Start the school year right with a focus on electrical safety. 

At Jim’s Test & Tag, we offer electrical safety testing services to businesses all around New Zealand. That includes schools. 

Follow these electrical safety tips at school and let us know if you have any questions. When it comes to your safety at work, we are the experts. 

Electrical Safety Tips at School 

There are a few different ways you can increase safety in your school. This is for the benefit of both staff and students. 

Electrical Testing and Tagging 

The number one recommendation we have for maintaining safety in your school is regular appliance testing. 

You need to be diligent with your electrical equipment – this means monitoring any items brought onto campus and having them tested (personal chargers, hairdryers, etc.) as well as making sure school property is maintained. 

The common items we test for schools include: 

  • Staff room appliances such as coffee machines, toasters, kettles, etc. 
  • Library equipment such as computers, printers, power boards, photocopiers, and projectors. 
  • Classroom equipment such as smart boards, laptop bays, TV and DVD units, etc. 
  • Cleaning equipment such as vacuums, power washers, and steamers. 
  • Miscellaneous items (Including tools for schools that have technical classes like woodwork and metalwork, art rooms, and food technology classes)

All tests must be completed in accordance with the AS/NZS 3760:2010 standard for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. 

Minimising Hazards 

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the chance of an electrical incident at you school. Take a look at our school hazards checklist for more information. 

  • Replace old extension cords that show signs of damage 
  • Don’t run cords in areas with a lot of foot traffic 
  • Switch off appliances at the wall before removing them from the outlet 
  • Plug portable appliances directly into the outlet where possible (this is even more important when you are using portable fans and heaters) 
  • Check the current rating of your appliance and be careful not to overload your power boards 
  • Conduct an electrical safety seminar with the kids – make sure they know the basics like : 
    • Never put an object into a power point 
    • Never put metal into a toaster 
    • Don’t use electrical appliances near water 
    • Pull the cord out from the plug instead of yanking the cord 
    • Never touch an electrical cord with visible wires 

You could even put an electrical safety poster up in your classroom to remind the children. 

  • Check the inspection tags on your appliances – when were they last tested? If they are out of date, do not use the appliance. 
  • Make sure staff members know how to deal with electrical shock
  • Make sure your RCD has been tested 
  • Power boards must have in built overload protection 
  • Do not use double adaptors – they don’t have overload protection 
  • If you see a hazard, say something 

The only way to affectively apply these electrical safety tips at school is with commitment. It only takes one mistake to cause harm. You must be thorough and have an ongoing commitment to safety. 

Contact Jim’s Test & Tag Today 

Now that you know how to apply these electrical safety tips at school, the next step is to get some professional help. Ask our team to visit your school and take care of all of your appliance testing needs. 

Call us now or fill in the online form for a free quote.