Category: Regulations & Practise
How to Create a Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedule
Workplace Safety: Is Your Business Fully-Certified?
Workplace safety is exceptionally important but making sure your property meets rigorous safety standards can be difficult if you are unaware of the different assessments used to test your safety. In this guide, we will show you the most important certificates, assessments and tests needed to demonstrate your property’s safety and identify areas which may need improving. We will focus on three of the main areas of any property’s safety; electrical safety, fire safety, and gas safety. From EICR and fixed wire testing to gas safety certificates, there are a plethora of ways to improve your commercial property’s safety.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is one of the most important areas of any business. The consequences of bad electrical safety can be significant, ranging from shocks and burns which can be harmful to employees, to fires and explosions which can destroy a property and even be fatal. There are a few assessments you can undergo to make sure your electrical safety is up to standard.
Firstly, portable appliance testing (more commonly known as PAT testing) can be used to ensure electrical safety across all appliances which are connected to electricity through a lead and plug. Health and safety laws make it a legal requirement that all appliances are tested regularly.
Secondly, a business can acquire an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to evidence that electrical installations are up to standard. An EICR will detail the findings of fixed wire testing which is crucial to identifying potential electrical hazards. An EICR is so incredibly important to health and safety that recent laws have made them mandatory in privately rented residential properties.
Fire Safety
A fire can be devasting to a business which is why it is important to implement precautions to prevent them as well as take measures to mitigate their damage if they occur. Businesses are no longer issued fire safety certificates and instead must undertake a fire safety assessment. This puts the onus of fire safety on the business and its “responsible person”. A fire safety assessment will cover the full breadth of fire safety measures for businesses. You can read a step by step guide to implementing a fire safety assessment in our Guide to Fire Safety.
Fire alarm and fire door installation is essential, and all smoke detectors should be tested routinely. Fire extinguishers should be placed throughout the building. Properly training employees on fire safety and the evacuation process in the event of a fire is also fundamental to keeping employees safe. A fire safety assessment will cover all these elements and more.
Gas Safety
Commercial property gas safety obligations fall into two main areas; maintaining all gas installation and keeping records of an annual gas safety inspection. Maintenance is required for all gas installations and appliances. Gas safety maintenance includes an annual inspection and servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
You legally require a Gas safety certificate which can only be issued by a Gas Safe engineer. To get a Gas Safety certificate an engineer will need to visit your premises and carry out an inspection of all gas appliances including a visual inspection and functionality, operations and pressure tests. The extraction methods of appliances which use an extraction system to extract combustion gases will be assessed for suitability.
The health and safety of your employees and those visiting your commercial property is extremely important. To best protect them from hazards (and yourself from legal consequences) you need to make sure your businesses is taking all the necessary precautions and has obtained the required certificates which evidence that safety measures have been put in place.
Reducing Utility Bills: Top Tips
Our utility bills account for a large portion of our expenditure. This isn’t all bad, however. In fact, it means that by putting some time into this one area we can cut our spending by notable sums. We are not saying that you will be able to buy your dream car just by switching to energy-saver lightbulbs but with a few changes you can cut down your utility bills and save a little bit extra – it all adds up.
Boiler Maintenance
Your boiler is one of the biggest factors in the cost of your utilities. If you do not carry out the necessary boiler service and repairs, it will run inefficiently requiring more energy to do the same job. More energy equals more money. In other words, if you don’t stay on top of your boiler maintenance you are throwing away cash. Not to mention the costs of repairing your boiler if it breaks down. Read our guide to boiler maintenance for all the tips on keeping it running efficiently (and in turn cutting down your utility bill).
Insulation
When winter comes around, you will naturally see an increase in your use of heating. This increased use comes along with increased energy bills. However, you can mitigate some of this increased use by properly insulating your home. Insulation can help keep your home warmer reducing the need for central heating. Wall and ceiling insulation are important, but you can also insulate your pipes meaning your boiler won’t have to work as hard during the winter. All this insulation adds up and so to do the energy bill savings.
