ESC advice on Child Safety from Every Day Electrical Dangers around the home, electrical safety tips

We all remember the small things / plug safety our parents used to put on when we were young; when we have children of our own, as high-tech or low-tech as we may be, we still need to make sure our children grow up in a safe environment at home! We may know these rules / simple things we just "shouldn't do" or "shouldn't touch" when it comes to electricity and the electrical devices - but our young ones don't (or are too curious when it comes to these things)...

So here are some tips from the ESC - the Electrical Safety Council has put together the following tips to help parents keep children safe from everyday electrical dangers around the home(find them online on their website also at the Child Safety page).

Children Safety Tips - Electrical Safety Around the Home

• Water and electricity can be a lethal combination so make sure children are dried off thoroughly after a bath or shower before going near any electrical appliances. And, don’t let the kids go straight from the paddling pool into the house (where there are electrical sources) without getting them dried first.
• Keep drinks away from TVs, DVD players, stereos, speakers, computers, games consoles and other electrical items.
• Get into the habit of turning off electric games and appliances when they’re not in use or when you go to bed. It is not only safer, but will save you money and is kinder to the environment.
• Be aware of potential electrical dangers in the garden – lawn mowers, hedge cutters, electrical air pumps for inflatables.
• Ensure that any electrical sockets that are used to power these appliances are fitted with an RCD, a safety cut-out device.
• Keep appliance cords out of the reach of children, especially those connected to hot items such as kettles, irons or hair straighteners.
• Never leave an unconnected appliance cord plugged in and switched on (for example, a mobile phone charger). Young children may be tempted to put the end of the cord in their mouths.

Child Safety - Socket Blanking Plugs

The Electrical Safety Council does not promote the use of socket blanking plugs as they do not consider 13 amp socket-outlets a ‘serious risk’ to children. These socket-outlets have built in safety shutters to prevent access to the live parts inside. However, using these plugs may give parents and carers additional reassurance and the decision on whether or not to use them would entirely be their own. To view the Electrical Safety Council’s policy please click here.

Note: If you as a parent consider it is much safer to have these Socket Blanking Plugs - for extra safety - please do not hesitate to use them. You can never be too safe when it comes to the children and their contact with electricity.

The Electrical Safety Council has an online resource SwitchedONkids which includes games, quizzes and other fun interactive features to help children understand more about electricity and keeping safe. There’s also a section for parents which includes basic essential first aid information.