Electrical tools & PAT (dryers, irons, clippers) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Untrained use or cleaning of tools — Induct staff on setup, safe grips, isolation before blade changes, and correct cleaning agents. Provide quick reference guides at stations; re-check competence yearly and after incidents. Document training; restrict high-risk tasks to trained staff.
• Extension leads in poor condition — PAT-check extensions, reels and splitters; unwind reels fully during use to prevent overheating. Replace damaged sheaths or crushed plugs; label load limits clearly; assign extensions to stations to prevent unsafe ad-hoc sharing.
• Cleaning fluids on live equipment — Unplug and cool tools before cleaning; spray disinfectant onto a cloth, not into vents/sockets. Keep liquids away from switches, never immerse non-washable parts, and allow complete dry-time before reconnecting to power.
• Electric shock from faulty appliances — Do a visual check each day for cracks, exposed wires, damaged plugs, or scorching. Remove from service immediately if found. Keep a risk-based PAT schedule, label pass/fail, and use only approved repairs. Test after repair before returning tools to use.
• Inadequate PAT inspection frequency — Set a risk-based plan: daily visuals, weekly user checks, and formal inspection/testing at intervals suited to use and environment. Log asset ID, test date, results and next due; quarantine fails with clear tags and notify for repair/disposal.