Efficient Use of Appliances
The easiest way to throw away money by needlessly increasing your utility bill is an inefficient use of appliances. Using a dishwasher for just a few dishes is a clear example of this. Similarly, small laundry loads waste both energy and water. Even the temperature of your refrigerator could be costing you money. If you are inefficiently using your refrigerator by having it set too cold you could be wasting energy and adding to your energy bill. Almost all appliances can be used more efficiently. Simply by being cognisant of this when using them you can cut back their energy use and reduce your utility bills. Limit the washing machine to full loads, air dry instead of using the tumble dryer where possible, and only use the dishwasher when it is full and you are well on your way to cutting down your utility bill.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Using your appliances efficiently is a great way to cut down the energy bill but it can seem like an uphill battle if your appliances themselves are inefficient. An appliance’s energy efficiency rating will give you a good idea of its energy consumption. The more efficient an appliance is the less energy it uses. The less energy it uses the lower your utility bill. It seems simple and it is. Merely by owning more energy-efficient appliances, you can start making savings on your utility bills.
Energy Grants
Many people don’t know it but when it comes to energy bills there is often free cash up for grabs. Government grants, for example, could give you money off your energy bills or help you pay for insulation or installing solar panels. Not everyone is eligible for all the available options, but you might find one that you can take advantage of. There are grants from the government and energy suppliers so there are plenty of options to explore. Check out this “Government energy grants for your home” guide from Which for more details.
Our utility bills can often become quite expensive but by following the tips in this guide you can reduce them and start making some savings.
Guide To Fire Safety In The Workplace
Workplace fires are a real risk which every workplace should work to prevent. Correct workplace fire safety is achieved through a series of steps. Firstly, identifying hazards. Secondly, identifying people at risk. Next we would look at reducing any potential risks and taking preventive measures, such as fire door installation and fire alarm servicing. Following this, you will want to record any measures you take and ensure the relevant people have the necessary information (including company-wide training). Finally, you want to review your fire risk assessment and continue to make changes where needed. Below we have looked at each step in more detail to ensure that you have the information you need to put a procedure in place regarding fire safety.
Step 1: Identify Hazards
The first step in fire safety is to identify potential hazards. You need to identify any sources of ignition such as heaters, sources of fuel (look for anything that could fuel a fire) and sources of oxygen such as air conditioning or commercial oxygen supplies. All three are fundamental to starting and fuelling a fire, so you need to be aware of where they are and work to mitigate the risk of them leading to a workplace fire.
Step 2: Identify People at Risk
Once you have identified hazards that can start and fuel a fire, you need to identify the people within your organisation that are most at risk. These are the people who work near the hazards you have identified, people that work alone, or people that may have difficulty moving or responding in the event of a fire such as elderly people or people with certain disabilities or injuries.
Step 3: Reduce Risks And Take Preventative Measures
Once you have identified potential hazards and the people who will be most vulnerable in the event of a fire, you should start mitigating risk. Keeping in mind the information gathered through steps one and two. Separate the sources of ignition and sources of fuel you identified, replacing flammable materials for non-flammable alternatives where possible.
You will also need a functioning and effective alarm system to warn people in the event of a fire. It is essential that you carry out regular fire alarm servicing so that you know your system is working. In the event of a small fire, you may be able to handle it yourself before it gets out of hand. Make sure you have fire extinguishers throughout the building which are easily accessible.
To further prevent small fires spreading throughout the building and becoming a larger fire, you need to install fire doors. Fire doors will also help you manage accessible routes out of the building in the case of a fire. You should have an easily accessible and known route out of the building in the event of a fire. All fire doors should be accessible and able to open without the need for a key.
Step 4: Record Any Changes You Make
Step four is to document all the hazards and people at risk you identified in steps one and two. You also should document all the changes and precautionary measures you made in step three. Note everything from fire alarm servicing and fire door installation to routes out of the building in the event of a fire.
Step 5: Keep Your Risk Assessment Updated
The final step is to make sure your risk assessment is up to date. Have new hazards arisen? Do your fire alarms need servicing again? Have you added new employees to the company that don’t know the way out of the building during a fire? Answering yes to any of these questions (and countless other we didn’t ask) means you need to update your fire risk assessment. Regularly revisit steps one through four to make sure your business’ fire risk assessment is up to date.
Why should you get your boiler serviced regularly?
People go all summer without touching the thermostat, but as the weather turns colder, and they turn to their heating system to provide warmth and comfort, they could find that it’s not working at all.
