NHS issues safety alert on socket covers requiring removal from NHS premises!

[FatallyFlawed]

The NHS has just published a safety alert about socket covers which requires them to be removed from all NHS premises!

It says: "This Alert is issued to highlight how, in certain circumstances, the use of plastic 13A (13 amp) electrical socket inserts (sold as safety accessories) can overcome the safety features designed into socket outlets.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 Any socket inserts currently in use should be withdrawn from use and responsibly disposed of."

There is a full explanation here.

 

[FatallyFlawed]

Unbelievable.... They should have got their fact right.
Looks like I will have to see tomorrow if I can contact GMB and notify them of the DoH alert.

You need: [email protected] The more people who tell them the better!

 

[Spoon]

You need: [email protected] The more people who tell them the better!

Thanks. I spotted the email at the bottom of the link. I will get in touch tomorrow.

 

[Spoon]

Lets see if they will also do an investigation into these "Socket Safety Covers" and shouldn't the public know about the DoH alert.

 

[Spoon]

Just out of curiosity, who else has contacted GMB about their error?
As FatallyFlawed have said "The more people who tell them the better."

 

[Spoon]

Just got a reply from GMB.

Many thanks for your detailed email. It is not an area I was familiar with. Very interesting.

Hopefully they will do a report on these covers. We will have to wait and see.

 

[Spoon]

I have been having a nice conversation with a guy from GMB asking about these covers.
I have answered his questions and gave him the contact details & web site for FatallyFlawed. There are a lot more qualified people here that can explain the possible dangers of these sockets than me.
Hopefully he will get in touch.

 

[telectrix]

I have been having a nice conversation with a guy from GMB asking about these covers.
I have answered his questions and gave him the contact details & web site for FatallyFlawed. There are a lot more qualified people here that can explain the possible dangers of these sockets than me.
Hopefully he will get in touch.

done exactly same. emailed gmb and sent a link to fatallyflawed

 

[HandySparks]

I have been having a nice conversation with a guy from GMB asking about these covers.
I have answered his questions and gave him the contact details & web site for FatallyFlawed. There are a lot more qualified people here that can explain the possible dangers of these sockets than me.
Hopefully he will get in touch.

Nice one.

(I have to keep reminding myself that you're not referring to the General, Municipal and Boilermakers!)

 

[Spoon]

Latest from HSE.


Please see below response from the Policy team.

Your recent correspondence is noted.

1. There is no ‘new’ information provided on socket covers only that a body has decided to publish its position on their use within their premise. This does not change HSE’s stated view on the use of these items.

2. You appear to have misunderstood the information we provided here - HSE doesn’t rely on external bodies to determine its policy. As previously stated HSE has no powers to ban these items, the appropriate body with the powers to do so is Trading Standards.

You may be interested to note that the charity Electrical Safety First holds similar views on these devices see Socket covers - http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/press-releases/2009/06/socket-covers/.

HSE now consider this correspondence closed.

Thank you for your feedback and comments.



I was also asking them to go along the same route as the DoH alert, but now would be happy if they just did something similar to the DfE and updated their policy and added a link to the DoH alert.

So the HSE are now sending out out-of-date info on these safety covers to the public from third party organisations, like Electrical Safety First. Electrical Safety First have updated their policy on these covers in 2015.

 

[Spoon]

Did anyone see anything from Good Morning Britain explaining their error they had on the report they did about nurseries?
I've seen and heard nothing from them.

 

[Dan]

No what channel is that on? Maybe a catchup channel thing is available to see it?

 

[FatallyFlawed]

Did anyone see anything from Good Morning Britain explaining their error they had on the report they did about nurseries?
I've seen and heard nothing from them.

They did not get back to me either. The segment is viewable here: Safety in nurseries: What you need to know - http://www.itv.com/goodmorningbritain/investigations/gmb-investigates-are-nurseries-safe

 

[Spoon]

I will email them after the New Year. See what they say.

 

[Spoon]

Got nothing back from Good Morning Britain. Looks like they are not bothered if they report incorrect stuff....

 

[Spoon]

On a good note, I had a nice conversation with a guy from HSE on Friday afternoon. Sounded like he knew what he was talking about.
Said that the sockets that are build to BS1363 are safe. He did say that if someone thought that is was necessary to add these covers to their premises than they would have to do a risk assessment as to why they need adding and mention any additional hazards that may occur if adding them.