What should be checked in patient-care electrical equipment before use?

Before using patient-care electrical equipment, it is essential to check for signs of damage, proper grounding, and functionality. This ensures the safety of both the patient and the healthcare provider by minimizing the risk of electrical hazards.

Signs of damage can include frayed wires, cracked housings, or any visible wear that might compromise the equipment’s integrity. Ensuring proper grounding is critical, as it helps prevent electrical shock by providing a safe pathway for electricity in case of a fault. Checking for functionality involves testing the equipment to confirm that it operates as intended and can provide accurate measurements or necessary treatments.

By focusing on these factors—damage, grounding, and functionality—healthcare practitioners can significantly lower the risk of electrocution and ensure that the equipment they use is safe and reliable for patient care.