Reviewed by: Shakera Rahman and Sarah Cokayne, Resources Committee 27th February 2023
Next Review: Spring 2024
Introduction
This policy sets out the principles for Kelvin Grove Primary School in the management of electricity and electrical equipment on site.
Legal Requirements
All electrical equipment and systems should be undertaken in accordance with
Portable Electrical Equipment
Portable electrical equipment is usually equipment that has a lead (cable) and plug and which is normally moved around or can easily be moved from place to place, e.g. vacuum cleaners, kettles, heaters, fans, televisions, desk lamps; and also equipment that could be moved, e.g. photocopiers, fax machines, and desktop computers.
Injury or fire may occur because of the following:
- Loose wiring
- Cable damage
- Incorrect connections to plugs or sockets Covers missing or damaged)
- Misuse of equipment
- Overloading trailing leads caused by lack of electrical sockets.
PAT testing will be organised by the Premises Manager annually.
Fixed Installation
A fixed installation is the wiring and appliances that are fixed to the building, such as sockets, switches, consumer units (fuse boxes) and ceiling fittings.
Only competent persons (as defined by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989) will be authorised to carry out inspection and testing on the system.
A 100% fixed wiring inspection will be undertaken every 5 years or sooner if there are significant changes to buildings.
Any failures identified in the hard wiring report, will be addressed in accordance with the recommendations and an action plan developed.
If an “unsatisfactory” rating is given after the inspection the SBM will contact Lewisham Insurers to make them aware.
The 5-year fixed installation inspection will be arranged by the Premises Manager and the SBM advised.
Safety Procedures
- Any electrical equipment and installation should be maintained and repaired only by a competent person who has the technical knowledge, experience and skills necessary to do so.
- School staff should not attempt to repair any electrical equipment.
- Staff should not overload socket – outlets by using adaptors / extension leads.
- Staff needing to bring in an item of electrical equipment to school on a temporary basis should request permission from the Premises Staff.
- All electrical equipment used in the school should be purchased by the school and will be maintained and PAT tested annually.
- Any PAT testing failures will be either condemned to repaired. A record will be retained.
- Any electrical item which is donated to the school will be given an initial visual check and then be PAT tested as part of the routine PAT testing annual programme. Any item failing a visual check, or a PAT test will be removed from use immediately.
- Staff should consider when using electrical equipment if it could be replaced with battery operated (tools, fairy lights etc)
- Staff should where possible switch off sockets prior to plugging and unplugging any electrical equipment.
A risk assessment will be undertaken for the purchase, use, storage, disposal of electrical equipment by the Premises Manager.
Electrical Equipment
All electrical items received or purchased by the school are recorded in the asset register by the ICT Manager and Premises Manager.
School staff should be vigilant for:
- Damage to plugs and switches
- Damage to leads
- Correctly fitted connectors
- Signs of overheating
- Signs of liquid spillage or entry of foreign materials, ventilation ports not blocked.
- The appliance being used for the purpose it was designed for
- Combustible materials (paper & cardboard) stored next to electrical equipment -particularly under teachers’ desks.
All staff have a responsibility to ensure all electrical appliances are used and stored correctly, that they are positioned securely and there are no trailing wires that could cause a hazard.
If any staff member has a concern about a piece of electrical equipment, they are responsible for taking the equipment out of use and bring it to the attention of the Premises Manager.
School Kitchen
It is the responsibility of the Local Authority to undertake electrical testing on all portable electrical appliances in the kitchen. This will be undertaken annually. Catering staff are advised regularly to report any issues to the Premises Manager.
Contractors
If contractors need to bring portable electrical equipment on site, the Premises Manager will ensure it has all been PAT tested.
All electrical equipment must be locked away when not in use and kept out of reach of pupils.
Contractors are not permitted to use extension leads unless they have permission from the Premises staff.
Extension Leads
Extension leads are not permitted in the school without the prior permission of the Premises Manager. If they are permitted (for short periods only) they should:
- Positioned carefully to avoid tripping hazards
- Never overloaded
- Never added to another extension lead (use the correct length)
- Fully uncoil any coiled extension leads.
Electrical Intake Cupboards
All cupboards that contain electrical equipment / switchgear should be free from all other items including combustible materials.
Health and safety warning signage should be displayed on any doors to electrical intake cupboards.
Reporting Defects
Any defects / faults in any hard wiring installations (sockets etc) or equipment should be taken out of use immediately and reported to the Premises Manager.
Records
Records of testing and inspection of portable electrical equipment must be kept for the following reasons:
- As a management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme
- To demonstrate that a scheme exists
- As an inventory of portable/transportable electrical equipment and a check on the use of unauthorised equipment (e.g. domestic kettles or electric heaters brought to work by school staff)
The records should include faults found during inspection, and list any repairs carried out. When equipment has been tested, each item of equipment should be labelled to indicate that the equipment has been inspected/tested and has been passed as safe (including displaying a date)
Accidents / Incidents / Near Misses
Any injuries caused by electrical equipment should be reported through the school’s online accident reporting system. The medical officer reviews these accidents and will report to Lewisham Education or the HSE if required.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every two years by the resources committee, or sooner if guidance or procedures change.