure consistency and effectiveness. Not only would this protect hundreds of thousands of people, it will also help provide the peace of mind that everyone wants to feel in their own home.”

Electrical Safety First

Applications open for Electrical Safety First's Safety Innovation Award

gazza — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 12:38:28 +0000

Applications open for Electrical Safety First's Safety Innovation Award

gazza Fri, 11/02/2022

Do you have an innovative electrical project or product which improves (or seeks to improve) consumer safety, that you want to bring to a wide professional audience?

Electrical Safety First’s Safety Innovation Award puts the spotlight on those individuals and businesses who put safety at the heart of their work, while incorporating sustainability and innovation.

The Charity is inviting applications from businesses, community groups, and individuals, who have developed (or are developing) an innovative product - or a project - that can enhance consumer safety. Currently in its 6^th year, the award is now open, with the deadline for submissions the 31^st August 2022. Applications at all stages of development, including design and concept, are welcome.

The winner will be announced at Electrical Safety First’s annual product safety conference, where they will have a platform to discuss their innovation with the audience. They will also be offered ongoing support via media coverage, tailored newsletters and, where applicable, a half day of coaching from Electrical Safety First’s highly respected Technical Team – explaining everything you need to know to deliver your idea or get your product to market. All short-listed applicants will also be offered a space in the conference networking area, where they can network and give demonstrations of their work.

Electrical Safety First’s internationally recognised annual conference, which takes place each November, is attended by over 200 delegates, from throughout the electro-technical industry – and beyond. This year, the event will be held at Church House, Westminster, on 23^rd November 2022.

During this period of uncertainty and rapid technological change, there is a huge opportunity for innovation and creativity in product safety”, explains Martyn Allen, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First. “We want to hear from individuals and businesses of all sizes, as well as community groups. And we are not only interested in a market-ready product or project - we also want to hear from people who have a design or concept which, with some support, can make a significant contribution to improving consumers’ electrical safety.”

For more information, and to submit your application, visit: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/award

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Comment from Electrical Safety First on Building Safety Bill

gazza — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 11:50:24 +0000

Comment from Electrical Safety First on Building Safety Bill

gazza Wed, 19/01/2022

Commenting on the Building Safety Bill (Report Stage) and amendments tabled by Andy Slaughter MP to introduce five-yearly electrical safety checks for social tenants and leaseholders in High Rise Residential Buildings (HRRB), Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First said:

“Those living in high rise buildings face unique risks and it is essential this Bill addresses them adequately. We have become all too familiar with how devastating electrical fires in tower blocks can be and it is a matter of urgency that all homes within a block are subject to the same protections, regardless of tenure type. We urge MPs to support mandatory electrical safety checks as part of this Bill so that people and their properties can be kept safe and secure from the devastation that electrical fires in high rise buildings can cause.”

Electrical Safety First

Game-changing Bill for Substandard Electricals Online

gazza — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 07:49:12 +0000

Game-changing Bill for Substandard Electricals Online gazza Fri, 18/12/2020

Details of Electrical Safety First’s proposed new bill to ensure online platforms are covered by the same requirements for the safety of consumer electrical goods as the High Street retailer.

The Government’s Online Harms Bill has failed to address the problem of dangerous electrical goods available from online marketplaces. So leading consumer protection charity, Electrical Safety First, has put forward its own, ‘game changing’ Bill.

Electrical Safety First’s new Bill would make online marketplaces – such as Amazon and eBay – legally responsible for hosting listings of potentially lethal electrical products for sale. It would ensure they have the same responsibilities to protect consumers from unsafe products as High Street retailers.

The Government’s Online Harms Bill was developed in response to increased concerns around online personal security – particularly for children. Its declared objective is to establish a system of accountability and oversight for tech companies. But while the Government’s Bill covers various ‘harms’ arising from social media, fake news, or other illegal content on the web, the Charity argued it didn’t go far enough.

In multiple investigations[i], Electrical Safety First has found electrical products - presenting a serious fire risk - are easily available from third party sellers via online marketplaces. Currently, online marketplaces are not required to inform consumers if they have purchased a substandard electrical product from their site, which leaves thousands unaware of the potential fire and safety risk they have in their home.

Electrical Safety First’s proposed new Bill, if accepted by Government, would tighten the law so that online marketplaces must ensure electricals sold from a fulfilment centre, or third party seller on their site, are safe. And they would be required to alert consumers who have bought a substandard electrical item from their marketplace.

