When it comes to workplace safety, there’s one critical risk that often gets missed – not because it’s unimportant, but because it’s usually invisible until it’s too late
Protection in healthcare practices can come in many shapes and sizes – from infection control and medication storage to patient confidentiality and emergency procedures. But there’s one critical area of risk that often flies under the radar: electrical safety.
The Hidden Danger of Electricity
Unlike fire hazards or trip risks, electrical dangers are usually invisible. They’re hidden behind equipment, buried under desks, or quietly developing over time. And that’s what makes them so dangerous. In busy practices where staff are focused on patient care, it’s easy to overlook overloaded sockets, outdated appliances, or faulty extension leads – until something goes wrong. Electrical safety might not be the first thing you think of when managing the day-to-day running of a medical practice, but it should be on your radar.
According to Electrical Safety First, around 20,000 accidental fires occur in UK homes each year due to electrical faults. And while your surgery isn’t a home, the risks are comparable. With so many electronic devices in constant use – patient monitors, fridges for vaccines, IT equipment, medical instruments – the risk of electrical overload, wear and tear, or improper usage grows over time. What’s more, medical practices often operate in buildings that may not have been originally designed to handle today’s power demands.
Common issues include:
Overloaded extension leads under desks
Damaged cables on high-use equipment like blood pressure monitors or printers
Worn-out plug sockets or cracked plug casings
Extension leads “daisy-chained” together without safety protection
How You Can Make a Difference
As a practice manager, you’re not expected to be an electrician – but you are expected to ensure the safety of your team, patients and premises. This includes recognising when to act and who to involve. While trained professionals should always carry out electrical inspections and repairs, there’s a lot you can do proactively to reduce risk and raise awareness.
Know What’s in Use
Carry out a basic walk-through of each room to identify how many appliances are plugged in and where. Look for overused sockets, damaged wires, or extension leads under strain.
Ensure PAT Testing Is Up to Date
Make sure all portable electrical equipment is regularly PAT tested, especially in clinical rooms and staff areas. Set reminders or schedule annual visits with certified testers.
Replace Unsafe Equipment
Remove and replace any cracked plugs, frayed cords, or ageing devices. Consider upgrading to safer alternatives, like extension leads with built-in surge protection and RCDs (residual current devices).
Educate Staff
Raise awareness among your team. Simple actions- like not overloading sockets or turning off equipment when not in use – can go a long way in maintaining a safe environment.
Use Suppliers as Safety Partners
Work with your suppliers to ensure the equipment they provide is compliant and safe. Many can advise on best practices, offer maintenance guides, or even partner with PAT testing services.
Support, Not Substitution
It’s important to note that while these proactive measures are vital, they do not replace the need for qualified electricians or safety inspectors. However, by keeping electrical safety front of mind and spotting early warning signs, you help reduce risk before it becomes a serious hazard. In a GP practice, every detail matters – because people’s health and safety depend on it. Electrical safety might not be the most visible risk in your building, but it’s one of the most quietly dangerous. By staying aware, taking simple preventative steps and using your suppliers and service providers as safety allies, you can make sure your practice remains a safe, compliant and trusted place for both patients and staff.
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