A Guide to Safe Practice in Art & Design
4.11 Electricity and Gas
Portable power tools and a wide range of gas, electrical and mechanical appliances are increasingly used in schools. The potential dangers, the special safety requirements and the importance of proper electrical and gas connections must be known and understood. Any faulty equipment should be withdrawn from use until it is repaired. Electrical apparatus should be switched off after use and plugs removed from sockets. Main switches and valves should be turned off every night as a safety precaution and to maintain their efficient working order. Whenever the electricity or gas supply is cut off for any reason, all switches controlling any appliances should be put in the off positions. Ideally, all electrical outlets should incorporate warning lights and, where appropriate, safety signs.
A notice should be displayed giving information on first aid treatment for electric shock.
Any gas appliances, which have not been properly installed or serviced, may produce dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. A competent person who is trained in accordance with HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE standards and is familiar with the requirements should service gas appliances regularly. An outline of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (1994) is given in the Health and Safety Executive leaflet Gas Appliances - Get them checked, Keep them safe which can be accessed at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/238.pdf. Also see: COSHH: A brief guide to the regulations at: www.coshh-essentials.org.uk/assets/live/indg136.pdf