We're continuing electrical safety testing in our council homes and sending appointment letters to tenants now due their five yearly safety checks.
We are continuing electrical safety testing in our council homes and sending appointment letters to tenants now due their five yearly safety checks.
Around 7,000 tenants will soon receive a letter with an appointment date and we would urge them to keep this, or if this is not convenient, to reschedule as soon as possible. Details of how to do this will be on their letter.
We’re also reassuring tenants that all testing in their homes will follow strict government safety guidance.
We’re complying with physical distancing rules and ideally would ask tenants, or anyone else present in the house, to vacate the room the staff member is working in until the inspection is complete. Staff will also have appropriate PPE including face masks and gloves for use.
We have a legal duty to carry out inspections and tenants are required to provide access. The checks allow us to examine the condition of the wiring against safety standards, as the wiring can deteriorate or become damaged over time, with the result of electric shock, fire and burns. Take a look at how these checks work.
We’re also asking tenants that if they have any symptoms of coronavirus: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste, then they should cancel and reschedule their appointment.
Raymond Boyd, Project Delivery Manager, said: “These safety checks are vitally important for keeping our tenants and residents safe. This type of testing takes place every five years and is carried out with the minimal of disruption to tenants. So, if you receive an appointment please keep this and ensure access is provided.
“We’re asking tenants to work with us and provide access to allow us to protect them and their homes from fire and give them the peace of mind that their home remains safe.”
There is a small number of tenants who don’t provide access and seem unaware of their, and our obligations to maintain and keep them and their properties safe. As a last resort the council does have legal powers to enforce access if all attempts of co-operation are exhausted.