DS58. Electrical Safety Maintenance and Checking
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{{org_field_name}}
Electrical Safety Maintenance and Checking Policy
Policy Statement
This policy describes {{org_field_name}}’s approach to the safety of its electrics and electrical equipment in line with national care standards and health and safety laws and regulations. It applies mainly to care homes but also to domiciliary care service premises.
{{org_field_name}} will appoint an electrical safety lead who will fulfil the following responsibilities.
• All electrical equipment in use will be maintained to a satisfactory standard to minimise risk to employees.
• All 13-amp socket outlets must fully conform to BS 1363 and have integral safety shutters fitted inside.
• The appropriate use of residual current devices which automatically switch electricity off if there is a fault should be employed.
• Suitable inspection checks will be carried out on all electrical equipment (fixed, portable or transportable) so that it does not constitute a risk to employees or any other persons. These tests will be carried out by suitably qualified and competent external contractors. A record will be kept of each test and a tagging system will be used on all portable electrical equipment.
• The regularity of checks will be determined by risk assessment.
• When a problem arises related to electricity at work, employees must inform a responsible person immediately and the manager will take necessary measures to investigate and remedy the situation.
• No person may carry out work on any electrical equipment, including the fitting of plugs, fuses and lamps, unless they have been suitably trained. Only competent persons trained and authorised by the organisation will be allowed to carry out these tasks.
• Work on all electrical equipment (fixed, portable or transportable) will be carried out so that it does not constitute a risk to employees or any other persons.
• It is the responsibility of [name or job title of person responsible] to ensure that any employee or contractor undertaking work on electrical equipment is suitably qualified and classified competent by the organisation.
• Work on or near live conductors will not be permitted without the authorisation of [name or job title of person responsible].
• All reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure that live conductors are isolated before work commences.
• Employees and/or contractors who work on or use electrical equipment should always ensure that all:
a) electrical equipment is visually inspected for faults before use
b) portable electrical equipment has a valid and current test label attached to them (PAT)
c) leads and extension leads have a valid and current test label attached to them (PAT)
d) extension leads will be covered in walkways so they do not present a trip hazard.
• Staff will carry out visual inspections prior to using all electrical equipment.
• Only competent persons will be allowed to test equipment. A record will be kept of each test and a tagging system will be used on all electrical equipment.
• Detachable leads must be tested separately and marked accordingly with a tag number. Only the power leads to computing equipment, printers, faxes, etc will be tested due to the risk of damage to the equipment.
• Wherever possible, trailing leads will be restricted from use. Any trailing lead in use will be tested separately. Visual inspections will be carried out before use and on a regular basis.
• Any electrical equipment found to be faulty will be taken out of service and clearly marked:
DO NOT USE — FAULTY.
• No personal mains-powered equipment will be used on any of the organisation’s premises unless permission has been given for its use by [name or job title of person responsible] and the equipment has evidence of a current valid test (displayed on an adhesive label on the lead or the equipment itself).
The person responsible for implementing this policy is ________________.
Training
All staff will be trained in general health and safety awareness on induction. This will include awareness of electrical safety and of this policy. Staff will be trained in basic visual inspection of electrical devices.
Staff will be trained to check that:
- plugs are not damaged, cables are properly secured and there are no internal wires visible
- the lead/cable is not frayed or damaged and that it has not been repaired with insulating tape or unsuitable connector
- there is no physical damage to the appliance, ie dents or cracks
- there are no burn marks, scorching or staining which may be signs of overheating
- electrical sockets are not loose, cracked, damaged by heat or in any way unsafe.
Reporting
All accidents or “near-miss” incidents involving electricity or electrical equipment should be reported and an appropriate form filled out. Forms will be reviewed by the management in collaboration with staff representatives on a regular basis.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next review date: this policy is reviewed annually (every 12 months). When needed, this policy is also updated in response to changes in legislation, regulation, best practices, or organisational changes.
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