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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Electrical Safety and Compliance Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all electrical equipment, installations, and appliances used within {{org_field_name}} are safe, compliant with relevant Scottish regulations, and maintained to prevent risks of electric shock, fire, or failure. This policy aligns with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations to safeguard people we support, staff, and visitors. It provides a structured approach to electrical safety inspections, maintenance, and staff responsibilities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all electrical equipment, installations, and appliances used within {{org_field_name}} premises, including office spaces, service locations, staff workstations, and home care environments where electrical equipment is required. It includes responsibilities of staff, safety procedures, routine maintenance, testing, and emergency actions.

3. Related Policies

• Health and Safety Policy
• Risk Assessment and Management Policy
• Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Policy
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Incident Reporting Policy
• Workplace Equipment and Maintenance Policy

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

{{org_field_name}} is committed to full compliance with the following legislation and standards:

• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Ensuring safe use and maintenance of electrical equipment.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employer’s duty to prevent harm from electrical hazards.
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – Ensuring work equipment is safe to use.
• BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) – Compliance with safe electrical installation standards.
• Care Inspectorate Scotland’s Safety Guidelines – Adherence to care environment safety protocols.

5. Electrical Safety Management

5.1. Safe Use of Electrical Equipment

To minimise risks associated with electrical appliances, staff must:

• Conduct visual checks for damaged cables, plugs, or scorch marks before use.
• Switch off and unplug electrical devices when not in use.
• Never use faulty or damaged equipment—report it immediately to management.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water sources to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid overloading sockets or using excessive extension leads.
• Ensure correct voltage is used for different devices.

5.2. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and Electrical Inspections

• All portable electrical equipment must be PAT tested annually.
• Staff must only use PAT-tested electrical devices while working in service locations.
• Electrical safety inspections of fixed installations must be conducted every five years in compliance with BS 7671 regulations.
• Records of all PAT tests and electrical inspections will be maintained for regulatory review.

5.3. Home Care Environments and Personal Electrical Equipment

• When working in the homes of people we support, staff must assess potential electrical hazards.
• If unsafe electrical conditions are identified, staff must report concerns to management or relevant local authorities.
• People we support should be advised on safe electrical use, including not overloading sockets and avoiding damaged appliances.
• Staff are not permitted to repair or tamper with any electrical installations or devices in a service user’s home.

5.4. Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety

• Faulty electrical appliances must be isolated and reported immediately.
• Extension leads and adaptors should be used sparingly and should never be daisy-chained.
• Electrical wiring and installations should be regularly checked for signs of deterioration.
• Smoke alarms and fire detection systems must be tested regularly as part of fire safety compliance.
• Any electrical fires must be tackled using appropriate fire extinguishers (CO2 or dry powder) and reported immediately.

5.5. Training and Staff Responsibilities

• All staff will receive training in electrical safety awareness.
• Staff must report any concerns regarding electrical safety to their manager or the designated Health and Safety Lead.
• Only qualified electricians are permitted to carry out electrical repairs or installations.
• Care teams working in people’s homes should educate individuals on basic electrical safety practices.

6. Emergency Procedures

If an electrical fault or accident occurs, staff must:

1. Switch off power at the mains (if safe to do so).
2. Do not touch a person receiving an electric shock—use non-conductive material (e.g., wood) to separate them from the source.
3. Call emergency services (999 or 112) if serious injury occurs.
4. Evacuate the premises if an electrical fire starts and follow the Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Policy.
5. Report all electrical incidents immediately and log them in the Incident Reporting System.

7. Quality Assurance and Compliance Monitoring

• Routine electrical safety audits will be conducted every six months.
• Compliance checks will be documented and available for Care Inspectorate Scotland reviews.
• Corrective actions will be implemented for any non-compliance identified.
• Regular feedback will be sought from staff and people we support on electrical safety concerns.

8. Responsibilities of Management

Management at {{org_field_name}} is responsible for:

• Ensuring all electrical equipment is PAT tested and compliant.
• Arranging regular inspections of fixed electrical systems.
• Providing training on electrical safety.
• Taking immediate action on reported safety concerns.
• Keeping accurate records of maintenance and safety checks.

9. Complaints and Reporting

• If a staff member identifies unsafe electrical conditions, they should report them to their line manager or the Health & Safety Lead.
• If concerns are not addressed, the issue can be escalated through the Whistleblowing Policy.
• Complaints regarding electrical safety from people we support or staff will be handled promptly and investigated thoroughly.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier if required by regulatory changes, feedback, or updated risk assessments. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff.

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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.