In that case, the need to get an emergency plumber out will be a costly expense that could’ve been avoided.
Servicing your boiler regularly keeps it healthy
If boilers aren’t looked after properly, they can become faulty and, in the worst-case scenario, be fatal. It’s not uncommon to experience boiler problems from time to time but to minimise the possibility of a bigger issue, we recommend regular boiler servicing.
Every boiler should at the very minimum have a service every year carried out by a Gas Safe engineer. They will fully assess the current condition of your boiler and make sure it’s running more safely and efficiently.
Reduce boiler breakdowns
One of the obvious benefits of regular gas servicing is that you can avoid costly boiler breakdowns. The costs can quickly mount up when you find yourself calling out a specialist for a boiler-related emergency.
Instead, by keeping on top of your boiler maintenance and servicing, you can keep your boiler in great working order and identify issues before they get worse.
Save money in the long-term
Maintaining the condition of your boiler will save you money in the long-term. You may begrudge the cost of paying for regular servicing but these costs will be significantly less than the cost of repairing or replacing a boiler that hasn’t been serviced and breaks down.
Keep you and your family safe
Regularly servicing your boiler will make sure it’s combusting fuel safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, meaning that most don’t even know they are being poisoned.
For the elderly, vulnerable, or those with young children, a lack of heating and hot water can have severe health and financial implications so ensuring you have a working boiler is a must.
Boiler servicing needs to be done by a Gas Safe engineer
As property maintenance specialists, we recommend getting your boiler serviced at least once a year by a Gas Safe engineer. This regular boiler servicing will keep your boiler working effectively for longer, reduce the risk of boiler breakdowns, save you money in the long-term, and keep your family safe.
Speak to our team today for all your boiler servicing needs. Give us a call on 0208 988 1662 or email us with your enquiry.
What is an EICR? – Kiasu Workforce
What is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection to test the safety of the electrical circuits in a building.
Any electrical installation should always be covered by an up-to-date EICR, or periodic inspection report. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is not always a strict legal requirement, however it fulfils the conditions of laws such as the Electricity at Work Act 1989.
An EICR is vital to ensure safety and compliance. Without an EICR, landlords can be held responsible for electricity-related injuries or deaths.
What does an EICR cover?
During an EICR, the fuse board, wiring and electrical accessories are inspected and tested for faults or deviations from the Wiring Standards. Throughout the test, the following will be checked:
- Adequacy of earthing and bonding
- Fire/electric shock protection devices
- Any damage or wear & tear that might affect the safety of building users
- Identification of any damaged electrical fittings/accessories
- Identification of exposed live wires that could cause a fire or injury
Only a skilled and competent registered electrician should carry out an EICR.
How often does an EICR need to be carried out?
BS7671 (17th Edition Wiring Regulations) recommends homeowners carry out an EICR at least every 10 years in domestic properties. It is also important to have one done if you are moving out or into a new home. Your insurance may require one – or if you suspect your current electrics are old or faulty, it’s a worthwhile check. The only exception to this is if the property has a swimming pool – this should ideally be tested once every year.
Under the Landlord and Tenants Act (1985), landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is maintained safely throughout a tenancy. To ensure this, BS7671 recommend an EICR test at change of tenancy or at least every 5 years. We also recommend annual PAT testing.
Whilst it is not a legal requirement for a business to have an EICR, employers are legally responsible for the welfare of employees. Under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Act 1989, employers must take precautions against the risk of injury from electricity used as part of work activities. BS7671 recommends an EICR be carried out at least every 5 years.
How much does an EICR cost?
BS7671 gives guidance on testing and sample testing in particular. In larger installations, it is legally acceptable to just test a small sample of the final circuits. Lighting and socket circuits, for example, are final circuits. We wouldn’t recommend this, as it can give a misleading view of an installation.
To obtain the true price of your EICR, ask each electrical contractor for the number of circuits they will test. This is the figure to factor into your cost comparison.
Also, unscrupulous contractors sometimes price an EICR at a loss on the basis that they will inflate the costs of the remedial works to make up for the initial low cost of the test. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to quote for remedial works from another contractor’s test certificate. Beware of prices that seem too good to be true!
