Is Your Garden Party Safe This Bank Holiday Weekend?
At least one person in the UK dies each week from an electrical accident at home and 1.2 million are seriously injured.
Garden parties have been identified as a particular area of risk and this bank holiday, as people make the most of the final weekend of our very British ‘summer’, The Electrical Safety Council today finds that 69% of people are endangering their family and friends lives unknowingly.
Over a million UK adults have attended a garden party where there has been an electrical accident.
Many of these could have been prevented by using an RCD (Residual Current Device). The ESC’s key recommendation for party safety is to use this simple, but vital, electrical safety device, which is designed to protect against fatal electric shocks if you touch something live, such as a bare wire.
British hosts top safety blunders:
- 69% don’t ensure power sockets outdoors are not exposed to wet weather or water hazards
- 68% of hosts check plugs and leads for signs of damage before use
- 38% tidy up by mowing the lawn or trimming the hedge but do not use RCD protection
- 12% use indoor decorative lighting outside
Angela Murphy of the ESC, said: "It’s great that people are being imaginative with their garden parties but electrical safety is still not the priority it needs to be.
"Using an RCD is a simple safety measure but it is vital, especially when doing anything outdoors, where there is increased risk of electric shock.
"RCDs offer a level of protection that ordinary fuses or circuit breakers cannot provide. To make sure your party is both safe and fun."
Liz Brewer is the author of ‘Liz Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Party Planning and Etiquette’. Having organised parties for Shirley Bassey, Ivana Trump, Boris Johnson and 10 Downing Street, amongst others, Liz says safety should always be at the top of a host’s priorities.
Liz explains: "Many of us are competing to hold bigger and better summer garden parties but with that comes additional safety risks.
"Whether your guests are celebrities or your neighbours, it is your duty as host to protect them from serious electrical accidents and fires by using an RCD. All of us want to create a party to remember but you want to ensure that isn’t for all the wrong reasons."
In partnership with Liz Brewer, the ESC has developed the following list of Ten Tips for Party Success and Safety, to create a celebration that will be both fun and safe:
1. Make it memorable: Decide what you want your guests to remember your party for, and then focus on that. This could be a theme or good experience that stays with them after the event
2. Make it safe: Ensure every item of electrical equipment at the party is protected by an RCD. This is especially important outdoors where they may be more exposed to weather or water
3. ‘Dream’ the party: Think through every detail in your mind (such as how will people get there, will you have enough glasses etc.) to ensure nothing can go wrong on the day
4. Smarten up the garden: Mow the lawn and trim the hedge but always ensure you use an RCD with your electrical equipment.
5. Make food simple: You want food that is easy to make, with items that can be prepared in advance. Presentation matters!
6.Check leads and plugs for damage: When digging out old electrical equipment such as fairy lights or taking stereos or speakers into the garden, check for any faults or damage. If in doubt, don’t use. Also ensure all equipment is protected from water and bad weather and is suitable for outdoor use.
7. Tidy all electrical leads and cables away: Make sure these are tidied to avoid trip hazards and accidents.
8. Think rain and cold weather: Accept the UK weather is unpredictable and avoid unhappy guests by telling people to bring umbrellas in case of wet weather and shawls or jackets for when it gets cold
9. Remove fragile items: Disposable glasses not only minimise washing up but also reduce the chance of broken glass causing an accident. And make sure any ornaments are out of harm’s way.
10. Visit the ESC website: Go to www.esc.org.uk for additional information on all aspects of electrical safety
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