“We campaigned strongly for the Government’s Online Harms Bill to include dangerous electricals available online. We believe ‘harm’ goes beyond the Government’s definition, because counterfeit or substandard electrical products can have a life-changing impact”, explains Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First.

“Electricity is responsible for around half of all fires in UK homes, with most arising from electrical products. Our 2020 annual survey[ii] found almost one in four consumers bought what they thought was a genuine electrical item online, from a third-party seller, and then discovered it was fake. We also found[iii] that one in 10 adults have first-hand experience of an electrical shock, or fire, from an electrical item bought online.

“But we don’t just want online marketplaces to react to risk, we want them to be proactive. Given the sophisticated technologies available to these retail giants, it is not unreasonable to expect them to ensure effective safeguards – whether from revised algorithms, machine learning, or improved image recognition – to stop unsafe electricals being sold on their platforms. There is support - research undertaken for us by ComRes[iv], found 70% of MPs want online marketplaces to have a legal responsibility to help prevent the sale of dangerous electrical products. And we believe our proposed Bill would not only improve consumer safety but also protect legitimate businesses selling online.”

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Electrical Safety First

Electrical Safety First responds to the Social Housing White Paper

gazza — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 09:02:00 +0000

Electrical Safety First responds to the Social Housing White Paper gazza Fri, 20/11/2020

Electrical Safety First in response to the recently published Social Housing White Paper by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First commented: “The Government's announcement of a new consultation on electrical safety in the social housing sector provides a much needed opportunity for the Government to end the tenure lottery that currently exists.

The protection that electrical safety checks afford those in privately rented homes should be extended to those living in social housing. Our soon to be published Social Housing report shows huge support from the social sector to introduce better electrical safety measures and the Government should look to adopt these as soon as possible. In the light of tragedies such as Grenfell more must be done to prevent electrical fires occurring in the future.”

Social Housing White Paper

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Electrical Safety First

Electrical Safety Week 18th to 25th November 2019

gazza — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 10:24:13 +0000

Electrical Safety Week 18th to 25th November 2019 gazza Tue, 19/11/2019

Each year, #ElectricalSafety First works with the Home Office to promote electrical fire safety in the home. Electrical Fire Safety Week runs from 18th to 25th November this year.

Over half of all accidental house fires are caused by electricity. And nine out of ten electrical fires are caused by electrical products.

During Electrical Fire Safety Week, Electrical Safety First work closely with Fire & Rescue Services across the UK to raise awareness of electrical fire risks and the simple steps that people can take to avoid a devastating fire in their homes.

Electrical Safety First campaigns offer general safety messages as well as focusing on areas in the home and specific types of product that offer a particular risk.

You can follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtag #EFSW or on Facebook: #EFSW

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Product Safety Conference 2019

gazza — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:53:57 +0000

Product Safety Conference 2019 gazza Thu, 31/10/2019

Get ready for Electrical Safety First’s 11^th annual product safety conference, one of the major events in the industry calendar. This year’s theme is Think Like a Consumer – Behaviour-led insights for Safer Products, which will be held at Church House, Westminster, on Thursday 28th November.

The event attracts an extensive range of delegates from throughout the supply chain, in addition to key stakeholders and related organisations. These include representatives from government departments, manufacturers, retailers and importers, to lawyers, test houses and fire and rescue services - as well as Trading Standards and safety professionals.

It’s this broad-church approach which is part of event’s appeal - and the fact it brings to the forefront key and emerging issues impacting on the electrical retail industry and consumer safety. So, while the focus of this conference will be on the relationship between consumer behaviour and product safety, it will also be discussing the impact of Brexit and the mainstreaming of the smart home.

The keynote speech will be provided by the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Small Business, Kelly Tolhurst MP, with expert panels and speakers including Wendy Middleton, Behavioural Insights Lead for the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), along with representatives from Dyson, John Lewis, Dixons Carphone and Cooley LLP. The event will also play host to Electrical Safety First’s Safety Innovation Awards, developed by the Charity to acknowledge companies – or individuals – who put safety at the heart of product design, or go the extra mile in safety advocacy.

At the conclusion of the conference, delegates are invited to attend a drinks reception, hosted by the charity, where continuing debate and more informal opportunities for networking will be available. “This conference will investigate how understanding human behaviour can help improve the product design process, particularly in relation to safety and potential misuse - and help in improving reaction to product registration and recall response”, explains Martyn Allen, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First.

“Today, we are in a period of intense change – technologically, politically and legislatively. Using behavioural insights to help create safer products, and encourage behaviour that reduces risk, is key to sustainable business and improved consumer protection”.

