When should equipment be inspected for obvious hazards such as cracked or frayed electrical cords?

The appropriate time to inspect equipment for obvious hazards, such as cracked or frayed electrical cords, is whenever the equipment is inspected in Central Service. This approach aligns with best practices in safety and maintenance, ensuring that equipment is continually assessed for any visible signs of wear and damage.

Routine inspections help identify potential issues before they lead to equipment failure or pose safety risks. Central Service technicians are responsible for maintaining the readiness and safety of instruments and devices, making ongoing evaluations critical.

While preventative maintenance activities are essential, they are not the exclusive times when safety inspections should take place. Neglecting to conduct these inspections regularly could allow hazards to go unnoticed until they result in accidents or equipment malfunction. Moreover, limiting inspections to user complaints or only to trained biomedical engineering technicians can create gaps in safety protocols, as these instances do not ensure a consistent and proactive approach to equipment safety management.