Electrical safety In this feature industry report public health product guidance We have all heard that older people are susceptible to falls and scam artists, but they are also vulnerable in other, more unexpected ways. Robert Chantry-Price reports on an inquiry into electrical safety in an ageing population Shock of the old E PROBLEM PRODUCTS Electrical Safety First has identified some appliances that are particularly problematic: G Adaptors for example, those that enable a UK appliance to be plugged into a continental socket G External and spare product leads, including multiblock devices G Electric chargers, for a phone or laptop for example G Kitchen appliances such as kettles and toasters, where the outside of the item can get very hot lectrical Safety First (ESF) and the International Longevity Council (ILC) are concerned that the elderly particularly those over 75 are at greater risk than the rest of the population from the hazards posed by electricity and electrical items in the home. They are urging local and central government departments to play their part in minimizing the hazards posed both by electrical supply units within the home and by faulty electrical appliances. Trading standards has a key role to play in this area. An inquiry conducted by the two organisations reveals older folk are more likely to live in homes that are not subject to regular checks on their electrical installations and the appliances they use every day. This is particularly the case when they live in properties that havent been rewired for a long time, or when they use old appliances that dont meet current safety standards. The principal hazards are electric shock, fire and burns. The inquiry reveals older people are apprehensive both about letting strangers into their homes to carry our essential maintenance work and about the cost of undertaking this type of activity. This is where trading standards support for registered trader schemes is very useful, as it can minimise the chances of the elderly asking a rogue trader or an unqualified electrician to do a job for them on the cheap. Jobs that come into this category include rewiring the home with a modern fuse box, installing circuit breakers and PVC wiring. Both organisations are particularly concerned about pensioners who live in rented accommodation, where the landlord may not bother to conduct a regular check on the safety of the electrical installations and the appliances they supply as part of the furnishings cookers, heaters, dishwashers and so on. The problem is exacerbated as the elderly are often reluctant to move house once they have passed 65. They tend to remain in the same house until they die or are moved into residential care. The other area where trading standards officers can help is by ensuring that non-compliant products do not reach the market. A cheap electric product isnt a bargain if it causes a fire, a burn, or gives its owner a shock. The older generation or silver surfers as they have become known may find a bargain on the internet, but where is it being shipped from, and what redress do they have if it turns out to be faulty? The hazards posed by electrical appliances are highlighted by the EUs RAPEX scheme, which records electrical appliances as the third most common product group when it comes to notifications about products that pose a serious risk. They usually account for about 10 per cent of the notifications. Only toys and childcare articles receive more notifications. Should you wish to find out more about this issue, ESF/ILC have made the inquiry available for download. ESF has included a leaet on its website, Electrical Safety for Older People, as well as a number of test reports on a range of appliances that have been tested against the relevant standards. S POT TING UNSAFE APPLIANCES The ESF has some tips on buying electrical appliances on its very helpful website: G Beware of any item that is much cheaper than you expected. If a bargain looks too good to be true, then it probably is G Check that the packaging looks genuine. Does the item come with instructions and a guarantee? G Check for damage when you get the product home, especially for loose or broken fittings or frayed wires G Check that the item has a UK plug and that you know the country of origin Credits Published You might also like Robert Chantry-Price is a joint lead officer Tuesday 24 March, 2015 Product safety January 2015 for consumer and product safety. Images: CW Images / Alamy To share this page, click on in the toolbar "