Electrical safety may not always be the first thing on people’s minds, but for CETMA, the West Wales based community organisation, it has become a mission that could save lives. At the heart of this effort is the Electrical Safety Project, launched in partnership with the Electrical Safety Fund, and led by CETMA’s Emyr Evans.
Emyr explains that the project was born out of a simple but urgent motivation: to provide clear, accessible information to local communities about the risks posed by everyday electrical items. “Faulty electrical items are a main cause of house fires,” he says. “Making sure items are safe to use is a priority.”
Since its launch, the project has uncovered a range of common hazards that many households might overlook. Emyr points to plugs wired incorrectly, frayed leads, and charger cables dangerously cobbled together from multiple wires. One particularly alarming case involved a games console with its main lead spliced together from two different cables, a setup that could easily have sparked a fire. CETMA’s intervention prevented what might have been a serious accident.
The project’s approach is hands‑on. Families and individuals are invited to bring their everyday electrical items to be PAT tested, ensuring they are safe for continued use. This simple but effective service helps residents recognise risks in their own homes and gives them peace of mind. “We’re not just raising awareness,” Emyr explains. “We’re providing practical support that people can act on straight away.”
Beyond testing, education plays a vital role. CETMA emphasises the importance of checking electrical items before use or resale, instilling habits that can prevent accidents in the long term. Handbooks are distributed at public events, offering easy‑to‑understand guidance that residents can refer to at home. Emyr believes that changing attitudes requires consistent reinforcement. “Understanding the need to check electrical items before use, or before selling on, is key,” he says. “It’s about building awareness that lasts.”
CETMA has also made inclusivity a cornerstone of the project. Vulnerable groups such as older residents and low‑income families are offered free sessions to PAT test their items. In some cases, the team has even visited residents directly to ensure their safety. “We could make exceptions by visiting vulnerable residents,” Emyr notes, highlighting the project’s commitment to accessibility.
Interestingly, one of the most surprising discoveries has been the public’s lack of awareness that such services even exist. “People don’t realise these services are available,” Emyr says. “That’s why outreach is so important.”
Success is measured not only in statistics but in the tangible impact on households. CETMA keeps a record of every item tested, building a picture of the project’s reach and effectiveness. Each safe item represents a potential fire prevented, a family protected, and a community strengthened.
The long‑term vision is ambitious. Emyr hopes the project will expand to include home visits, allowing CETMA to check larger appliances such as fridges, freezers, tumble dryers, and washing machines. “It would be great if we were able to call around to homes and check items for a client,” he says. Such an initiative would bring electrical safety directly into households, ensuring that even the biggest appliances are not overlooked.
CETMA encourages community members and businesses to support the project’s mission. Whether by spreading the word, attending public events, or partnering with CETMA, there are many ways to contribute to safer homes across South and West Wales. For those who want to connect directly, Emyr can be reached at eevans@cetma.org.uk. “Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he concludes. “Together, we can make our homes safer and our communities stronger.”
