Equipment - general

Equipment

Equipment will be purchased having regard to the task for which it is intended to be used, the environment in which it will be placed, and to best ensure the safety of everyone at the event. Every effort will also be made to ensure that equipment is maintained in a safe condition.

Never use equipment you have not be trained or asked to use.

Pre use checks

Check all equipment provided is in good condition before attempting to use it. This includes lrp safe weapons, tools and other equipment. Do not use broken or damaged equipment, take it out of use and report to your department head.

Electrical equipment

• You must not bring your own electrical equipment in from home for use on event activities without prior approval.
• All electrical equipment used to have been Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) completed. Items with have a sticker indicating their last test date, this should be no more than 12 months prior.
• Do not use electrical equipment in puddles/rain.

As well as checking for the PAT sticker you should always do a pre use check for the following:

• Damaged cables
• Cracks
• Loose wires
• Water
• Other damage

If damaged is found do not use and report to your department head who will take it out of use and label it ‘Do not use’.

The use of extension cables to be closely controlled and only permitted if fully unwound and appropriately fused where possible.

Ladders

• Ladder/stepladder to be positioned where it will not be pushed over e.g. by vehicles, walked into or under by persons, or exposed to other hazards e.g. from doors or windows. If this is impractical you may need to close the area off.
• Ladder should be set at a 75 degree angle (one unit out for every 4 units up). Steps must be fully opened and locked in place before use
• Visually checked before use to ensure in good condition including feet, stiles and rungs. No contamination to be on the feet that could result in them slipping.
• Avoid using in the rain where possible.
• Users to wear appropriate footwear that is dry, have a good grip and less likely to make them slip on the ladder.
• Only one person to use the ladder at a time.
• 3 points of contact maintained on the ladder/stepladder except for very brief periods of time

	Two person operation for use. Second team member to assist by steadying ladder and passing equipment / tools. 

	Staff to be instructed not to stand on top three steps of step ladder/ladder as these provide hand hold.

	Staff to be instructed to avoid sideways working and avoid over-reaching.

	When a step ladder in use, the area around it is to be kept clear of people. Hazard warning signage to be provided where required.

	Staff to be instructed that vacuum/jet wash must not be used on ladder /step ladder/ table/ chair etc. If area cannot be reached – a contractor is employed with specialist access equipment.

	To be stored correctly where it will be secure and not exposed to a risk of damage.