General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 19 December 2024.
Clare Adamson
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking, including in discussion with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, to promote electrical safety over the Christmas period. (S6O-04139)
Siobhian Brown
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government works closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which has an annual fire safety campaign. This year, the focus is on devices powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which householders will be urged to buy, charge and dispose of safely to prevent accidental fires at home.
In addition, the SFRS will issue public safety advice over the festive period, with a particular focus on kitchen safety, as more fires start in the kitchen than in any other room in the house. Raising awareness of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries is particularly important, as products containing them are becoming increasingly popular.
Clare Adamson
Scottish National Party
Research from the Child Accident Prevention Trust shows that almost three quarters of parents wrongly believe that any product aimed at children under five has to be fully tested and certified safe by an independent body before it can be sold online. As the Minister has highlighted, online marketplaces are littered with substandard fake goods. During this festive period, will the minister join me in emphasising the need to stay vigilant, particularly if people are buying online, to stick to trusted traders and to make use of freely available resources produced by organisations such as the Child Accident Prevention Trust and Electrical Safety First?
Siobhian Brown
Scottish National Party
I thank Clare Adamson for highlighting that important issue. I would emphasise the crucial role that everyone has to play in their own safety and in the safety of their families, and I strongly urge people to buy products only from reputable retailers whom they know and trust. It is vital that any electrical items are used, charged and stored carefully and safely.
I urge everyone to be aware of the risks. If anyone sees smoke or flames coming from a battery or device, they should, if in doubt, never tackle it themselves. They should get out, stay out and call 999. I also recommend that people make use of the range of fire safety information that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service hosts on its website.
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