Electrical Equipment Used in Child Activity Centres

Every centre has different equipment needs. However, many child activity and indoor play centres use a range of portable electrical items.

Common examples include:

• Computers and monitors
• Printers
• Laptop chargers
• Extension leads
• Power boards
• Portable fans
• Vacuum cleaners
• Kettles
• Microwaves
• Refrigerators
• Portable speakers
• Battery chargers
• Cleaning equipment
• Portable lighting

Some equipment stays in one room. Meanwhile, staff may move other items around the centre during the day.

Therefore, keeping an accurate equipment list can make inspection management easier.

Equipment in Indoor Play Areas

Indoor play centres often have large open spaces where children take part in different activities. Staff may use portable electrical equipment for music, cleaning, administration and daily operations.

For example, portable speakers may support activities or events. Staff may also use extension leads or chargers when setting up equipment.

Because these areas can be busy, equipment should be managed carefully.

Staff should also keep portable electrical items away from areas where they could become damaged or create a trip hazard.

Office and Administration Equipment

Most child activity centres have an office or reception area. Staff may use computers, monitors, printers, phone chargers and other electrical equipment throughout the day.

These items may not be part of the play activities. However, they still form part of the centre’s electrical equipment.

As a result, managers should include office equipment when reviewing their testing and inspection needs.

Kitchen and Staff Areas

Many centres have kitchen areas for staff and may also provide food or drinks for children and families.

Typical equipment can include:

• Kettles
• Microwaves
• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Coffee machines
• Toasters
• Extension leads

These appliances can receive frequent use.

Therefore, centres should consider kitchen equipment when organising an electrical equipment inspection.

Cleaning Equipment

Cleaning is an important part of operating a child activity centre. Staff or cleaners may use vacuum cleaners, floor equipment, extension leads and other portable electrical items.

Equipment can also move between different rooms during cleaning.

For this reason, managers should keep track of equipment used by cleaning staff and contractors.

In addition, equipment should be stored correctly after use to help reduce unnecessary damage.

Why Child Activity Centres Arrange Testing

Portable electrical equipment can experience regular handling and movement. Equipment used by cleaning teams may also face different workplace conditions from equipment used in an office.

Therefore, child activity centres may arrange electrical inspections and testing as part of their workplace safety processes.

SafeWork NSW advises that electrical equipment should be inspected and tested by a competent person where workplace conditions create relevant risks. The appropriate approach depends on the equipment and the conditions in which it is used.

As a result, centres should consider their own equipment, environment and work practices when planning an inspection program.

Managing Equipment Used by Staff and Contractors

Child activity centres may have employees, casual workers, cleaners, contractors and other people using electrical equipment.

Shared equipment can become difficult to track if there is no clear system.

A simple equipment register can help managers record items and their locations. It can also make it easier to identify equipment during an inspection.

Furthermore, contractors who bring portable electrical equipment onto the premises may need to follow the centre’s own site requirements.

For this reason, centre managers should have clear procedures for equipment brought onto the site.

Keeping Electrical Equipment Records

Good records can make equipment management easier.

A centre may record information such as:

• Equipment description
• Asset number
• Location
• Inspection date
• Inspection result
• Next review information
• Relevant notes

Digital records can also help managers review equipment information without relying on paper records.

As a result, staff can spend less time trying to locate previous inspection information.

Planning Test and Tag Services Around Your Centre

Child activity centres often operate during set hours. Some may also have birthday parties, school holiday programs and weekend activities.

Therefore, timing can be important when arranging an inspection.

Before the visit, identify the areas that need access. Next, make portable equipment available where practical.

It can also help to tell staff about the planned inspection. This allows them to prepare equipment and reduce disruption to normal activities.

Finally, let the testing provider know about any areas with restricted access or special site requirements.

Benefits of Professional Test and Tag Services

Professional testing can give centre managers a more organised way to manage portable electrical equipment.

A technician can inspect the equipment across different areas of the centre. This may include offices, kitchens, play areas, staff rooms and storage areas.

After the inspection, clear records can help the centre track the work completed.

Test tags can also provide a simple visual reference for equipment that has been inspected.

Most importantly, an organised process can help managers keep better records and identify equipment that requires attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment can be tested at an indoor play centre?

Portable electrical equipment can include computers, printers, extension leads, power boards, vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, chargers, portable speakers and other suitable equipment.

Should office equipment be included?

Yes. Office equipment forms part of the portable electrical equipment used by the centre. Managers should consider all relevant equipment across the facility.

What about equipment used by cleaners?

Cleaning equipment can also be included in the centre’s equipment management process. This may include vacuum cleaners, extension leads and other portable electrical equipment.

Can equipment in different rooms be tested?

Yes. A testing service can work across different areas of a centre, subject to access and site conditions.

Can testing be arranged outside busy periods?

Yes. Centres can discuss suitable appointment times with their testing provider. Planning around school holidays, parties and busy activity periods may help reduce disruption.

How often should electrical equipment be tested?

There is no single testing interval that applies to every piece of equipment in every workplace. The appropriate frequency can depend on the equipment, how it is used and the workplace environment.

Centres should consider relevant guidance and their own risk assessment when deciding on an inspection program.

Test and Tag Sydney for Child Activity Centres

Running a child activity or indoor play centre involves many responsibilities. Electrical equipment management is one part of keeping the workplace organised.

From reception computers to kitchen appliances and cleaning equipment, portable electrical items can be found throughout the facility.

Tagtech Australia provides professional test and tag services for child activity centres and indoor play centres across Sydney.

Our team can inspect portable electrical equipment, apply appropriate test tags and provide digital inspection records.

If your centre needs test and tag Sydney services, contact Tagtech Australia today.

Call 0447 942 990 or email info@tagtechaustralia.com.au to discuss your centre’s requirements and arrange an inspection.