CH191-Electrical Safety and Maintenance Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Electrical Safety and Maintenance Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} manages and monitors all aspects of electrical safety and maintenance within the context of home care services. This includes the safe use of electrical equipment by staff and the people we support, conducting regular checks, risk assessments, and ensuring that staff are trained to report and manage hazards effectively. Our approach aligns with Regulation 15 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which requires that premises and equipment used for care are safe, clean, suitable, and properly maintained.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and professionals delivering care and support in the homes of individuals supported by {{org_field_name}}. It includes the use and inspection of portable electrical appliances, the management of equipment provided by the organisation, and the handling of equipment owned by the person receiving care.

3. Related Policies

CH11-Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CH15-Regulated Activities Compliance Policy
CH16-Health and Safety at Work Policy
CH18-Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CH24-Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy

4. Policy Statement and Regulatory Context

{{org_field_name}} is committed to maintaining high standards of electrical safety to protect the people we support, our staff, and others present in the environment. We recognise that electrical faults can cause injury, fire, or death, and therefore uphold our duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and CQC Regulation 15, to mitigate risks associated with electrical systems and equipment.

5. Key Principles and Implementation

a. Electrical Equipment Provided by the Organisation
All portable electrical equipment issued to staff (e.g. hoists, monitoring devices, laptop chargers, handsets) is PAT tested at appropriate intervals, as defined by risk-based assessment and manufacturer’s guidance. Records of all issued equipment are maintained centrally, and defective items are immediately withdrawn from use and replaced or repaired.

b. Electrical Equipment in Service Users’ Homes
Staff must assess any electrical equipment in use by the person we support if it is involved in or required for care delivery (e.g. electric profiling beds, air mattresses, nebulisers). If any item appears damaged, unsafe, or unsuitable for use, staff must not use it and must report concerns to their line manager immediately. Staff must record these concerns and support the person (or their representative) to contact a qualified electrician or equipment supplier.

c. Risk Assessments and Individual Care Plans
Every care plan includes a home environment risk assessment that covers electrical safety. This assessment is reviewed during initial visits and at regular intervals, or following any incident or reported change in conditions. High-risk situations (e.g. overloading of sockets, use of extension leads, exposed wires) are documented with mitigation measures such as advising family members or coordinating repairs via appropriate agencies.

d. Maintenance and Repairs
Staff must never attempt to repair electrical items unless they are specifically trained and qualified to do so. All maintenance and repairs must be carried out by qualified electricians with appropriate certification. {{org_field_name}} only engages NICEIC-registered or similarly accredited professionals for any required electrical work.

e. Staff Training and Awareness
All staff receive training during induction and annual refreshers on electrical safety awareness, hazard identification, and reporting procedures. Staff are made aware of the signs of potential electrical hazards and are instructed to carry out visual checks before using any electrical equipment. Staff are trained to remove faulty equipment from use and to isolate it if safe to do so.

f. Incident Reporting and Learning
Electrical incidents, such as shocks, burns, or near misses, are treated as significant safety events and must be reported via our internal incident reporting system. A root cause analysis is conducted for any incident related to electrical equipment, and lessons learned are shared with the team and used to revise procedures where applicable.

g. Equipment Purchased for Service Users
Where {{org_field_name}} supports the procurement of electrical items for people we support (e.g. specialist beds, alarms, kitchen aids), we ensure that items meet British Standards, come with manufacturer instructions, and are registered with appropriate warranties and servicing agreements. Guidance on proper use is provided to the person and their support team.

h. Infection Control and Equipment Hygiene
Electrical devices used in personal care (e.g. razors, electric toothbrushes) must be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions and stored in a dry, safe place. Staff follow infection control protocols in line with our CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy, ensuring electrical hygiene is maintained without compromising functionality.

i. Documentation and Record-Keeping
A full log of equipment supplied and maintained by {{org_field_name}} is kept with servicing dates, test results, repair history, and responsible personnel. Environmental risk assessments and electrical safety notes are included in each care plan and reviewed as part of our governance cycle.

6. Staff Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that they use electrical equipment safely and report hazards immediately. The Registered Manager has overall accountability for ensuring compliance with this policy and maintaining oversight of inspection schedules, contractor credentials, and incident investigations.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant change in legislation, guidance, or business need. All staff will be notified of updates and provided with additional training where appropriate.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.