Plug sockets
With the number of gadgets and electrical items nowadays there’s always a shortage of plug sockets. It’s no wonder sales of extension leads have soared.
But while they may seem a handy addition to your room they come with hidden dangers. Like how many times (and be honest) have you sat on your bed scrolling through your phone whilst it’s plugged into the extension lead?
I am not here to lecture you on the dangers but being aware of what they can be is important. The list is not exhaustive, but here are a few of the most common hazards…
Trip hazard
Firstly they are a trip hazard. Imagine walking into your communal kitchen and someone has left a phone on charge, but the lead is stretched across the walkway. Before you know it, (because you were looking at a phone screen), you are flat on your face with a nasty bump on your head….ouch! Now I know you have lots of downtime from uni, but nobody wants to spend 8hrs plus in A&E.
Cable damage
Next, you have damage to cables, the lead is being stretched and pulled in all directions. Then you may have run the hoover over it accidentally… whom am I kidding, it’s practically illegal (not really) to be seen with one of those in uni.
Ok, you drag your heavy washing basket over it, after time cables can fray. So if you must use one, check it regularly for signs of wear and tear. Why I hear you ask? well, they pose major threats to life like electrocution and fire risks.
Coiled lead
Next, you have the opposite of stretching the lead, a coiled lead can cause it to overheat and poses a fire risk to everyone in the building. Also never plug an extension lead into another lead, this increases the current, which again is a fire risk
Ok, I know what you are thinking much of this is common sense, but with so many fires starting needlessly, we all have a duty of care to help mitigate those risks as much as possible.
But what happens if a fire does start?
Knowing what to do can save your life, but how do you learn this, well the first action is spending a few hours of your time doing our online fire safety awareness course.
Fire safety course overview
The Fire Safety Awareness course will cover fire hazards, prevention, and precautions. Introducing the fire triangle participants will learn about the importance of managing fire risks.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at everyone.
Check it
Then just spend 5 mins of your time checking that the smoke alarm is working, fire doors aren’t propped open and that fire exits are free from clutter and easily accessible.
Then you can go back to living the university dream without a care in the world…that is until the deadline time for coursework.
If you have any questions about fire safety or any other health and safety questions you can contact us at 02922 800 000 or enquiries@ligtas.co.uk
