ELECTRICAL FIRES
If you let your flat, please ensure your tenants are aware of this document along with the other fire information provided. This should be provided annually and at every tenant change. It is the flat owner’s responsibility to ensure tenants understand all the rules if English is not their first language.
In The UK there are 12000 fires a year started due to faulty electrical goods, and these can be fatal. With the Grenfell fire what is often forgotten is that the original fire was caused by a faulty fridge.
The following information may assist you in reducing the risk to you and your neighbours:
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If appliances in your flat start making strange noises or emitting smells you should investigate and if you can see which appliance is causing this switch it off at the wall or at the circuit breaker and get an electrician in to check this.
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If you use a tumble dryer do not leave unattended when in use and make sure lint is removed as per the manufacturers servicing instructions.
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Do not overload extension leads, especially do not have extension leads plugged into other extension leads. If you are using an extension lead on a temporary basis ensure it is fully unravelled which will help avoid overheating
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Unplug/switch off at socket items when not in use, especially if you are away from your flat
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Be very careful where you purchase electrical goods from. Fires in lithium batteries, in particular, can happen very quickly and these items can also explode. Batteries/chargers purchased from third parties on internet sites can be dangerous. Use trusted retailers. Recently a rising number of E Scooters/ bikes have been exploding whilst on charge. You must not leave these unattended and never charge or leave these in the communal areas. Bikes with electric conversion kits fitted and non-foldable electric bikes are strictly forbidden to enter the building at any time.
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Some chargers can get hot when in use so place these on a heat-resistant board/plate and not on the carpet for example.
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On a regular basis when an item is not in use carry out visual checks of the wiring to the plug to check for any areas that are split and if you can see the enclosed blue/brown/yellow wiring within the outer sleeve you should not use the item and get it repaired
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When having work done in your flat check your electrician has the correct qualification for the type of work being done
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Do not dry clothes over or near an electrical heater.
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Where you let your flat you must adhere to the law on getting the electrics checked by an independent electrician currently every five years and provide a copy of this to the tenant. You should also consider PAT testing if you let with electrical appliances. Make sure tenants know where the isolating fuse board is.
For more information on lithium batteries and potential dangers please refer to