The Big Picture
Equipment needs to work properly and be used correctly. Broken equipment, equipment used the wrong way, or equipment that does not work properly is unsafe.
Before using equipment, you need to know how to use it and make sure it is safe to use. This applies to items such as household appliances, mechanical lifting devices, wheelchairs, and walkers.
Look for Nova Scotia CCA Notes throughout this page for current provincial guidance.
Quick tip: Tap, click, or press Enter on any term with a dotted underline and an ⓘ icon to see its plain-English definition.
Start Here If You’re Overwhelmed
Focus on these core ideas:
- Check equipment before you use it.
- Do not use equipment that is broken or damaged.
- Get training before using unfamiliar equipment.
- Follow your employer’s rules and the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use equipment only for its intended purpose.
- Check electrical cords for damage and make sure the grounding prong is present.
Jump to:
Course Notes: Key Ideas You Need to Know
Know How to Use the Equipment
Equipment is unsafe when it is broken, used incorrectly, or not working properly.
Before using any equipment, you must know what you are doing. You must also make sure the equipment is in safe working order.
Follow these basic rules:
- Follow your employer’s policies and procedures .
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions .
- Read cautions and warning labels.
- Use equipment only for its intended purpose.
- Do not use unfamiliar equipment without needed training.
- Ask for supervision the first time you use unfamiliar equipment.
Nova Scotia CCA Note
Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, 5th Edition says not to use unfamiliar equipment without needed training. Nova Scotia’s Home Lift Program adds a specific rule for mechanical lifts used through the provincial home care program. Home Care Agencies must ensure Home Care Workers receive training before using a mechanical lift.
For lifts supplied through this program, an authorized health care provider also determines whether a lift is required and provides education on safe use, including client-specific training when needed. This rule applies to the Nova Scotia Home Lift Program and does not describe every care setting. (novascotia.ca)
Why this matters in Nova Scotia: A CCA working as a Home Care Worker under this program must receive the required training before using the mechanical lift.
Official source: Home Lift Program
Last checked: September 13, 2026
Inspect Equipment Before Use
Inspect equipment before you use it.
Look for:
- broken or damaged parts
- cracks or chips
- rough or sharp edges
- loose bolts or screws
These problems can cause cuts, stabs, or scratches.
Safety: Do not use damaged equipment. Do not give damaged equipment to a client.
Broken Equipment Must Be Reported
If equipment is broken, notify your supervisor immediately.
Follow your employer’s policies for reporting:
- equipment that needs repair
- accidents involving equipment
Avoid: Do not try to repair broken equipment yourself.
An incident report is a workplace report submitted when an accident, error, or unexpected problem occurs. It is also called an occurrence report.
Check Electrical Cords and Outlets
Electrical equipment needs extra attention.
Check electrical cords for fraying or other damage. Also make sure too many cords are not plugged into one electrical outlet.
Frayed cords and overloaded electrical outlets can cause electric shocks.
Check the Grounding Prong
Inspect electrical equipment to make sure the grounding prong has not been removed from a three-pronged plug.
Two prongs carry the electrical current. The third prong grounds the current and directs leaking electricity toward the earth and away from the equipment. This helps prevent electric shocks.
Warning Signs That Mean Stop Using the Equipment
Stop using electrical equipment and immediately report it to your supervisor if:
- the equipment gives you a shock
- it produces sparks
- it makes buzzing sounds
- it produces a burning odour
- lights dim or flicker
- the power shuts down
Report: Immediately report any shock you receive while using equipment.
Other Electrical Safety Rules
Keep these rules in mind when using electrical equipment:
- Keep electrical equipment away from water because water conducts electricity.
- Hold the plug, not the cord, when removing it from an outlet.
- Turn equipment off when you finish using it.
Exam Clue Words
- Must: You must know how to use equipment and make sure it is in safe working order.
- Do not: Do not use damaged equipment or try to repair broken equipment yourself.
- Immediately: Broken equipment and specific electrical warning signs require immediate reporting to your supervisor.
- Report: Report equipment problems and any shock received while using equipment.
Fast Review
For a quick review, focus on the rules that control what you should do before, during, and after equipment use.
- Equipment is unsafe when it is broken, used incorrectly, or not working properly.
- Know how to use equipment before you use it.
- Follow employer policies, manufacturer instructions, cautions, and warning labels.
- Get training before using unfamiliar equipment and ask for supervision the first time.
- Inspect equipment before use for damage, sharp edges, cracks, loose parts, and other problems.
- Do not use or give damaged equipment to a client.
- Report broken equipment immediately and do not repair it yourself.
- Frayed cords and overloaded electrical outlets can cause electric shocks.
- Stop using electrical equipment and immediately report shocks, sparks, buzzing, burning odours, dimming or flickering lights, or a power shutdown.
- Keep electrical equipment away from water.
- Unplug equipment by holding the plug, not the cord.
- Turn equipment off when you finish using it.
Final Pep Talk
There are several equipment safety rules here, so focus first on the actions that use words like must, do not, and immediately. Review the warning signs a few times, then come back to the smaller details.