JOIN over 200 leading industry professionals from global retail brands, design, manufacture, import and distribution of electrical goods, lawyers, testing houses, safety experts and government bodies

LEARN from expert speakers looking at the latest advances and solutions in connected tech to behavioural insight and its impact on safety

SHARE ideas, findings, innovations and knowledge during lectures, panel discussions and breakout sessions

Book your place HERE

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Phil Buckle Retires from Electrical Safety First

gazza — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 11:42:19 +0000

Phil Buckle Retires from Electrical Safety First gazza Sat, 05/10/2019

Phil Buckle has retired from his position of Chief Executive of leading UK charity, Electrical Safety First. Phil, who has led the charity for over ten years, has seen it grow from a niche organisation into one of the UK’s leading consumer protection bodies.

“I am, of course, sad to depart from the organisation but I leave with great satisfaction at what has been achieved”, says Phil. “And I would like to thank my colleagues for their dedication and support in helping to make the charity what it is today – a key player in UK consumer protection.”

During his tenure, Phil has overseen the charity extend its influence into Government policy; establish a major product safety conference; and create a series of campaigns placing product safety firmly on the media and political agenda.

“We would all like to thank Phil for his hard work and dedication over the last decade”, adds Chair of Electrical Safety First’s Board, Alison Parkes. “Phil has been in the role of Chief Executive at the Charity during a period of intense change – yet one in which the organisation has always ‘punched above its weight. He is leaving the organisation with a recognised reputation in the field of electrical and consumer safety.”

Phil Buckle

Electrical Safety First

Certsure, ECA and ESF propose to simplify who is deemed competent

gazza — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 14:58:10 +0000

Certsure, ECA and ESF propose to simplify who is deemed competent

gazza Wed, 27/02/2019

Certsure, ECA and Electrical Safety First (ESF) have worked together to develop plans to raise standards across the industry. The trio are the driving force behind proposals to change the ways competence within the industry is measured. While the electrotechnical industry prides itself on a robust approach to competence and safety, and indeed
has an excellent safety record, there is always more that can be done. Driving up standards of electrotechnical work is a fundamental objective if the sector is to thrive in the years ahead.

As leading bodies in the industry, Certsure, ECA and ESF have worked together to develop a blueprint which we believe will ensure that only qualified individuals with the right knowledge, skills and understanding are deemed competent to undertake electrotechnical work. This approach will help to drive up standards, works for industry, and aligns with Government policy on technical education standards and competence.

We have put forward proposals to simplify yet strengthen entry requirements into the industry, and ensure consistency across all registration and certification bodies. This aligns with our thinking that all applicants to a scheme should be from one of two routes: the apprenticeship route, or the experienced worker route.

The proposals will ensure that individuals seeking to become a qualified supervisor or electrical operative undertaking periodic inspection must have the following:

an electrotechnical apprenticeship (or proscribed alternative)
a minimum of two years’ experience
a recognised knowledge of the latest Wiring Regulations
be well versed in inspection and testing electrotechnical installations

The proposal is fairly straightforward to implement for new applications. However, there remains a challenge for existing registrants. Our proposal is that there must be proportionate quality management systems, for new and existing registrants, in place for demonstrating business process and operative competence. This would need to be assessed in situ as part of the ongoing assessment process by registration and certification body assessors.

We believe that this proposal is the best way to properly ensure the competence of the registered organisation, qualified supervisors, and operatives undertaking electrotechnical work and provide the consumer protections that are required.

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Electrical safety checks now mandatory

gazza — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 17:04:14 +0000

Electrical safety checks now mandatory

gazza Tue, 29/01/2019

Commenting on the Government’s announcement regarding mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector (PRS), Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, comments: “We warmly welcome this initiative and are delighted the Government has recognised the importance of regular checks in the PRS, as this will protect both tenants and landlords.

“Electrical Safety First has led the charge for this to be made a mandatory requirement for PRS homes in the UK and has successfully lobbied for them to be introduced in Scotland – with Wales and Northern Ireland set to follow suit.

“Electricity causes almost half of all fires in UK homes, so it is time electrical safety is put on a par with that of gas – as PRS landlords have been required to make an annual gas safety check since the 1990s.

“But it is essential that the Government provide clarity regarding how these inspections will be enforced – and that the enforcement body has sufficient funding to undertake its work effectively. We have also emphasised the importance of using an electrician who is qualified and assessed as competent, to undertake these essential safety checks.”

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