“As huge numbers of people in Aberconwy continue to work at home and adapt to a new routine, many may be putting themselves at unnecessary risk due to unsafe electrical setups and practices at home” says Janet Finch-Saunders AM.
The Member has joined with leading consumer Charity, Electrical Safety First, who conducted research across Wales into the dangers to which remote workers in Aberconwy may be unknowingly exposing themselves.
With increased use of electrical equipment in many homes such as work laptops, tablets, phones and heaters, a new survey by the Charity has found more than two thirds of those in Wales currently working from home are using extension leads or adaptors with the electronic device they’re working on and almost half of them have more appliances plugged into one than they usually would.
Worryingly, almost a third are either unaware of the risks of overloading plug sockets or how to check whether they’re doing so. By using extension leads and adaptors to plug additional devices into a socket, there is a danger that they could be overloaded, creating a fire risk.
Even more concerning is the fact that over half of those in Wales currently working from home using extension leads or adapters as part of their setup who admit to ‘daisy-chaining’ them together. Daisy-chaining involves plugging one extension into another in order to reach further or plug more appliances in, and is advised against in all circumstances.
Another issue identified by the Charity is misuse of electrical goods in the bedroom, with 52 per cent of those surveyed in Wales either often or sometimes placing an electrical item such as a laptop or phone on their bed whilst it is charging as part of their work-from-home setup. This can also create a fire risk due to the potential of the item overheating. Electrical items should only ever be left on hard, non-flammable surfaces unless switched off and not charging.
Electrical Safety First is recommending those working from home take advantage of the Charity’s Socket Overload Calculator to check they’re not plugging too many appliances in at once, and to pay extra attention to their electrical safety during their period of remote working.
Janet said:
“Many people in Aberconwy are home working, self-isolating or social distancing at this time but this can increase chances of unsafe use of electricity. That’s why I’ve joined with Electrical Safety First to help raise awareness of easy steps you can take to seriously reduce the risk to you and your loved ones.
“Remember to check electrical appliances, don’t overload sockets and NEVER use faulty items or white goods. Extension leads can only handle so much power – plug too many things in and the chances are they will blow. Faulty goods can also be a big issue, too. If your washing machine or tumble dryer starts playing up – stop using it and get it checked immediately.”
Robert Jervis-Gibbons, Public Affairs Manager at Electrical Safety First, commented:
“We are really grateful to Janet for joining with us to raise awareness of the safe use of electricity when working from home. With more than three quarters of those in Wales who are currently working from home doing so for the first time due to COVID-19, it’s unsurprising that not everyone will have had a chance to ensure their work stations are free from electrical hazards.
“Take a few minutes to make sure you’re not daisy-chaining extension leads or overloading your plug sockets and that you are charging your devices on hard, non-flammable surfaces. We should all pay extra attention to electrical safety during our period of remote working. For more detail as well as some helpful tools, head to www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ”
