Electrical Safety First is a registered UK charity working with all sectors of the electrical industry as well as local and central government to reduce deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents. Research shows that every year 2.5 million adults get an electric shock in their homes or garden, any of which could have caused injury or death. In 2007, according to government statistics, there were 19 deaths and 2,788 injuries caused by electric shocks. In addition, electricity is now the major cause of accidental domestic fires in UK homes with over 21,000 in 2007. In that same year there were 49 deaths and 3,477 injuries. The charity, through its activities and partnerships, aims to ensure that consumers’ needs are recognised and that issues of electrical safety are given the appropriate priority.
1970s Around 18,000 separate electrical installations inspected each year
1971 NICEIC is registered as a charity.org
1983 First computer introduced into NICEIC Head Office
1986 NICEIC Head Office moves to Vintage House, London
1988
1992 16th Edition of IEE Wiring Regulations adopted as British Standard
1998 NICEIC Roll published on CD-ROM and website
2000
2002 Technical Manual launched
2005 The the Electrical Safety Council and started to carry out the charitable objectives of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. NICEIC Group Ltd formed to carry out the commercial aspects of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting.
Electrical Safety First promotes electrical safety and changes in attitude and behaviour by raising consumer and industry awareness of the issues and risks through:
Influencing other stakeholders to consider consumer needs.
, such as the Electrical Installation Forum
Grants
Every year Electrical Safety First awards funding to a range of organisations, from both the Electrical Fire Safety Fund and the Home Improvement Grant Scheme. The aims to support the delivery of project-based fire prevention initiatives at local community level that aim to effectively tackle the causes of electrical-related fires, and those that seek to increase public awareness. During this process Electrical Safety First works closely with the Fire Service, CFOA and Local Authorities around the UK.
Joint venture
In November 2012 Electrical Safety First joined up with the Electrical Contractors' Association to launch the - a joint venture between the two organisations. The register features both domestic and commercial contractors, and brings together the NICEIC, and ECA certification schemes. Electrical Safety First and ECA together own Certsure LLP, which trades using the NICEIC and ELECSA certification brands.
Rebrand
In late 2013 the Electrical Safety Council announced that it is undergoing a rebranding, and that as of 28 March 2014 it would become Electrical Safety First. The rebrand was launched alongside a YouTube video which brought popular 70s/ 80s animation Charley Saysback to life, with the help of David Walliams who provided the voiceovers.
