As a nursery manager or owner, you're responsible for the safety of the children in your care. While plug socket covers may seem like a simple solution to keep young children away from electrical outlets, they can actually be dangerous.
Worryingly, despite the potential dangers, we have found that many popular retailers are still selling these products.
The idea behind socket covers is to prevent children from inserting objects into the socket. However, using covers could actually increase the risk of electric shock. The live terminal is still live even if the earth pin is not inserted. Socket covers can damage the socket and defeat the safety design of BS 1363, which sets a distance that a plug pin must be inserted before coming in contact with live parts.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) does not recommend the use of socket covers. 13-amp power sockets made to BS 1363 have a shutter mechanism that prevents inappropriate access to live connectors. RoSPA suggests that all electrical equipment is stored safely away when not in use and that children are supervised and warned to keep away from plug socket outlets until they are capable of understanding the risks and can use them safely.
The UK Department of Health issued an Estates and Facilities Alert, which warns against the use of socket covers in healthcare and social care premises and homes. Socket covers are not constructed to any electrical or other safety standard, and using them could allow foreign objects to be inserted directly onto live parts within the socket, presenting a high risk of electric shock.
Nursery managers and owners should not use socket covers in their facilities. Instead, all electrical equipment should be stored safely away when not in use, and children should be supervised and warned to keep away from plug socket outlets.
It's essential to adhere to guidelines set by RoSPA and the Department of Health to ensure the safety of children in your care. By being vigilant and educating children about electrical safety, you can create a safe environment for them to learn and play.
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