Electrical Safety Council launches campaign strategy

The newly-formed Electrical Safety Council is to be publicly launched at the end of April. This new body will focus on consumer protection and aims to promote electrical safety on all levels. It was formed following a review by the NICEIC that separates the organisation's commercial and charitable activities.

Its mission is to become the most influential and respected UK driving force for consumers in the field of electrical safety. This will be achieved by operating a watching brief for consumers; campaigning in specific areas of electrical safety; and monitoring the electrical industry for safety issues that affect the consumer.

Emma McCarthy, director of the Electrical Safety Council, said: "We will focus on the electrical safety needs of consumers. We'll be working in partnership with the electrical and building services industries, accident prevention groups and government to develop strategies to help those using electrical products and installation services to understand the risks."

The Council will run a series of consumer campaigns for electrical safety. Initial topics will include:

• research into the in-service reliability of rcds used for supplementary protection against electric shock, and making appropriate recommendations;
• reducing the number of fires in domestic premises that have an electrical origin;
• raising consumer awareness of legal requirements relating to electrical safety.

The Council is also undertaking a more detailed survey of householders' knowledge and awareness of electrical safety issues. It will become an impartial centre of excellence on all matters relating to electrical safety.

David Pollock, ECA director, said: "The ECA welcomes the launch of the Electrical Safety Council, which we are sure will continue the effective work done by the NICEIC, and will play a pivotal role in promoting electrical safety issues to the public. This is particularly important since the introduction of Part P and will become increasingly so with the Home Information Pack. We look forward to working with the Council on a number of issues."

As part of its consumer awareness campaign the Council has set up a web site: www.electricalsafetycouncil. org.uk or it can be reached on tel: 01582 556 556.