We were instrumental in the change to wiring regulations which now means that fuseboxes have to be of metal construction following a number of fires in fuseboxes caused by faulty connections.
We championed a new regulation requiring cables in escape routes to be supported to stop them from collapsing in the event of a fire. This is vital in helping people escape from buildings and preventing firefighters from becoming entangled in falling cables.
We have worked tirelessly with Trading Standards to remove from sale thousands of unsafe electrical products including laptop power supplies, travel adaptors, and health and beauty products.
In 2019, we worked with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) on a project that investigated the sale of second-hand electrical products.
This involved a limited UK-wide field study into sales of second-hand electrical and electronic appliances sold offline. Following a pilot study eight regions were investigated, providing a representative sample of the UK market.
The research confirmed a sustained appetite for second-hand electricals via offline sales, with a significant number being sold untested or unchecked for safety. It illustrated a need for risk mitigation through increased legislative awareness and enforcement. As a result of the project, Electrical Safety First has co-developed a dedicated training programme on this issue for lead Trading Standards officers throughout the UK.
As more consumers look to adapt their living space using smart technology, we worked with law firm DLA Piper to set up the Smart Technology Product Safety Stakeholder Group. Comprised of key businesses and organisations involved in the production and sale of smart devices, the group was established to help create a 360 degree approach to product safety in the digital age. In November we launched a new guide, Your Guide to a Safer, Smarter Home, providing easy to understand advice for consumers to help them plan their smarter homes.