https://club.hcqc.co.uk/c/self-audits/edit-lesson/sections/517637/lessons/2617517
Electrical safety in a general practice setting might not be the most visible patient safety risk — but it’s a silent foundation that enables safe, reliable care every day. From the ECG machine to the vaccine fridge, from staff kitchen kettles to patient monitors, each electrical item contributes to daily function and patient wellbeing.
Why This Matters
While rare, electrical faults can cause significant disruption, pose fire hazards, and even result in harm to patients or staff. The CQC doesn’t just expect practices to have working equipment — they expect that the systems behind the scenes (like PAT testing schedules, fault logging, and safe storage) are robust, risk-assessed, and up to date.
Without clear oversight, unsafe equipment can fall through the cracks:
- A defibrillator charger with a frayed cable.
- A vaccine fridge running on an untested extension cord.
- A desk fan used in a clinical space that hasn’t been inspected in years.
These are not just risks — they are avoidable risks.
What the Audit Reveals
The Electrical Safety and PAT Audit is designed to shine a light on:
- Whether testing schedules are in place and actively followed.
- How well staff report faults and remove unsafe equipment.
- Whether storage and layout practices support safety.
- And if leadership has clear oversight and governance on electrical safety processes.
In other words, it’s a check that ensures your equipment is not just functional — but safe, compliant, and part of a wider safety culture.
From Hoping to Knowing
Many practices hope that everything is working as it should. But with the CQC asking increasingly detailed questions about maintenance, records, and risk management, this audit helps your team move from assumption to assurance.
You’ll know what’s being done, what’s being missed, and where you can improve — before an inspection or an incident forces the issue.
Click the link below to join our Inner Circle today for just £1 for your first month and unlock full access to every CQC audit — your essential toolkit to feel fully prepared and inspection ready! 👇
