Electrical Equipment Safety in Social Care: Learn and Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

To ensure safety when using electrical equipment, which practice is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Inspecting equipment for damage before each use

Answer

Using equipment beyond its expiration date

Answer

Using equipment with damaged cords

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a recognized electrical hazard?

Accepted Answer

Tripping hazards

Answer

Electrocution

Answer

Electrical burns

Answer

Fire

Question 3

What is the primary function of a Residual Current Device (RCD)?

Accepted Answer

To prevent electrical shocks

Answer

To detect faulty wiring

Answer

To protect against overloads

Answer

To isolate specific circuits

Question 4

Which power tool is typically used for cutting metal?

Accepted Answer

Angle grinder

Answer

Circular saw

Answer

Reciprocating saw

Answer

Drill

Question 5

What is the appropriate action if you discover a damaged electrical cable?

Accepted Answer

Report it to your supervisor immediately

Answer

Attempt to repair it yourself

Answer

Ignore it and hope for the best

Answer

Plug it in to see if it still works

Question 6

What is the recommended minimum safe distance to maintain from overhead power lines?

Accepted Answer

10 meters (33 feet)

Answer

5 meters

Answer

15 meters

Answer

20 meters

Question 7

Before using a portable appliance, what is the most important safety precaution to take?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the appliance for any signs of damage, such as frayed cords or broken plugs.

Answer

Connect the appliance to a power outlet and check if it functions properly.

Answer

Read the manufacturer's instructions for specific usage guidelines.

Answer

Turn on the appliance and leave it unattended for a short period to warm up.

Question 8

As per the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, what is the recommended frequency for testing portable electrical appliances in social care settings?

Accepted Answer

Every 6 months

Answer

Every 3 months

Answer

Every 12 months

Answer

Every 24 months

Question 9

If you discover a damaged extension cord, which of the following actions should you take?

Accepted Answer

Report it to your supervisor immediately

Answer

Continue using it until it is replaced

Answer

Attempt to repair it yourself

Answer

Dispose of it in the general waste bin

Question 10

What does the acronym 'RCD' stand for in electrical safety?

Accepted Answer

Residual Current Device

Answer

Rapid Current Disconnector

Answer

Relay Control Device

Answer

Resistance Current Detector

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of an electrical safety audit?

Accepted Answer

To identify and assess electrical hazards

Answer

To ensure compliance with legal regulations

Answer

To train staff on electrical safety

Answer

To provide insurance coverage in case of electrical accidents

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a common electrical hazard in social care settings?

Accepted Answer

Properly earthed equipment

Answer

Faulty wiring

Answer

Electrical shocks

Answer

Overloaded circuits

Question 13

What is the purpose of a portable appliance tester (PAT)?

Accepted Answer

To ensure electrical equipment is safe to use

Answer

To repair electrical equipment

Answer

To measure the voltage of electrical equipment

Answer

To prevent electrical fires

Question 14

What should you do if you discover a damaged electrical cord?

Accepted Answer

Report it to your supervisor immediately

Answer

Continue using it if it still works

Answer

Attempt to repair it yourself

Answer

Ignore it

Question 15

Which of the following is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be used to prevent electrical shocks?

Accepted Answer

Rubber gloves

Answer

Safety glasses

Answer

Hard hat

Answer

High-visibility vest

Question 16

What is the first step to take if an electrical fire occurs?

Accepted Answer

Pull the plug or switch off the power

Answer

Use water to extinguish the fire

Answer

Use a fire blanket or extinguisher

Answer

Call the fire brigade

Question 17

What is the purpose of an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB)?

Accepted Answer

To detect and interrupt electrical faults

Answer

To prevent electrical shocks

Answer

To protect against overcurrent

Answer

To provide backup power in case of a power failure

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of portable electrical appliance commonly found in social care settings?

Accepted Answer

Electric vehicles

Answer

Hairdryers

Answer

Microwaves

Answer

Medical devices

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?

Accepted Answer

To identify electrical faults and prevent accidents

Answer

To comply with legal requirements only

Answer

To extend the lifespan of electrical equipment

Answer

To troubleshoot technical issues only

Question 20

When you discover a damaged electrical cord in a social care setting, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Report it to a supervisor or manager

Answer

Repair it yourself immediately

Answer

Ignore it and continue using it

Answer

Attempt to unplug it yourself

Question 21

What is the maximum safe amperage that a standard 13A socket outlet can supply?

