Best Electrical Safety In The Laboratory
November 18th 2009 lab manager.
Best electrical safety in the laboratory. Know the location of electrical panels and disconnect switches in or near your laboratory so that power can be quickly shut down in the event of a fire or electrical accident. Run through this checklist regularly since electrical malfunction can happen at any time and for many reasons. Portable power supplies are commonly used in the lab. You already practice fire safety but fire prevention is the best way to protect your family and that starts with ensuring that your electrical systems and appliances are functioning properly and safely.
Lab manager recently scoured the safety policies of several laboratories to determine some of the most common lab safety rules out there to help you whether you re developing or updating a set of policies for your own lab. Only work with electrical lab equipment using one hand. These devices are extremely high electrical energy sources and must be used carefully. Electrical safety in the workplace this material was produced under grant sh 16609 07 60 f 26 from the occupational safety and health administration u s.
Potential exposures to electrical hazards can result from faulty electrical equipment instrumentation or wiring damaged receptacles and connectors or unsafe work practices. Never attach an exposed connector such as an alligator clip to a power supply. The purpose of this section is to advise laboratory occupants to develop and utilize appropriate work procedures for electrical safety and to remediate electrical hazards when possible. If contact with an energized conductor should occur with a hand in your pocket there s less likelihood an electric shock would travel across your heart.
Lab health and safety electrical safety in the lab. Never obstruct electrical panels and disconnect switches. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the u s. To enhance safety post the location of the electrical panel on the equipment it services.
However if not used or maintained appropriately they can pose serious risks. Electrical safety in the laboratory. Electrical hazards for laboratory employees and students usually include shock burn or fire hazards. Over the last ten years more than 30 000 workers have been injured in workplace electrical accidents.
Of course safety rules are only effective when they are enforced. While electricity is in constant use by the researcher both within and outside the laboratory significant physical harm or death may result from its misuse. Department of labor nor does mention of trade names commercial. Power cords must have grounding plugs 3 prong and be properly insulated.