Legal News

Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety (CFRCS) Service is reminding the public to be aware of safety in the garden and the risks of electric shock from gardening equipment.

CFRCS is supporting the Electrical Safety First campaign – and advises gardeners to make sure they have Residual Current Device (RCD) protection.

An estimated one in ten people has experienced an electric shock or an accident caused while using an electrical appliance in their garden.

Most electrical shock injuries result from cutting through the cable of a lawnmower – which can cause a severe electric shock, or even kill, if there is no RCD protection.

Electrical Safety First research shows that more than one-quarter of people do not know what an RCD is.

An RCD is designed to prevent a fatal electric shock if a live current, such as a bare wire, is touched. RCD protection can be built into a fuse-box or sockets. A plug-in RCD should be used with any kind of electrical equipment, such as lawn mowers and hedge trimmers.

Despite more than half of people reporting that they use electrical devices in their gardens, Electrical Safety First found that more than one-quarter had never heard of an RCD – and of those who had heard of an RCD, one in six said that they did not always use an RCD when using electrical equipment outside.

The main reasons for electric shock in the garden include cutting through a cable, cutting through a wire, or using electrical equipment in wet conditions.

However, as gardens become an additional living space, more people are using electrical equipment outside – nearly one in ten people with gardens say that they used mains powered entertainment systems like speakers outside.

A further one in seven has outdoor lighting – while one in 40 has a Jacuzzi, hot tub or heated pool in the garden. With any of these electrical items, a working RCD could prevent a fatal accident.

Emma Drackford, Director of Communications at Electrical Safety First said:

“An incredibly high number of people are using electrical equipment in the garden and having accidents outdoors.

“It’s more important than ever that anyone using mains voltage appliances outdoors uses an RCD. A plug-in RCD can cost as little as £10.

“A fixed RCD will cost more, but will provide a greater degree of protection to help keep your family safe. We recommend that anyone using electrical appliances outdoors owns a RCD. Not using one could cost you your life”.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Electrocution Claims

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors can advise electrical contractors and those who have suffered injury as a result of electrocution caused by negligence or faulty goods on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Electrocution claims have to be made within three years of injury – children can claim compensation for electrocution up to the age of 21.

Duncan Lewis also offers supportive legal advice to bereaved families whose loved one has lost their life as a result of electrocution or an electric shock caused by the negligence of a third party.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Electrocution Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.