3.1.2. Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Procedures
💡 First Principle: Electrical equipment creates simultaneous risks of fire, electrical shock, and burn. The risk is highest when equipment is damaged or improperly maintained. Inspecting equipment before every use — not just occasionally — is the standard of care.
Before each use, inspect for:
- Frayed, cracked, or exposed electrical cords
- Loose connections at the plug or device end
- Damaged housing (cracks, melted plastic, exposed internal components)
- Rust or corrosion on metal parts
- Unusual sounds or odors when powered on
If any of these are found: Remove the equipment from service immediately. Tag it clearly as "out of service" or "do not use." Do not continue using damaged equipment for the rest of a client's service and plan to fix it later. The risk of electrical shock, fire, or burn to the client or esthetician makes continued use unacceptable.
Maintenance protocols:
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and storage
- Keep electrical equipment away from water
- Store devices to avoid cord damage (no tight coiling, no heavy items resting on cords)
- Have equipment professionally serviced on the manufacturer's recommended schedule
⚠️ Exam Trap: An esthetician notices a small fray in a cord but the equipment still works. The correct action is to remove it from service — not finish the client and deal with it later. "Still works" does not mean "safe."
Reflection Question: During a client consultation, you plug in a facial steamer and notice a burning smell. The steamer appears to be functioning normally. What is the correct response?
