FRIDGES, freezers and washing machines kept in tower blocks should be included in a register kept by housing associations and local authorities to improve fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, according to experts.
A campaigning charity wants the Scottish Government to give the organisations the responsibility to carry out mandatory electrical safety checks and also keep a register of white goods kept within properties.
Figures published by Electrical Safety First show that almost five fires a week in Scotland are caused by domestic white goods, with 242 blazes erupting last year because of the products.
Now ministers are facing calls to provide extra protection against the risk in tower blocks.
It follows confirmation that a fridge freezer was the initial cause of ignition of the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people in the building in London.
Wayne Mackay, deputy public affairs manager at Electrical Safety First, said: “We have seen the risks that electrical appliances pose in tower blocks such as Grenfell Tower.
"Tenants have the right to live in a home that has a safe electrical installation and appliances supplied by the landlord.
“We believe that first and foremost, those living in densely populated areas like tower blocks must be protected. As a result we would like to see the Scottish Government implement mandatory safety checks as a matter of urgency.”
According to ESF, a charity dedicated to reducing and preventing damage, injuries and death caused by electricity, access to these free checks is essential to ensure that tenants in tower blocks are safe from electrical fires.
The current policy of the Scottish Government states that there is an "expectation" on social landlords to keep electrical installations safe. On this basis, electrics and appliances contained within social rented properties could go unchecked for many years and remain dangerous until action is taken.
ESF has written to the Cabinet Secretary responsible, Angela Constance MSP, calling for a new policy.
It would give housing associations and local authorities a legal responsibility for ensuring free mandatory electrical safety checks to include fixed electrical installations and appliances per property.
It would also stipulate that they keep a register of white goods contained and operating in the blocks, regardless of tenure of the property and ensure tenants have registered their products.
ESF said that the Scottish Government had led the way in protecting private tenants by requiring regular electrical checks, by a registered electrician, in all privately rented homes.
But it also argued that the legislation does not cover those in social housing, or those living in their own homes – despite the fact that they comprise of more than 80 per cent of the total housing mix.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Private landlords are required to arrange electrical safety inspections for their properties at least every five years, which must include the safety of any appliances provided by the landlord.
“As part of our work to harmonise standards across tenures, the Scottish Government will be reviewing minimum standards in the social sector with a view to ensuring similar standards apply to tenants in both private and social rented housing.
“The Ministerial Working Group on Building and Fire Safety met today to continue a thorough review of regulations in Scotland and will take any action needed – both immediate and longer-term – to ensure the highest standards of building and fire safety are in place across Scotland.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director for Prevention and Protection David McGown said: “Even when every precaution is taken fire can still happen, so it’s essential all homes have working alarms as they provide a vital early warning which save lives.
“Our firefighters are committed to protecting communities and through our free home fire safety visits they can identify hazards and install smoke detectors for free which prevent incidents occurring at all.
“The safety of household appliances can be checked at www.registermyappliance.org.uk
“This is a great resource where manufacturers can contact people who may have an appliance that could put them at risk. It represents over 85 per cent of the domestic appliance industry and nearly 90 per cent of white goods brands.”
He said anyone wanting to book a home fire safety visit can call 0800 0731 999, text ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk
Which domestic appliances are most likely to catch fire*?
1. 31per cent washing machines (75)
2. 25per cent tumble dryers (61)
3. 18 per cent electric cookers including oven (44)
4. 13 per cent Dishwashers (32)
5. 8 per cent Fridges/freezers ( 20)
6. 4 per cent Washer dryer combo (9)
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