A typical Electrical Installation Condition Report could start from something like £280 + VAT for six circuits, with additional circuits charged at around £20 per circuit. A typical three bedroom property will take around four hours to complete.
Electrical checks I can carry out myself
Finally, we’re not advocating you taking your fuseboard apart and having a fiddle round with a screwdriver. However, there are several easy tests you can do yourself. Here are a number of risk-free visual checks you can carry out at home:
- Ensure your extension leads are being used correctly – not in sequence
- Check wires for frayed sections, exposed metal core and areas which are vulnerable to damage
- Check sockets and light switches for any cracks, discolouration or burn marks
- Ensure that electrics in your bathroom are situated at least 3 metres from water appliances
- Test your RCD by pressing the “test” button. All the appliances protected by the RCD should switch off – if they don’t, call an electrician
Most importantly, ensure your property is maintained at an appropriate schedule, by a qualified, NICEIC-approved electrician.
How Do You Check If Someone Is Gas Safe?
Engineers Working With Gas Must Be Registered
The Gas Safe Register is the UK’s official list of gas and plumbing businesses. By law, a gas engineer must be on the Gas Safe Register to work safely and legally on gas appliances. The same goes for businesses, whether they are carrying out domestic or commercial works.
Do Engineers And Businesses Need To Be Registered Separately?
A Gas Safe engineer can be registered underneath their own name, or listed against the registered business they’re representing. As long as their name or their business has secured the Gas Safe certification, they’re qualified to safely undertake gas work. If you’re planning to search for an engineer, be sure you check their name and their business name as the registration may be under either.
When it comes to gas, a small saving is not worth risking lives
How Do I Find Gas Safe Registered Businesses?
- Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
- Under “Find by Location”, enter your postcode
- Select whether you need a domestic or a commercial gas engineering business
- Optionally, you can choose the type of appliance which needs to be worked upon
- You will be shown a list of qualified businesses in your area
- Select from the options offered, safe in the knowledge that you are choosing a qualified, competent gas business
How Do I Check A Business On The Gas Safe Register?
- Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
- Enter the business’ Gas Safe Registration number or search by the business name
- The business you are checking should show up in the results page
- Click through to “View our Engineers” or expand “Company Services” for more information
How Do I Check An Engineer’s Gas Safe Registration?
- Go to the Gas Safe Register’s “Check the Register” page
- Enter the Gas Safe Registration number which is on the engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card
- Your engineer should be happy – in fact, they should be proud – to show you their credentials. If they don’t want to disclose this information, find another engineer who is willing to operate transparently
- Click through to view information for that engineer, including the types of system they are qualified to work on
Details On The Front Of A Gas Safe Card:
- The engineer’s photo
- The start and expiry dates
- The licence number
- The security hologram
- The engineer is from the business you employed
Details On The Back Of A Gas Safe Card:
- The engineer is qualified to carry out the gas job you’ve employed them to do
- Their qualifications are up-to-date
If you don’t know the name of the business, or would like to search for an individual engineer by name, that’s fine. Just call the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 to check the details.
What’s Being Done About Illegal Gas Work?
No matter how cautious you are, scams still happen. Companies and engineers can fake their identities to appear on the register. If you’d like to raise concerns and report illegal gas work, the Gas Safe register website will investigate your claim.
All too often, engineers undertake gas work illegally, and customers are left to pay the price. However, the government is acutely aware of the dangers gas poses. As a result, there are additional clear indicators beyond checking the register that your engineer has received the Gas Safe certification. Below, we’ve listed some documents and certificates you should always receive after hiring a qualified engineer.
Gas safety certificates & record keeping
Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
You should receive a compliance certificate if a Gas Safe Registered engineer installs a heating gas appliance in your property. This informs the Local Authority of the new appliance. The certificate should be posted to you within 28 days of a new appliance being installed.
Gas Safety Record
The documentation an engineer leaves behind depends upon the purpose and type of work carried out. The only legally required documentation is a Landlord Gas Safety Record. This details exactly what checks the engineer has carried out and if the appliances checked meet the appropriate standards of safety.
Gas Safe Register Summary
To finalise, checking the register couldn’t be quicker or easier. It’s the best way to guarantee your safety, and the quality of the work that will be completed. If you have any concerns, visit the Gas Safe Register website for advice and support.
