UK Heatwave - Health and safety experts shares tips on how to safely use fans

With many parts of the UK grappling with a heatwave, many of us will be looking for ways to beat the heat and keep cool.

Fans can be a real help when it comes to managing the heat. Here, the team at health and safety training experts High Speed Training share some advice on how to use fans safely and effectively.

Dr Richard Anderson, Director of Learning at High Speed Training, said: “With temperatures rising, people across the UK will be reaching for their fans to try and keep cool. Whilst fans are great at helping beat the heat, there are some important safety tips that can help keep them running smoothly and safely.”

• Make sure it’s registered. If you are buying a new fan, make sure to register it with the manufacturer. This way, you will be contacted if there are any safety-related product recalls. Earlier this month, around 18,000 fans were recalled in the USA due to safety concerns. After two reports of fans catching fire, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the “fan(s) can overheat, posing a risk of serious injury or death from a fire hazard.” 

• Check for damage. Before turning it on, check your fan for any signs of wear or damage, especially on the plug and cable. Do not use the fan if any are detected, and if the fan is making any buzzing or crackling sounds or if the plug feels warm during use, switch off immediately and consult a qualified electrician as these could be signs of electrical faults.

• Clean before use. It’s also a good idea to clean the fan blades of any accumulated dust, as this can put extra strain on the motor and increase the risk of overheating. Always unplug the fan beforehand, and clean according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that the safety housing is securely fitted and closed to ensure that nothing can touch the blades and cause damage or injury.

• Don’t leave unattended. It’s advised to not leave a fan unattended whilst running, and to turn off overnight whilst sleeping. Whilst it is tempting to leave a fan running to cool you down whilst you sleep, if a fault does develop with the fan, it will be much harder to react to, so it is safer to turn off overnight. Instead, try running the fan in your bedroom for a period before going to sleep, with the windows open to circulate airflow and help to keep the room feeling cool.

• Get the positioning right. It’s important to position the fan correctly. Always ensure it is on a flat and stable surface to avoid the fan tipping or falling over, which could damage the unit. Also ensure that the fan is away from curtains or hanging fabrics that could disrupt the airflow.

Dr Anderson said: “With temperatures set to stay high for the next week or so, fans are a quick and affordable way to help us keep cool. However, they are still an electrical appliance, so it’s important to ensure that our trusty fans are being used safely. Taking a few minutes for some simple safety checks can help prevent a fire or a nasty accident and keep your fan running smoothly.”