New Portable Electrical Equipment Receiving and Pre-Use Check
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
- Audience
- Staff in maintained and academy primary and secondary schools in England who receive or place new portable electrical equipment into service.
- Jurisdiction
- england
Blank fields · read-only preview
When to use this form
Complete this form when the school receives or puts new portable electrical equipment into service. Carry out a simple visual check before first use to verify that the item is not damaged. A formal portable appliance inspection or test is not required solely because the equipment is new. If damage or another defect is found, record the equipment status and actions taken before it is used.
Equipment name or description
RequiredIdentify the appliance or equipment checked.
For example, classroom fan or laminator
Manufacturer and model
Record the manufacturer and model where available.
Written response
School asset or purchase reference
Record the school asset number, purchase order, or other reference if available.
Written response
Intended location or department
RequiredState where the equipment will normally be used.
For example, science department or Year 4 classroom
Date received or placed into service
RequiredEnter the date on which the equipment was received or first placed into service.
- Day
- Month
- Year
Visual check outcome
What was observed during the visual check?
RequiredSelect the most significant condition observed. Check the equipment, casing, cable, plug, and accessible connections without carrying out a formal electrical test.
Choose one
- No visible damage identified
- Damage to casing, enclosure, or controls
- Damage to cable, plug, or connection
- Other visible defect or concern
Equipment status after the check
RequiredIf a defect is identified, select a status that prevents unsafe use until the issue has been addressed.
Choose one
- Suitable for first use
- Do not use pending action
- Removed from service and referred for repair or replacement
Defect or concern details
If any damage, defect, or concern was identified, describe it. Leave blank if no defect or concern was found.
Written response
Actions taken
If a defect or concern was identified, record actions such as isolating the equipment, informing a responsible person, arranging repair, or arranging replacement. Leave blank if no action was needed.
Written response
Name of person completing the check
RequiredRecord the name of the person who carried out the visual check.
Written response
I have completed the simple visual check before first use
RequiredSelect this only after the visual check has been completed and any identified defect or action has been recorded.
- Tick when complete