Obviously, it would be best not to need any work undertaking (read our boiler maintenance tips!). However, should the time come, a quick search against your engineers is all it takes to secure peace of mind.
What is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?
If you have found yourself asking, “What is PAT Testing?” you have come to the right place. Here at Kiasu Workforce, we are pleased to present a comprehensive guide to PAT testing. Starting with the answer to your burning question.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the periodic inspection of electrical equipment to identify defects. You’ve probably seen one of those little green stickers on a toaster, kettle, washing machine or tumble dryer. It means the appliance has undergone electrical testing and is safe to use. These stickers are commonplace in our day-to-day lives and ensure the public’s safety while using electrical appliances.
But sometimes, knowing the definition of PAT testing is not enough, so here is some more information to ensure you’re fully informed on the importance of PAT testing.
Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?
By law, electrical appliances in business premises must be safe for use (as per the HSE’s Electricity at Work Regulations 1989). PAT testing allows businesses to comply with this legal requirement.
There is no legal requirement to carry out PAT inspections at home. Still, it’s always worth keeping electrical safety in mind.
There are seven categories of appliances that should be considered for PAT testing:
- Fixed equipment
- Stationary equipment
- IT equipment
- Moveable appliances
- Portable appliances
- Cables & chargers
- Handheld appliances
What is the difference between movable and portable appliances?
In this case, “moveable” means something which plugs into a socket and can be unplugged and moved around easily. “Portable” means something designed for use on the go.
Traditional vs visual examination methods
Most defects can be found through visual examination methods, but some types can only be found by testing. Visual examinations are still necessary because some types of electrical safety defects can’t be detected through traditional testing methods.
Visual inspection and testing by a competent person may be required, depending upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.
How frequently do I need to test my electrical appliances?
Most people do not know how often PAT Testing should be done. Some appliances must be tested more often, such as well-used, often knocked or easily damaged appliances. It is recommended that risk assessments are carried out regularly to determine how frequently each appliance should be tested and the type of test needed.
The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom.
A record and labelling can be useful management tools for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme and for demonstrating that a scheme exists.
New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require a formal portable appliance inspection or test. A simple visual check will verify the item is free of damage.
What are the classes of electrical equipment?
Electrical appliances are generally categorised as classes 1, 2 or 3, with Class 1 being the most dangerous and Class 3 the least dangerous. Class 1 appliances need a full PAT inspection, Class 2 appliances need an insulation test, and Class 3 appliances are safe enough not to require testing. However, a visual test may be carried out.
Class 1 Appliances
This type of electrical equipment has only basic insulation and relies on an earth for protection. Examples include washing machines, tumble dryers, computers, kitchen equipment and extension leads.
Class 2 Appliances
This type of electrical equipment has extra insulation. It doesn’t rely on an earth for protection, which makes it safer. E.g. lawnmowers, televisions, drills, hairdryers and lamps.
Class 3 Appliances
Class 3 appliances, such as laptops, torches and cameras, are the safest class of electrical appliances due to the low voltages involved. Their charging leads may require tests.
How is Portable Appliance Testing carried out?
Many people do not know how to PAT Test. Those carrying out PAT testing do require a level of knowledge and experience. The right equipment is also necessary, as is the ability to understand the test results properly.
Testing required depends on the type of appliance. The electrician must carry out risk assessments to ensure equipment can be tested safely.
Another important consideration in ensuring the user’s safety is the order in which these tests are carried out. The sequence should always be:
- Earth continuity test
- Insulation resistance test
- Protective conductor/touch current test or alternative/substitute leakage test
- Functional Check
An insulation test should always come before attempting any tests which involve applying mains power to the equipment under test. It may detect a dangerous insulation failure.
The recommendations given by the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Testing of Electrical Equipment are as follows:
Class I Appliances
- Earth continuity test
- Insulation resistance test or protective conductor current test, or alternative/substitute leakage test
- Functional checks
Class II Appliances
- Insulation resistance test or touch current test, or alternative/substitute leakage test
- Functional checks
How Much Does PAT Testing Cost?
The cost of PAT testing depends primarily on the number of electrical items that will need to be tested in the workplace. A PAT Test also needs to be carried out to the highest standard to ensure the safety of people in the workplace, so it can be time-consuming.
