Socket Cover dangers
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  1. #1
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    Default Socket Cover dangers

    There have been earlier posts on this forum regarding the dangers of socket covers. The problem was originally highlighted by the FatallyFlawed campaign (a group of professional engineers, doctors and child-care professionals).

    You may be aware that subsequent to that Which? did a partial test of socket covers and also found some problems? There is an updated Which? report but it is only avavilable to members. (Please note that the Which? report is limited in scope and that three of the covers which they thought were least bad are actually among the most dangerous on the market.)

    The basic point is that the sockets we use today, which were introduced in 1947, were designed specifically to be child safe. Not only are the socket holes too small for a baby's fingers to poke into, but the sockets have automatic internal shutters to prevent anything being poked into them! The safety aspects of sockets are ensured by government regulation, there is no no need for socket covers, and no government regulation of them. To understand more about the dangers visit FatallyFlawed

    As a result of the original FatallyFlawed study, Ofsted has ceased to demand the use of socket covers, if you ask Ofsted's enquiry service they will tell you "Ofsted neither recommends nor prohibits the use of socket covers; instead we look at how registered providers ensure their premises are as safe as possible for children.

    It is for the provider to decide as part of the risk assessment they carry out at their premises how best to protect children from dangers associated with electric sockets and appliances.

    Providers may wish to consult the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) and Child Accident Protection Trust websites for information to help them make a decision about the use of socket covers. ...."



    An increasing number of online specialist baby retailers (usually run by business people who are also parents) have decided to cease selling socket covers and warn of the dangers instead.

    Unfortunately the UK Government has, so far, done nothing to either ban their sale or introduce regulations to ensure that they are made safe.

    Think very carefully before exposing children in your care to the dangers of plug-in socket covers.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Socket Cover dangers

    The first thing Mike said when we bought ours was ''They make the sockets more dangerous'' He worked in the building trade as a joiner and apparently its a well known fact.So.... What do we do ?????? Anybody not use them for the reasons stated in thread ???
    <link removed as no back link could be found>

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Socket Cover dangers

    I don't use them now.

    I watched the FatallyFlawed video & what it said made sense. We recently had the kitchen rewired & I asked the electrician about it. He said socket covers aren't necessary these days.

    To be honest, we only have a couple of sockets that the children can get to and they don't bother with them. I'm sure they were more attracted to them when we had socket covers in!

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Socket Cover dangers

    May have a chat with parents.Wouldnt want to stop using them without letting them know reasons why.
    <link removed as no back link could be found>

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    Default Re: Socket Cover dangers

    Quote Originally Posted by MarpleJollytots View Post
    May have a chat with parents.Wouldnt want to stop using them without letting them know reasons why.
    I put it in my newsletter with links to info on the internet. Like you, I didn't want to just stop using them without letting parents know.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Socket Cover dangers

    i dont use socket covers, but then just looking around i dont have any sockets that are in view either...
    Dust its Fairy Dust

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Socket Cover dangers

    Quote Originally Posted by Mouse View Post
    I put it in my newsletter with links to info on the internet. Like you, I didn't want to just stop using them without letting parents know.
    That's a really good idea. At FatallyFlawed we have seen a number of childminders and nurseries take that approach, those that have websites often include it there as well.

    For those with concerns about the inspection, you may wish to include a routine check of your socket’s shutters as part of your Risk Assessment. If you use MK sockets (which require that a real plug is inserted to open the shutters, not just the earth pin) then it is also worth noting in your RA the additional protection that they give.

  8. #8
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    Default

    Please sign this government e-petition: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/36699

    It calls for the proper regulation of socket covers.

  9. #9
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    Thanks David, good to see you here again.

    Always keen to promote your work on this I will give it a Facebook mention
    Pauline x

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    Default

    My DO queried why I didnt have have socket covers in and I showed her my ra with the fatally flawed website on. Luckily she just wanted to see if I could back up my reasoning as she visited a cm who hadnt got them in but didnt back up her ra's
    When someone tells you nothing is impossible, tell them to go slam a revolving door

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    Default

    Signed
    Cherry x

  12. #12
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    Default

    I use socket covers on all my plug sockets, have done for years, I don't know why really because non of the children mine or mindee's have ever been remotely intrested in plug sockets but there you go.

    Can I ask why are they so dangerous? Is it because they open up the internal shutters or something else?, just asking out of interest. X

  13. #13
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by nikki thomson View Post
    I use socket covers on all my plug sockets, have done for years, I don't know why really because non of the children mine or mindee's have ever been remotely intrested in plug sockets but there you go.

    Can I ask why are they so dangerous? Is it because they open up the internal shutters or something else?, just asking out of interest. X
    Please see the first post for the link.

    Using socket covers increases the risk of electric shock, and can damage your sockets which can result in overheating and fire!

  14. #14
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    Default

    Thanks for the support.

    Johnny Ball, the king of TV Maths (and Zoe's dad) became an official supporter of FatallyFlawed yesterday! His picture and quote now appear on the site.

  15. #15
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    I was actually just looking at updating my policies and remembered I had read this on here so came to check the links ... I have not been using the socket covers for some time now but today I freely admit is the first time I have clicked on the links... wow.... I hadnt actually considered a child putting the socket cover in its mouth and then back into the socket

    This info will definitely be going out to all my childminder friends and to my parents via my next newsletter

  16. #16
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    Default NHS Safety Alert!

    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.

  17. #17
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    Default

    :-) Thanks.

  18. #18
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    Default

    Thank you for informing us.

  19. #19
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    Default

    This is a topic that comes up every now and again. Thanks for sharing the information.

    As a toddler I electrocuted myself by sticking three sets of keys into a plug socket. Luckily I has wearing rubber soled slippers and none of the keys were my Mum's as we were at a neighbours house, at a Tupperware party, and the keys belonged to all the other adults !!!

  20. #20
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    Default

    Thanks for the latest information. I removed mine quite a few years ago

 

 
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