Electrical Safety Testing of Medical Devices

Learning Focus

• Understanding the purpose and application of AS/NZS 3551 in medical equipment management
• Medical equipment electrical safety principles
• Class I and Class II equipment
• Applied Parts – Type B, BF and CF
• Visual inspection and identification of electrical safety hazards
• Earth continuity and protective conductor testing
• Insulation resistance testing
• Leakage current testing
• Safe operation of medical electrical safety analysers
• Understanding and interpreting test results
• Identifying potentially unsafe conditions
• Test-and-tag principles applicable to electrical equipment
• Test documentation and traceability
• Applying manufacturer instructions and service documentation
• Recognising when equipment should be removed from service for further assessment

Hands-On Practical Training

Participants will undertake supervised practical exercises using representative medical equipment and professional electrical safety test instruments.

Practical equipment may include:

• Patient monitors
• Infusion and syringe pumps
• Defibrillators
• Ventilators and respiratory equipment
• Other representative medical electrical equipment

Practical activities may include:

• Preparing equipment for testing
• Conducting visual inspections
• Connecting electrical safety test instruments
• Selecting appropriate test procedures
• Performing supervised electrical safety measurements
• Interpreting test results
• Identifying abnormal or potentially unsafe conditions
• Recording test results
• Completing sample testing documentation

All practical activities are conducted in a controlled training environment under trainer supervision.

What You Will Learn

• Approach medical equipment electrical safety testing systematically
• Select appropriate tests based on the equipment and applicable requirements
• Safely use medical electrical safety analysers
• Recognise common electrical safety hazards
• Interpret electrical safety test results
• Document testing activities and results
• Maintain appropriate testing records and traceability
• Identify equipment requiring further assessment or removal from service
• Apply manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures when performing testing and maintenance

Important Regulatory & Competency Notice

Completion of this training does not provide an electrical licence, electrical contractor licence, nationally recognised qualification or regulatory authorisation.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that any electrical testing, repair, servicing or other work they perform after completing the training is within the scope of their qualifications, competence, licensing requirements, workplace authorisation, applicable legislation, applicable standards and manufacturer requirements.

Standards Notice

This course provides training with reference to AS/NZS 3551 and other applicable requirements.

References to Australian Standards are provided for educational and training purposes. MedEqHub Australia is not the owner, publisher, accreditation body or certifying authority for Australian Standards.

Participants should refer to the current applicable Standards, manufacturer instructions, workplace procedures and regulatory requirements relevant to their work.