Safety project rolls out despite pandemic

Council tenants in Monklands and surrounding areas are receiving letters from the local authority as it recommences electrical safety testing in homes.

The appointment letters are going out to more than 7000 tenants across North Lanarkshire now due their fiveyearly safety checks.

Following the Scottish Government’s Phase Three announcement , Nor th Lanarkshire Council is expanding the range of repair and safety works it can undertake. This includes a programme of essential electrical safety checks to keep tenants safe.

Tenants are being urged to keep the appointment or, if inconvenient, to reschedule as soon as possible.

Tenants can be reassured that all testing in their homes will follow strict government safety guidance.

Council employees will be complying with physical distancing rules and ideally would ask tenants, or anyone else present in the house, to vacate the room the staff member is working in until the inspection is complete. Staff will also have appropriate PPE including face masks and gloves for use.

The council has a legal duty to carry out inspections and tenants are required to provide access. The checks allow the condition of the wiring to be examined against safety standards, as the wiring can deteriorate or become damaged over time, with the result of electric shock, fire and burns.

Any tenants showing any symptoms of coronavirus – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – are asked to cancel and reschedule their appointment.

Raymond Boyd, project delivery manager, said: “Tenants might feel a bit nervous about staff coming into their home to carry out these safety inspections. I’d like to reassure them that we’re complying and following all government guidance relating to physical distancing and appropriate PPE equipment where required.

“This type of testing takes place every five years and is carried out with the minimal of disruption to tenants. So, if you receive an appointment please keep this and ensure access is provided.

“There is a small number of tenants who don’t provide access and seem unaware of their, and our, obligations to maintain and keep them and their properties safe. As a last resort the council does have legal powers to enforce access if all attempts of co-operation are exhausted.

“We’re asking tenants to work with us and provide access to allow us to protect them and their homes from fire and give them the peace of mind that their home remains safe.”

More information can be found on the council’s website.

Tenants with any questions or concerns should contact the number provided on the letter.