NICEIC highlights the importance of electrical safety this Child Safety Week

NICEIC issues guidance for parents and guardians on electrical safety during Child Safety Week 2025

Photo of NICEIC Media Team
NICEIC Media Team | Communications
NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification body for the electrical industry, is urging families to prioritise electrical safety in and around their homes this Child Safety Week 2025 (2–8 June).

Spearheaded by the Child Accident Prevention Trust, this year’s theme is ‘safety is for sharing’. Child Safety Week provides an ideal opportunity for families across the country to take a closer look at electrical safety in their homes and gardens. With children naturally curious and often unaware of the dangers posed by everyday appliances, socket-outlets, and outdoor equipment, now is the time for parents and guardians to ensure their environments are safe and secure. Simple checks and preventative measures can make all the difference to protect children from avoidable accidents at home.

NICEIC recommends the tips below for parents and guardians to help keep their children safe around electricity.
 
  • Teach children about the dangers of electricity
It is recommended that parents and guardians explain to children that electricity has the potential to cause serious injuries.
 
  • Avoid using damaged electrical equipment
Any electrical equipment that has frayed or damaged cords should not be used and safely discarded.
 
  • Keep electrical cords out of reach
Electrical cords and leads should be kept out of reach of children.
 
  • Avoid overloading socket-outlets
Avoid overloading socket-outlets. An extension lead should never be plugged into another extension lead, and if more outlets are required consider having additional socket-outlets installed.
 
  • Inspect regularly
Homeowners are advised to regularly check electrical cords, light switches, plugs and socket-outlets for damage and have any faulty items repaired by a NICEIC-registered electrician. Householders can find NICEIC-registered electrician through the 'Find a trusted NICEIC tradesperson' tool.

NICEIC Technical Director, Paul Collins, said: “According to data from Electrical Safety First, a UK charity dedicated to electrical safety, approximately 70 children are admitted to hospitals each year in the UK due to electrical shock, or burn injuries. This should serve as a stark reminder of the importance of electrical safety in the homes.”

“Child Safety Week is a timely opportunity to instil electrical safety education into children as well as highlighting simple measures that can be put in place to ensure families stay safe. We urge all householders to ensure that any form of electrical work is managed by a registered electrician.”

For more information, visit:
  • capt.org.uk for information about Child Safety Week
  • niceic.com to find out more about NICEIC’s services
  • niceic.com/find-a-tradesperson/ to find a registered electrician