With more and more electrical appliances and gadgets becoming affordable, great care should be taken to ensure we do not create dangerous environments with the misuse of electrical equipment. Every new electrical appliance should have a fused, moulded plug. Plugs and adapters should conform to British Standard 1363 and carry the Kitemark, which shows the plug design has been tested and passed by the British Standards Institute.

Follow these common sense guidance to improve your electrical safety.

Before you buy or use:

• Check the item is certified and bears the CE mark or the British Standards Kitemark. These may be supplied on paper depending on the item.
• Ensure that the appliance will be used for the purpose it was designed for and that it will be used in the correct environment. Fairy lights for a Christmas tree are not suitable as outside tree decorations.
• Check the correct rated safety fuse is fitted. Never replace a fuse with a higher rated one.

Portable Gas Heaters:

• There are now many forms of powerful domestic heaters available, which are fuelled by liquid petroleum Gas (LPG).
• Buy a heater that carries the Kitemark of The British Standards Institution.
• Ensure a CORGI qualified person services the appliance regularly.
• Change cylinders in the open air. If this is not possible then open windows and doors to increase ventilation. Extinguish other heaters and all other ignition sources, e.g. Cigarettes, pilot lights on cookers. Keep smokers away.
• Never change a cylinder on a stairway or on an escape route.
• Check that the valve on the empty cylinder is fully closed before disconnecting the heater. Do not turn on valve of the new cylinder until the heater is securely reconnected.
• If you suspect a leak do not operate the heater. Remove it to a safe place outside the building. Brush soapy water onto the flexible hoses and valve assembly. This will show any leak by ‘bubbling’. The equipment should not be used until all leaks have been rectified by replacing faulty parts in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
• Take extra care with small camping heaters designed for use with a pierceable cartridge. Before removing it, ensure the cartridge is empty and the heater valve in the off position. Check that the sealing washer is intact before fitting the new cartridge.
• Store spare cylinders separate to the heater in use. Keep them outside and in an upright position. Never store them in basements or cupboards under the stairs, or near to electrical switchgear or meters.

If you require further information, or have another Community Safety enquiry please contact the Community Safety Advice line:- 0800 9178137 or Contact us.