What safety experts say about fans in the Cornwall heat

The heat is back, and the fan in the corner of your bedroom is probably working overtime. It is one of the cheapest ways to stay cool when Cornwall gets sticky. It is also an electrical appliance, and a faulty one can catch fire. A recall in the United States recently pulled thousands of fans off the shelves after two of them caught light. So before you leave yours whirring away, it is worth a few minutes of checks.

The team at health and safety training experts High Speed Training have shared their advice on using fans safely and effectively during the hot spell.

Dr Richard Anderson, director of learning at High Speed Training, said people across the country will be reaching for their fans as temperatures climb. He said that while fans are great for beating the heat, a few simple safety tips can keep them running smoothly.

Make sure it is registered

If you are buying a new fan, register it with the manufacturer. That way you will be contacted if there is ever a safety-related recall. It happens more often than you might think. Around 18,000 fans were recalled in the United States recently after two were reported to have caught fire. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission found the fans could overheat and posed a risk of serious injury or death from a fire hazard.

Check for damage

Before you turn it on, look the fan over for any wear or damage, paying close attention to the plug and the cable. Do not use it if you spot anything. And if the fan buzzes or crackles, or the plug feels warm while it is running, switch it off straight away and speak to a qualified electrician. Those can be signs of an electrical fault.

Clean it before use

Dust builds up on fan blades, and that puts extra strain on the motor and raises the risk of overheating. Give the blades a clean, but always unplug the fan first and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the safety housing is properly fitted and closed so nothing can touch the blades.

Do not leave it running overnight

It is tempting to leave a fan on all night to keep cool while you sleep. But if a fault develops while you are asleep, you are far less likely to notice it in time. It is safer to switch the fan off overnight. Instead, run it in the bedroom for a while before bed with the windows open to get the air moving and bring the temperature down. The same goes for leaving a fan unattended during the day.

Get the positioning right

Where you put the fan matters. Keep it on a flat, stable surface so it cannot tip or fall over and damage itself. Keep it clear of curtains and any hanging fabric that could block the airflow.

Dr Anderson said the hot weather looks set to stick around, and that fans are a quick and affordable way to stay cool. But they are still electrical appliances. A few minutes of simple checks can be the difference between a fan that runs smoothly and a fire or a nasty accident.

The advice comes from High Speed Training, which runs health and safety training courses.