Electrical safety in the clinical environment – good habits to maintain

1 Only use electrical devices with 3-conductor power cords and 3-prong plugs (Figure 1 shows a plug with a broken ground prong – do not use). 2 Do not use cheater plugs (3-prong to 2-prong adapters, Figure 2). They eliminate the ground connection and increase the possibility of serious shock hazards. 3 Always unplug equipment by grasping the plug, not the cord. 4 Routinely check equipment power cords for frayed, cracked, or exposed wiring (Figure 3 shows a plug with the ground wire pulled out, which is very dangerous). 5 Do not rest cords over hot or sharp objects. 6 Do not run cords where they may cause a tripping hazard (Figure 4). 7 Avoid rolling equipment over equipment cords.