Prices can vary based on the number of items being tested and the time this will take, so it is best to enquire and get a personal quote. Contact our expert team today and email us to enquire.
Can I carry out PAT inspections myself?
A “competent person” can legally carry out testing. This person should have adequate knowledge of electricity and experience in electrical work. They need to know how to carry out both the visual inspection and PAT test, plus understand the hazards.
They should also know the precautions to take when PAT testing and be able to decide whether it’s safe for PAT testing to continue.
Suppose you are concerned about the competency required for PAT testing. In that case, you may feel more comfortable contracting a qualified electrician to carry out PAT procedures. This is especially important where multiple items must be PAT tested, or class 1 appliances require testing.
Book PAT Testing Today
We can help you with a variety of electrical works at Kiasu Workforce, including expert PAT testing in London.
Our team of qualified and experienced electricians are on hand to ensure capable and competent PAT testing for all appliances on your site. We can also offer further guidance on appliances that do not pass the PAT test, as well as advise on when PAT testing should be carried out again in line with legal safety compliance.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help you with PAT testing.
Related
PAT testing explained: Everything you need to know
A complete guide to PAT testing for businesses
Workplace safety: Is your business fully certified?
The rise of smart heating & home automation
Smart heating & home automation: 2000-2019
10 years ago, smart heating & home automation might have sounded like concepts from Back to the Future. But with more internet-connected devices than ever before, they are now realities which look set to stay.
Now, this might lead you to ask “where’s my jetpack?”. But IoT-connected smart devices could save you just as much time and effort in the long run. Albeit without quite as much fun.
Smart appliances, the IoT and connected living
The Internet of Things, or IoT, essentially refers to the collection of devices which are connected to the internet, functioning without user input in most scenarios. This connectivity allows devices to communicate with sensors, other devices and systems outside of the device.
Now you can control multiple factors of your building using smart services. Nest paved the way for smart heating controls with its smart thermostat, introduced in 2011. Smart thermostats attempt to save energy by sychronising the timing of heating and cooling with patterns of household occupancy.
Their precursors, programmable thermostats, typically resulted in higher energy use than simple ones. This was largely down to user error and the difficulty of programming. A smart thermostat aims to obviate the need for human interaction, simplifying the task of saving energy whilst maintaining an equitable temperature.
Since then, a plethora of devices have become available, covering every conceivable application.
Various products can integrate with your lighting & garage door, sense smoke & carbon monoxide or toggle your devices to create the impression that somebody is home. And of course, all these devices will eventually integrate together.
Advantages of home automation
Home automation enables users to save time and effort. It could also lead to savings by preventing mishaps. Such as the one I experienced at the age of 19 when, after living with some friends for a year, we realised we’d had the boiler set to “continuous” the whole time. No – the bill was not a pretty sight.
We ended up paying considerably more than the cost of a smart thermostat, which made us wish we’d had the foresight to buy one. Then again, having just turned 18, our money was spent on goods in liquid form only. A smart thermostat would have been unlikely to make the cut.
Smart appliances will enable users to complete their housework remotely, prepare the house for guests, maintain cleanliness and much more. The concept essentially allows any application that can be dreamt up. It enables devices – rather than users – to utilise all the technology at our disposal.
Iot: Risks & Threats
The IoT is not simply a case of turning your devices on and then riding off into the sunset, however. Security risks, which pose the biggest threat to smart appliance development, are inherent in some devices and difficult to conclusively prevent.
Besides the router, each IoT-enabled connected appliance is also at risk from hackers looking for firmware vulnerabilities to exploit. The more devices, the more points of vulnerability.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning look set to drive a wave of secure advancements within the sector. AI will constantly probe, detect and learn from security logs, reacting to cyber threats faster than humans. Machine Learning could enable self-diagnosing smart appliances, which issue update notifications and security fixes when a firmware issue is detected.
The future of smart heating & home automation
With our modern taste for convenience, it seems inevitable that smart appliances and home automation will play an increasing part in our lives in the years to come. It is imperative that the security risks inherent are tackled, rather than simply talked down.
However, provided robust threat prevention methods can be implemented, the concepts look like being the first of a new technological paradigm.
Article by Barney Scott, Kiasu Group
© 2019 Barney Scott, Kiasu Group