New Guidance On Socket Covers - Unnecessary and a Hazard!

The Department of Health and NHS National Services Scotland recently issued an 'Estates and Facilities Alert' about electrical socket covers/protectors. The update concludes that in certain circumstances, the use of plastic 13A electrical socket inserts (sold as safety accessories), can overcome the safety features designed into socket outlets.

After government planning in the 1940s to improve building standards, the British 13 Amp plug socket is widely considered among the safest in the world. UK plug sockets must by law have an interlocking shutter mechanism to stop the insertion of foreign material into the socket tubes. The act of inserting and removing socket covers can damage this mechanism allowing foreign objects to be inserted directly onto live parts within the socket, thus presenting a risk of electric shock.

The alert recommends:

• 13A electrical socket inserts should not be used in health or social care premises, nor supplied for use in a home or residence
• Any socket inserts currently in use should be withdrawn and responsibly disposed of

At Flying Colours Nursery we installed a new RCD protected circuit to ensure the highest safety standards for our staff and children.

You can read the full guidance here, or for more detailed information have a look at www.fatallyflawed.org.uk