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Electric 'safety first' push hailed potential life-saver by Ross-shire MSP





Kate Forbes urged constituents to register electrical appliances which could be subject to recalls.
Kate Forbes urged constituents to register electrical appliances which could be subject to recalls.

DINGWALL-based MSP Kate Forbes has urged Highlanders to register their electrical items as part of a safety first campaign.

Backing Electrical Safety First’s new ‘Do It Now’ drive, the MSP said that around three quarters of fires in Scottish homes are caused by electricity, with most linked to electrical appliances.

If consumers’ electrical items are registered, it means they can be contacted much more easily if a product they have bought has been recalled for safety reasons.

She said: “The process will only take a few minutes but it truly could save your life and others’ lives. I am helping to raise awareness about this because of how vitally important it is.”

Wayne Mackay, deputy public affairs manager at Electrical Safety First, said: “Registering your product is essential in helping manufacturers to contact you rapidly if there is a known problem, or a recall of a product.

“Many electrical products are recalled because they can lead to fire or electric shock – presenting a serious threat to life and property.

“And with the low (roughly 20 per cent) success rate of recalls, there could potentially be thousands of recalled items still in Scottish homes.”

Since 2007, 559 recall notices have been issued for electrical products, yet Electrical Safety First’s research found that only 21 per cent of Scots always register their electrical goods.

The guide is also supported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS).

David Dourley, SFRS head of fire investigation, said: “We are regularly involved in fires, some of them fatal, which have been caused by faulty electrical appliances.

“So we’re urging people to protect themselves from these risks by always registering their products.”

Electrical Safety First’s ‘An Easy Guide to Product Registration’ can be downloaded here


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