Portable heaters can be an effective way to heat a room without heating the whole house or when the property doesn’t have the benefit of a central heating system, however they can also pose a serious fire hazard when not used carefully.   This is especially true when being used by people unfamiliar with a premises. Some general rules for Portable heaters Always use on a flat surface Leave at least 1 meter clearance to furniture and curtains. Buy one with a trip switch in case it gets knocked over (ie. By the dog). Never cover your heater or use to dry clothes. Never use a faulty heater. Types of Portable Heaters Oil filled radiators – Relatively low risk These are often on wheels and are quite heavy so less likely to be knocked over. They don’t have any exposed heating elements so are less likely to ignite anything.   They take a while to heat up, but retain the heat for longer.   They can have timers and thermostats to help control the heat. Electric Co...

Furniture is not just about aesthetics and comfort; it also plays a crucial role in safety, particularly concerning fire hazards. When furniture catches fire, it can have devastating consequences. The materials commonly found in furniture, such as upholstery foam, wood, and synthetic fabrics, are highly flammable and can ignite quickly. Once ignited, the fire can spread rapidly, producing toxic smoke and gases that pose a serious threat to occupants. In addition to the immediate danger to human life, furniture fires can also result in extensive property damage. Moreover, the toxic fumes released during combustion can impair visibility and hinder escape efforts, making it challenging for individuals to evacuate safely. Legislation and labelling.  In the UK, furniture must meet specific flammability standards outlined in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended) which significantly reduce the speed and which furniture will ignite and flames spread. All ...

As a holiday homeowner the safety of your guests will be paramount you want them to have a great time and you want them to have a safe time. When it comes to fire safety, small details can make a significant difference. To be able to open a final exit door easily is a requirement for sleeping accommodation.  C onsidering the appropriate means of escape is a fundamental part of any  holiday home fire risk assessment. The scenario Most people have a night time routine which often involves locking all doors, and in a significant number of cases removing the key to a regular spot nearby.   It becomes an automatic process. So imaging waking in the middle of the night, in an unfamiliar place, disorientated from waking suddenly to a screeching smoke alarm, maybe impaired by a few whisky’s (we are in Scotland after all).   You open the bedroom door and can smell the smoke; adrenaline surges and you dash down stairs for the front door.   It’s locked and there’s no key, ...

       1 .    Cooking appliances      It’s always a good idea to have a small fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen.   Cooking appliances cause over 40% of accidental house fires.      Cookers, ovens, rings and hot plates, grills and toasters are the common sources of ignition.      2.    Electrical      Electrical failure of a component of the main electrical installation or fixed equipment is the second highest cause of fires.   This is why an EICR is so important, it may not prevent all fires but can highlight any problems.           Wiring, cabling and plugs (especially if overloaded), heating equipment                such as thermostats or fixed heaters are the common sources of ignition.        3.    Electrical appliances      This runs ...

EICRs are graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory rather than pass or fail.   However, to be clear an unsatisfactory test is a fail when it comes to letting out a property for tenants or paying guests and any unsatisfactory issues need to be fixed before doing so. Every EICR should have a summary near the front of the report highlighting any issues and the report should clearly state the satisfactory or unsatisfactory grading – usually on the front sheet. There is then a more detailed report which will show exactly where any issues have been found and need action. The gradings are C1, C2, C3 and F1. Any CI, C2 and F1 issues found will classify the inspection as unsatisfactory and will need the issues fixed. C3 issues do not need immediate action and a property can continue to be let but it could lead to a bigger issue later. The good news is you don’t need a full new EICR after any remedial work as each piece of work will be certified in its own right and have its own ...

What is an EICR? Electrical Installation Condition Report is an electrical safety certificate to show that all the fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through the electricity meter has been tested.  It’s basically the hard wired system through your property. Consumer board This is different from Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) which covers portable equipment and appliances such as washing machines, hairdryers, kettles and tv’s, and will be covered in a different blog post. Do Short Term Lets need an EICR? In short yes, Scotland is the only part of the UK where an EICR is mandatory for any short term let property.  Why do we need a certificate? Faulty electrical installations can cause electric shocks and fires by generating high temperatures. The risk of fire and shock can be reduced by ensuring the electrical installations and appliances are safe. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service figures for 2022 – 2023 show that 12% of accidental house fires and 6% of deaths ar...