Electrical safety at forefront of UK’s net zero progress

As innovation and new technology takes us ever closer to an all-electric future, it has never been more important to scrutinise the safety and lifespan of electrical products.  

Sustainability is key to achieving the UK’s ambitious net zero emissions targets, and there is much debate around how innovative electrical products should be developed and tested. 

Now in its 15th year, Electrical Safety First’s annual Electrical Product Safety Conference is on Thursday, 16 November, at Church House in London. 

Sponsored by Connected Innovations, it brings together experts and leaders from across industry to explore critical issues, offer solutions and share insights.  

The conference explores major themes and trends impacting consumer safety and tackles emerging issues to ensure electrical products are developed to the highest standards – from conception, through manufacture and production to sale. 

Examining the latest advancements and innovations in electrical safety and consumer goods, this prestigious event attracts a wide range of delegates from government departments to manufacturers, retailers, importers, lawyers, and test houses.  

Taking a wide-lens approach means attendees can hear about the most important emerging issues of the time before drilling down into detail with experts drawn from across the field to find out how these affect industry and consumers in real life. 

Critical topics up for discussion this year include: 

• Safety in design: How to ensure safety from the outset of product design, from inclusivity, repairability and interoperability to conformity and standards. 
• Taking a product to market: Legal responsibilities, due diligence, risk assessments, testing, and controversies over normal use and foreseeable misuse. 
• On the market: Incidents, traceability, supply chain issues, second–life products, handling service and repair, and the need for global regulation. 
• End of life versus extended life: Longer lifecycles must be balanced against risks in repair and extended life. Technology and safety innovations, and their legal implications. 

Major speakers confirmed so far include: 

• Kevin Hollinrake, MP, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business 
• Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor at The Times
• Abdul Choudhury, Senior Policy Advisor for Energy Technology and Innovation, Department for Transport 
• Lesley Rudd, CEO, Electrical Safety First 
• Sarah Smith, OBE, Deputy Chief Executive, Office for Product Safety and Standards, Department for Business and Trade. 

Lesley Rudd, CEO of Electrical Safety First, says, “Our annual conference is the first event I put in my diary each year and one I look forward to eagerly. It has insightful speakers who are dedicated to sharing best practice and improving the future of the electrical product sector, and of course, for users of electrical goods. It is an excellent opportunity to learn, to network with industry professionals, decision-makers, and business leaders, to share ideas and to create new ideas.”