If you have, or look after toddlers or young children, you'll know just how inquisitive they are about electrical sockets and plugs, so it's obviously going to be a key area of concern as far as safety is concerned.

With so many safety products on the market to help you protect your children against electrical accidents, including socket safety covers and socket inserts, deciding which is the best option can be confusing, ...but do you know which ones may actually increase the risk to your children?

A popular choice over recent years has been the Socket Insert (also sometimes called a plug cover or safety plug), however in recent tests by an independent body, not only are many of these products poorly designed and manufactured, but the fundamental concept of the product is flawed

...and the product actually increases the risk of accidents to your child.

one example of a Socket Insert

...watch a video showing the problem with socket inserts and why they are so dangerous

A Safe Alternative is the Socket Safety Cover, which encloses the whole socket.

These products not only prevent children from playing with the socket, but they also stop them pulling out plugs or switching off equipment in use.

Just think of the consequences of your toddler switching off your PC in mid flight! ...it could cause all sorts of problems from data corruption, to loss of work in progress, ...and how much would it cost you if your freezer was switched off?

It really is one of lifes No-brainers! - a low cost Socket Safety Cover is a great investment as it not only eliminates the risk to your toddler ...but also to your equipment!

Click here - to see the full range of low cost Socket Safety Covers

Socket Safety Cover

Designed to stop the misuse of, or electrical accidents at the 13a socket, in the home, office, school, care home, etc, SocketPro Socket Safety Covers are available for use with single or double: 13a sockets (and/or light switches).

Here are a few examples of how they are currently being used;

Protecting toddlers and babies with SocketPro socket safety covers:

Babies and toddlers are naturally curious, and with most electrical sockets in the UK being located at low level (typically just above the skirting board), electrical sockets are an obvious and potentially dangerous attraction.

Covering your electrical sockets with socket safety covers, prevents anything being poked into the socket, or the full or partial removal of the plug from the socket. This protects children against electric shocks and also ensures there’s no sudden powering off of sensitive computer equipment, etc. whilst it’s in use.

Socket safety covers protecting the elderly at home:

Many elderly people living alone, enjoy the benefits of an emergency assistance alarm button which they can carry with them at all times to summon help if they for instance, have a fall or need help for any reason and can’t reach the phone.

There are many such systems available, however, all rely on the use of some sort of signal transmitter or phone linked autodialler system to summon help. They all require an electrical mains power supply to operate, which is normally supplied by plugging into a 13a power socket that must be left permanently switched on.

Unfortunately, there have been many instances where the system has been accidentally unplugged or the power switched off at the socket, rendering the system inoperative and therefore useless. A socket safety cover protects against this and for those situations where the risk is greatest (i.e. where the protected person is suffering from dementia), a lockable version of the socket cover provides even greater protection.

Protecting PCs and other sensitive equipment:

Suddenly switching off the power to a PC which is in use can cause all sorts of problems for the user, from data corruption to loss of the work in progress. 

The socket safety cover ensures that no one (toddler or cleaner!), can accidentally unplug your computer while your working on it.

Keeping the lights on:

There are many valid reasons why a certain “light switch” or “power socket” should always be left switched on.

Socket safety covers, which are available to fit single or double 13a sockets (or switch plates with the same overall dimensions), prevent accidental switching off! 

Protecting electrical sockets against splashes and food debris:

Electrical sockets in food preparation areas, kitchens, laboratories, etc. are easily protected from liquid splashes or micro particles in the atmosphere (i.e. flour or dust), by fitting them with a safety cover.

Who uses Socket Safety Covers?

SocketPro socket safety covers have literally hundreds of uses and are suitable for almost any type of environment, but here are a few examples of popular current applications;

At Home - obviously they’re very popular in the home and an essential safety aid where there are toddlers or crawling babies around. They’re also great for protecting that socket next to the sink, against water splashes! ...and what about those sockets in your shed or garage?

In the Office – from protecting the power supplies to PCs and other office equipment, to protecting the power socket next to the electric kettle, socket safety covers are a great low cost safety aid and convenience.

In the laboratory – prevent the accidental switching off of the power to that current experiment!

In the factory or workshop – protecting against dirt and liquid splashes!

In the School – replacing broken or damaged electrical sockets is expensive, which is why many schools now use socket safety covers to simply protect their sockets against damage caused by knocks or heavy handed use.

...click here for details of more safety products available from Insight Security

Wheelie bins are on the whole, a great invention, but their misuse is a growing problem across the UK. Examples of misuse range from use in arson attacks, to use by burglars as a getaway cart!

...but the Wheelie Bin Lock from Insight Security, offers a simple, practical and low cost solution for 'domestic' and 'commercial' users.

Wheelie Bins Used for Arson Attacks:

Whether first hand, or on the BBC TV News, we’ve all seen the consequences of wheelie bins that have been used in arson attacks on schools, homes or businesses.

When used for arson attacks, typically the wheelie bins are stuffed with combustible materials to form a fire bomb, then positioned against a doorway or other vulnerable point of the building and set alight! 

