According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), mishandling electrical equipment or using defective electrical equipment causes electrocutions, shocks, fires and even explosions. Having electrical standards in place reduces patient and personnel .
Function
Regular safety inspections ensure electrical equipment is safe to operate. Performing tests and visually observing the equipment alerts personnel as to whether safety hazards loom. OSHA advises inspectors to look for worn wires, frayed cords or cracks in machinery, as these lead to faulty electric functioning and require immediate repair.
Considerations
Knowing properly handle reduces the risk of shock and electrocution. Employees should never operate electrical equipment with wet hands; they should also avoid pulling on cords and wires, as these wires will eventually fray. Employees must always put electrical equipment back where it belongs after use.
Warning
Health care facilities often charge electrical medical equipment overnight so that the equipment is ready for use in emergencies. However, just because an electrical device is turned "off" does not mean that electrical currents stop flowing through it. Leaving electrical equipment plugged into the receptacle continues electricity generation, which means that the equipment can still burn, shock and electrocute the people who use it.
Tags: electrical equipment, safety hazards, , that equipment