Accepted Answer

13A

Answer

5A

Answer

10A

Answer

16A

Question 22

What is the main function of an RCD (Residual Current Device)?

Accepted Answer

To detect and trip in the event of an earth fault

Answer

To provide additional insulation

Answer

To regulate voltage levels

Answer

To prevent overloads

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a legal requirement related to electrical safety in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Allowing staff to work on live electrical circuits without proper training and supervision

Answer

Providing adequate training to staff

Answer

Regularly inspecting and maintaining electrical equipment

Answer

Using only certified and tested appliances

Question 24

According to industry best practices, what is the recommended frequency for PAT testing electrical appliances in social care settings?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of appliance and its usage

Answer

Every 3 months

Answer

Every 6 months

Answer

Annually

Question 25

In social care settings, which maintenance tasks are essential for ensuring the safety of electrical equipment?

Accepted Answer

Regular visual inspections, safety testing, and cleaning

Answer

Repairing equipment only when it malfunctions

Answer

Using equipment without proper training or instruction

Answer

Disregarding manufacturer's guidelines for usage and maintenance

Question 26

According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers in social care settings have a primary legal duty to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure electrical equipment is safe to use

Answer

Conduct regular electrical inspections

Answer

Provide electrical safety training to staff

Answer

Report all electrical accidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Question 27

What's the main reason for carrying out electrical safety checks in social care settings?

Accepted Answer

To find and fix electrical dangers

Answer

To make sure you're following the rules

Answer

To teach staff about electrical safety

Answer

To keep a record of electrical repairs

Question 28

What is the maximum permissible current for a standard 13 amp socket outlet in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

13 amps

Answer

10 amps

Answer

15 amps

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB)?

Accepted Answer

To prevent electrocution

Answer

To prevent short circuits

Answer

To prevent overloading

Answer

To prevent overheating

Question 30

What should you do if you discover a frayed or damaged electrical cord?

Accepted Answer

Stop using it immediately

Answer

Repair it with electrical tape

Answer

Continue using it until it breaks

Question 31

What is the correct way to disconnect an electrical plug?

Accepted Answer

Pull on the plug itself, not the cord

Answer

Use a screwdriver to disconnect the plug

Answer

Grasp the plug with wet hands

Answer

Pull firmly on the cord

Question 32

What is the recommended action if you detect a burning smell or see smoke coming from an electrical appliance?

Accepted Answer

Unplug the appliance immediately and seek assistance

Answer

Leave the room and wait for someone else to handle it

Answer

Continue using the appliance until it cools down

Answer

Attempt to put out the fire with water

Question 33

Who bears the responsibility for ensuring the safe use and maintenance of electrical equipment in social care settings?

Accepted Answer

All staff members

Answer

Maintenance personnel exclusively

Answer

Management exclusively

Answer

Service users exclusively

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a type of electrical hazard?

Accepted Answer

Slipping hazard

Answer

Fire

Answer

Electric shock

Question 35

What is the primary purpose of a Residual Current Device (RCD)?

Accepted Answer

To prevent electric shock by interrupting power supply in the event of a circuit fault.

Answer

To protect against overloads.

Answer

To increase the voltage of an electrical circuit.

Question 36

Which of the following is a safe practice when using portable electrical equipment?

Accepted Answer

Inspecting the equipment for damage prior to each use.

Answer

Overloading the equipment beyond its rated capacity.

Answer

Using the equipment in wet or damp environments.

Question 37

When selecting an extension cord, which type of cable is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Heavy-duty cable with high insulation protection.

Answer

Damaged cable with exposed wires.

Answer

Light-duty cable with low insulation protection.

Answer

Cable with a voltage rating different from the equipment being used.

Question 38

What is the recommended storage practice for electrical equipment when not in use?

Accepted Answer

Storing in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and moisture.

Answer

Piling the equipment on the floor.

Answer

Storing in a damp basement or outdoor shed.

Question 39

In a social care setting, who holds the primary responsibility for ensuring the safe use and maintenance of electrical equipment?

Accepted Answer

The employer.

Answer

The local authority.

Answer

The employees.

Answer

The service users.

Question 40

How often should electrical equipment be inspected and tested at a minimum?

Accepted Answer

As per manufacturer's instructions or relevant industry guidelines.

Answer

Monthly

Answer

Annually

Question 41

What is the appropriate action to take if you discover damaged electrical equipment?

Accepted Answer

Unplug the equipment immediately and report it to your supervisor.

Answer

Continue using the equipment if it is still functional.

Answer

Attempt to repair the equipment yourself.