Have you tried to reset a circuit breaker and shut down your computer’s circuit, the main frame or the main lights in your office? Have you ever fumbled around in the dark trying to see which breaker tripped, knowing it was the one for the lights at the breaker box but you can’t find it? Do you know the correct way to reset a breaker? It is better to be prepared for these scenarios then to risk the safety of staff, patients or equipment.

You can be prepared by first labeling all circuit breakers that protect your office. Be aware some buildings have more than one breaker box, especially if it has had additions to the building. The labels should be printed with indelible ink, easy to read in dim lighting and be firmly attached to the breaker box. The label should correspond to all outlets, light fixtures and equipment each breaker protects. Be sure to have an auxiliary source of light at the entryway to, or near the breaker box. A flash light mounted in a convenient location for easy access in the dark is a great comfort when the lights are out. When resetting a breaker, be sure everything protected by that breaker is turned off; then, switch the breaker to the “off” position before switching it back to the “on” position. Lastly, be sure that your entire staff are confident in their ability to reset a breaker should the need occur.

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