Now, I’m sure that we’re all too aware of how to keep our technologies safe when it comes to keeping them from thieves. But, how many of you know how to keep them safe from breakdowns and electrical faults?
Take a look around your home; I bet it’s littered with dozens of electrical appliances – from the home computer, and the laptop, to the landline phone and your mobile phone. And, it seems that on a day-to-day basis, that we don’t hold a second thought for these items. Why? Because, quite simply, we take them for granted. Until they break down, that is…
We all know that technological items have a high chance of breaking down, whether it be that the home PC starts to overheat, or that your laptop charger decides it doesn’t want to charge – but it’s when they decide to stop working that it can often cause havoc in a household. But, I’m not just talking about in terms of leaving you unable to check your emails, or not being able to surf the Internet, here. Because, when these everyday technological electrical appliances start to get problems, they can lead to far bigger problems – such as electrical faults, which could potentially lead to fires.
And, as I’m sure we’d all like to make sure we stay as safe from problems such as these as possible, here are a few ways you can do so.
Don’t Ignore Any Warning Signs
So, you’ve got a laptop charger that just occasionally sends you a little electric shock whenever its plugged in – that’s normal, considering it’s pretty old, right? Well, unfortunately, as much as you’d like to believe that it is, it really isn’t. And it’s these vital signs that you really shouldn’t ignore.
So, if you’re laptop, computer, or mobile does any weird things whenever it’s operating, it’s a clear sign that it probably has some electrical fault wrong with it. And, it’s only a matter of time before that ‘small’ problem escalates into something much bigger. So, to stay safe and keep your technologies safe, don’t ignore it.
Get Them Tested: In The Home
With over half of all accidental fires starting at the source of an electrical appliance, it’s no wonder that all technology items have to go through a set of rigorous testing procedures, before they’re allowed off the production line and into the stores. These tests, better known as portable appliance tests (PAT), are processes in the UK that work in line with health and safety guidelines, to check that all electrical appliances are safe for use.
We’ve all seen the signs of a PAT passed item, whether it may be the work laptop charger you borrow having a “passed” label attached to the cord, or whether you’ve turned your work computer monitor round to see “tested for electrical safety” stamped on the back, and although these items have been tested before we bought them, so many of us fail to have these test carried out regularly at home – just like a car MOT and service, your electrical appliances need checking on a frequent basis, to ensure that any warning signs are detected in good time and to prevent any serious problems happening in the long run.
This can be done in two ways; through a professional, or with the help of a home PAT Tester kit. A professional may come into your home and test each and every individual portable appliance in next to no time at all, and they’ll also help to inform you on what steps need to be taken to ensure your safety. However, PAT Testers can be purchased from many DIY stores, or online, and are suitable for both basic home use and professional use, and are affordable no matter what your budget. Purchasing one will also ensure that you can test your appliances whenever and wherever you like, and more importantly, on a much more regular and frequent basis.
After all, the small cost of a PAT tester is nothing when compared to the cost of your safety and well-being.
Get Them Tested: In The Workplace
With health and safety now playing such an important role in all kinds of businesses across every industry, ensuring that any machinery and appliances that are used are up to the desired standard is key. And, if you work in the IT sector where you heavily depend on the use of laptops, PC’s and mobile phones in your work environment, then it’s vital that you implement these safety precautions to – not only for the safety of your employees, but also because it’ll save you time and money in the long run if you do so.
When an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to be doing is to have to spend more money on insurance because of a continually malfunctioning device, or to cover for the risk of accidents occurring due to faulty appliances. Testing the appliances regularly will ensure that your workplace technologies are kept at prime working level and will also ensure you keep your employees safe from any potential risks that may occur.