…the resulting damage can run into tens of thousands (or in extreme cases, hundreds of thousands) of pounds,  …but the Wheelie Bin Lock (also referred to as: Wheeley Bin Locks) will stop your wheelie bin being misused!

Wheelie Bins Used as a ‘Getaway’ cart:

BBC’s popular ‘Beat The Burglar’ TV series, offers practical advice on how to protect your home against burglars.

In a recent episode, the 'ex villain' presenter of the show, demonstrated how a wheelie bin makes an excellent vehicle for carrying away the items stolen from your property …having filled the bin with the items stolen from the house, he simply wheeled it away down the street in the owners wheelie bin!

Chaining up your wheelie bins with a Wheelie Bin Lock will ensure your bin won’t be used as a getaway cart for the burglar!

Wheelie Bins use as a climbing aid:

You may lock up your ladders, but what many people overlook is that the wheelie bin can be used by thieves or vandals, as a climbing frame to gain access to your flat roofs or other vulnerable areas!

Locking up your wheelie bin in a safe area will ensure that yours can’t be used in that way …once again, the Wheelie Bin Lock offers a practical low cost solution!

Wheelie Bins and the vandal:

We all know that kids have nothing to do these days! …so it’s hardly surprising that cases of mindless morons emptying the contents of wheelie bins onto the street or into gardens, etc. are not uncommon.

Not only is the result an unpleasant mess, but it could also pose a health risk, or encourage unwelcome animal attention from the likes of rats, foxes or seagulls.

The wheelie bin lock provides a simple solution!

Ideal for Commercial or Domestic use:

Available in a range of sizes, low cost Wheelie Bin Locks are suitable for domestic or commercial use and will help protect you against the above threats and lots more...

For more information or to buy on-line, visit the Insight Security ‘on-line security shop’

Crime prevention experts everywhere agree, that marking your assets and valuables with an identification mark to establish your ownership, is a great idea and a very worthwhile extra precaution to be used alongside your physical security measures.

There are basically two popular types of asset mark available;

"Visual Markings"

 - these will bear some sort of identification such as; your postcode, company name or telephone number, etc. which can be applied to your valuables in the form of a stick on label, or a mark permanently etched into the surface of the protected item.

or

"Covert Markings"

 - these are marks which are not easily seen by the naked eye, but which can be identified and analysed by police to identify ownership of the goods. This type of mark ranges from the simple UV Pen mark, which flouresces when a UV light is shone on it, to very sophisticated microdot and DNA style asset marking systems.

Over recent years, the popularity of covert marking systems has increased significantly. As a result of increased production volumes and more competition in the marketplace, there has been a small drop in prices, however you'll still need to beware of hidden ongoing costs such as; annual license or renewal fees, database registration fees (or fees to change your database entry - i.e. when your contact details change).

EnigmaTag - is an exciting new type of Microdot marking system which has smashed through the price barrier big time, making it easily affordable to everyone!

From the home owner wanting to mark the home computer or TV, or those valuable paintings or antiques, 

...to the corporate business or school with hundreds or even thousands of items to protect, EnigmaTag offers a practical and cost effective solution.

Used and recommended by police, EnigmaTag has the backing of police forces UK wide. Ownership details of the marked items is registered (for free) on the national on-line database, which is available for registrations and for police interrogation 24/7.

The system is based around a special UV reactive marking fluid, saturated with thousands of uniquely coded microscopic particles.

All of the micro-particles in the applicator bottle feature the same unique identification code, but the code in each bottle is different, so unlike other systems, your code is unique to you (note: 'coded alike' bottles are available for large commercial customers if required).

Each bottle contains sufficient fluid for up to 120 applications using the in-built applicator brush, so even assuming a couple of marks per item (as recommended), there's enough to mark 50 items or so.

Used in conjunction with the warning and window stickers supplied, the system will help prevent the theft of all the expensive items in your home, school or work place.

Popular uses include marking valuable assets such as: Computers, Laptops, PDA's, Printers, Scanners, Projectors, Televisions, DVD Players, VCR's, Games consoles, Stereo systems, MP3 Players, Personal stereos, Antiques and Paintings, Power tools, Lawn mowers, Industrial machinery, Scaffolding components ... in fact just about anything that's at risk.

 ...and the really good news is that unlike other covert marking systems, with EnigmaTag, there are no ongoing annual license fees or renewal fees to pay!

Want to know more about asset / property marking products? - click here for details - covert & visual asset marking systems
  

The new Pocket Size Illuminated Folding Search and Inspection Mirror from Insight Security sets new standards for performance at a truly budget price (currently on special offer at just £25.40 ex vat).

The three high performance LED lamps built-in to the mirror housing, are powerful enough to light up the darkest corners to ensure you don't miss anything during your inspection, whilst their ultra low power draw ensures long battery life.

The generous 85mm (circa 3.5") diameter round mirror is big enough to be practical for inspecting larger areas, while being small enough to allow the unit to fold compactly to slip into your pocket, ...and weighing in at just 190gms, it won't make your pocket sag!

