Electrical Safety Checks

Vital safety checks on electrical equipment in council houses across the city are currently taking place.

And tenants are being urged to make sure they book an appointment as quickly as possible after they receive their notification letter.

Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “The Electrical Inspection Compliance Report (EICR) is a statutory requirement to be completed every five years or at change of tenancy, whichever is sooner.

"Our qualified electricians do around 40 of these tests every week and they are vital for making sure that all of the electrical circuits in the home, as well as the fuse box, and all permanent electrical equipment like the gas boiler and extractor fans are up to standard."

When the test is due the council sends up to three letters to a tenant over a period of six weeks asking them to make an appointment.

The test can take up to four hours depending on the size of the property and as well as ensuring safety also helps the council to keep up to date with the condition of wiring to help inform decisions on renewal and other potential works.

Cllr Flynn added: "The EICR is an important way of helping to protect our tenants’ safety, so much so that the council can come and force access if no appointment is made.

"However, we would much rather get the checks done in collaboration with tenants and that is why we are urging them to make an appointment when they get their letter."