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Electrical safety in the lab

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Overview

Electrically powered equipment, such as hot plates, stirrers, vacuum pumps, electrophoresis apparatus, lasers, heating mantles, ultrasonicators, power supplies, and microwave ovens are essential elements of many laboratories.

Hazards of Lab Electrical Devices & Importance of De-Energization

These devices can pose a significant hazard to laboratory users, particularly when mishandled or not maintained. Many laboratory electrical devices have high voltage or high power requirements, carrying even more risk. Large capacitors found in many laser flash lamps and other systems are capable of storing lethal amounts of electrical energy and pose a serious danger even if the power source has been disconnected.
De-energization of electrical equipment provides the highest level of safety when servicing or maintaining electrical equipment.

Working on live electrical parts should be avoided when possible and should only be performed in the following two scenarios:

De-energizing the equipment creates additional hazards, such as shutdown of hazardous ventilation systems or life safety systems. and
Equipment must be energized to allow for testing that can only be performed live.

Only employees that are qualified persons are allowed to work on live electrical parts that are 50 V or higher.

Basic Precautions for Electrical Safety in the Laboratory

There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity, including insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical protective devices.

Laboratory workers can significantly reduce electrical hazards by following some basic precautions:

01

Read and follow all equipment operating instructions for proper use.

02

Remove all jewelry before working with electricity. This includes rings, watches, bracelets, and necklaces.

03

Inspect wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately. In the lab, to replace or fixed them contact LEM for support.

04

Use guarding around exposed circuits and sources of live electricity (i.e., electrophoresis devices). Plexiglass shields may be used to protect against exposed electrical live parts.

05

Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker panels.

06

When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry and (when possible) wear nonconductive gloves and shoes with insulated soles.

07

Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent wiring. Do not use extension cords for fixed equipment such as computers, refrigerators/freezers, etc. Avoid extension cords and/or power strips to become a tripping hazard.

08

Power strips are preferred over use of extension cords. In all other cases, request installation of a new electrical outlet.

09

Power strips must have a built-in overload protection (circuit breaker) and must not be connected to another power strip or extension cord (commonly referred to as daisy chained).

10

Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.

11

Safe power strips, adapters and other appliances are available through procurement. Locally purchased power strips and adapters should not be used. Check HSE approved power strips and adapter in the Safety Supplies List.

12

Only equipment with properly grounded plugs should be used in the laboratory.

13

Electrical outlets must not be overloaded and should be protected from possible spills of water or chemicals.

14

Try to minimize power strips or electrical equipment on the floor to prevent electric issues during a flood situation. Try to elevate all electrical above the floor at least 3 cm (1 inch).

15

Never store flammable liquids near electrical equipment, even temporarily. Always minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical equipment and keep work areas clean and dry.

16

Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel.

17

If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment.

18

If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment, cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt.

19

Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment.

20

Repairs of high voltage or high current equipment may be performed only by highly trained electricians.

For lab modifications to install additional outlets or industrial plugs please raise a FM modifications request:LINK
For equipment maintenance, report electrical equipment issues please contact LEM@KAUST.edu.sa
Please report any near miss and incidents using ReportIt.

Planned electrical shutdowns:

All activity is controlled by HSE Permit to Work procedure.
Lab users can expect a notification/announcement from the Building Management Team prior to the impact.
Building Management team will specify the panel/s affected.
The lab team can check the sockets affected in the lab by following the labelling.
Any unlabeled sockets require reporting via 959

Sockets which are on backup power are labelled BPL or BPH
It is suggested that equipment is unplugged if possible prior to the shutdown
If in doubt, the lab team can reach out to Building Management team for support.
After the works, and plugging the equipment back in, there is circuit trip, immediately contact 959

References

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