The telescopic stainless steel handle extends to a comfortable 750mm, preventing the need to stoop to inspect the underside of your vehicle or other areas to be inspected, while the double ball joint attachment allows infinite angle adjustment of the mirror for easy viewing. 

Specifications at a glance:
 
- Dimensions:   Folded -  160 x 90 x 35mm.
                     The telescopic handle extends to 750mm (29.5")

- Mirror Type:   Glass - 85mm diameter (3.3/8")

- Powered by:  2 x standard lithium button cells (supplied)

- Weight:        190 gms (incl batteries)

click here for for more information on the range of pocket size compact folding search and inspection mirrors

or click here for details of the full range of security search and inspection mirrors from Insight Security

Eye protection products

There are a vast range of safety spectacles, safety goggles and other eye protectors to choose from, so what makes a particular model the best value choice?

Well the starting point must be to ask the question what do you need them for? ...and the assumption here, is that you need protection for your eyes while undertaking general handyman type tasks.

If of course its essential for you to have pink or blue tinted lens, or you are going to be working in particularly hazardous environments such as a chemical lab, welding shop, or other hostile environment, then you probably need to look for more specialist products.

...but if you're simply looking for a reliable, well made product at a realistic price, for general purpose use, then read on.

To put things into context, one manufacturer alone produces 74 different models of safety spectacle and 11 different models of safety goggle!

If you have the time, money and inclination, you could undertake your own evaluation program, alternatively of course you can take the easy option and accept that Insight Security have already done the hard work for you and run with the choice of products listed below.

Safety Goggles (from just £2. 69);

The clear “Safety Goggles”, feature polycarbonate lens with a flexible body, elasticated headband and indirect ventilation - simple, affordable and reliable!

Safety Spectacles (from just £2. 69);

The  “Safety Spectacles” may not be a “designer range”, but the modern wrap around styling certainly gives them a designer range look. The lightweight, polycarbonate construction means that they’re a lot less clunky than the basic type of safety glasses offered elsewhere and they are designed to fit comfortably whether you have a thin or broader face.

Safety Over-Spectacles for prescription glasses wearers (from just £2. 58);

The  “Safety Over-Spectacles” are also manufactured from robust polycarbonate and are designed to offer protection for those users who already wear prescription glasses.

Anti climb paint (also often called security paint, anti burglar paint or just simply burglar paint), is a non-setting jel type product, which forms a non-grippable slippery surface on anything painted with it.

Typically painted on to wall tops, gate and fence tops, around the edges of flat roofs, or on to poles (such as CCTV Camera mounting poles or lamp posts), or down pipes, its main use is to stop intruders, burglars, vandals and other unwanted visitors from climbing up or over the surfaces painted with it.

Applied thickly (a typical covering will be around 3mm thick), anti climb paint never sets, so it remains in its jel like state. Anyone trying to get a handhold on any surface painted with it, will find their hands covered by it, which not only prevents them from climbing over the painted surface, but also prevents them from getting a grip on other surfaces subsequently.

Anti-climb paint is normally applied with a paintbrush and as it is a petroleum based product, brushes can be cleaned with white spirit or a specialist brush cleaner fluid.

Although brushes can be cleaned, the nature of security paint means that brushes are pretty clogged up after use. Which is why most people find it quicker, easier and cheaper to use a disposable paintbrush to apply it, which they can simply throw away after use.

Other accessories you may find useful when applying anti climb paint include; latex or pvc gloves to stop your hands from getting messy, while safety spectacles or safety goggles can be worn to protect the eyes against accidental splashes.

Visit this link for other Workwear and Personal Safety products

The new look and feel Insight-Direct security webshop launched in April 2010 is proving a major hit with customers.

Because the site only sells proven, reliable security products which do what they claim, every product offered, carries a "No Quibble - Money Back Guarantee". This combined with competitive pricing and the most comprehensive range of security products available in the UK are just some of the reasons that customers return to the site, each time they have a new security problem to tackle.

Feedback from "new" and "long standing" customers on the new format of the on-line shop is very positive. In particular, people find it quick and easy to navigate their way around the site and buying is a simple, speedy process with no surprises.

For many "On-Line" buyers, one of the biggest frustrations of the buying process is having to enter their personal details before they get to see the final cost of what's in their basket.

Insight believe that transparency is essential throughout any transaction, which is why when you add an item to your basket at the Insight-Direct on-line shop, you can instantly see the total cost including VAT and carriage ... so there are no nasty surprises when you get to the checkout, ...and you won't be asked for your personal details until you choose to go to the checkout!

If you have a safety or security issue (or think you may have one in the future), this is definitely a site you'll need to visit, so bookmark it now and add it to your favourites;

   http://www.insight-direct.co.uk/DotNetShop/Default.aspx

It could save you a fortune the next time you have a problem, but just as importantly, when you do need a security solution, you know that you can rely on any product you buy from the shop.