When using portable electrical equipment there are two important questions:
What are you doing with it, and where are you doing it?
Electrical equipment is used at camps, community events, fundraising stalls and major activities. Electrical requirements can change depending on where the equipment is used, what it's used for and the type of work being undertaken.
Before an activity or event:
- Check it - visually inspect leads, power boards, plugs and appliances for damage.
- Protect it - keep leads away from water, vehicles and other sources of damage.
- Don't overload it - consider the combined load of urns, kettles, refrigerators, cooking equipment and other appliances.
- Know the requirements - testing and tagging requirements vary depending on the type of work, and the host event may impose additional requirements.
Remember, a current test tag doesn't replace a visual inspection. Equipment may have been damaged since it was tested.
This week's challenge
Review FAC-PG-01-10 Electrical Safety – Activities, Events & Fundraising (attached)
Before your next activity, event or fundraiser, take 10 minutes to check the electrical equipment you're taking and confirm how it will be safely powered and protected. When you get back, check it again before putting it away.
Check it. Protect it. Use it safely. Check it again.