If you suspect a piece of electrical care equipment may be faulty, what is the initial action?

When suspecting that a piece of electrical care equipment may be faulty, the most appropriate initial action is to immediately remove the equipment from service. This is essential for ensuring safety, as faulty electrical equipment can pose significant risks of injury, including electrical shock, fire hazards, or further malfunction that could harm patients or staff. By taking the equipment out of service, you effectively mitigate any immediate danger and prevent further use until proper assessment and repair can be conducted.

This action underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in a healthcare environment. It allows for the faulty equipment to be evaluated by qualified personnel, ensuring that it is either repaired or replaced, minimizing any potential risk associated with its use. Other actions, such as attempting to use the equipment or consulting with clients, do not effectively address the immediate safety issues and could lead to dangerous situations where the faulty equipment could cause harm.