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Laboratory Electrical Hazards

What’s at Stake? A scientist was using a portable fluorescent lighting rack plugged into an electric timer, that plugged into the wall. The timer only accepted two-prong plug, so an adapter had to be used for the three-prong lighting rack. The scientist went to adjust the timer and positioned herself against a metal sink while holding the lighting rack. The scientist was electrocuted and was pronounced dead at the hospital. What’s at Stake? Consider the following story… A scientist was using a portable fluorescent lighting rack. The lighting rack was plugged into an electric timer, which was plugged into the wall. However, the timer only accepted a two-prong plug, so an adapter had to be used for the three-prong lighting rack. The scientist went to adjust the timer and positioned herself against a metal sink while holding the lighting rack. The scientist was electrocuted and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The lighting rack was drawing more current than approved and the ballast overheated. This melted the insulation around the wire causing an energized wire to touch the ballast’s metal cover, energizing the entire fixture. Touching the metal sink completed a circuit to ground through the scientist, electrocuting her.

What’s the Danger? Burns Electrocution Shock Arc Flash/Arc Blast Fire Explosions BE SAFE - recognize, avoid, protect against hazards Lab workers may be exposed to electrical hazards from: Faulty Equipment, Instrumentation, and Wiring Damaged Receptacles and Connectors Unsafe Work Practices What’s the Danger? An electrical hazard can expose workers to the following: Burns Electrocution Shock Arc Flash/Arc Blast Fire Explosions Therefore, you can remember to BE SAFE by recognizing, avoiding and protecting against all these electrical hazards. In the laboratory, workers may be exposed to electrical hazards in: Faulty Equipment, Instrumentation, and Wiring Damaged Receptacles and Connectors Unsafe Work Practices

How to Protect Yourself Labs contain a variety of electrically-powered equipment. Follow manufacturer recommendations for operating equipment. Inspect wiring and equipment before each use. Only use grounded equipment with three prongs. How to Protect Yourself Laboratories contain a wide variety of electrically-powered equipment (stirrers, ovens, pumps, etc.), to avoid potential dangers from equipment: Follow manufacturer recommendations for operating equipment. Inspect wiring and equipment before each use. Only use grounded equipment with three prongs.

How to Protect Yourself Extension cords are for temporary use. Request new electrical outlet installation. Ensure GFCI outlets are installed and used when water/chemicals are present within 6 feet. Replace frayed or damaged electrical cords. Remove and replace equipment in poor condition or have it repaired by a qualified repair person. Use extension cords temporarily, and request new electrical outlet installation. Ensure that GFCI outlets are installed and used when water/chemicals are present within 6 feet. Replace frayed or damaged electrical cords. Remove and replace equipment in poor condition or have it repaired by a qualified repair person.

How to Protect Yourself Use safe work practices: Report hazards to supervisors and safety officers. Regularly test GFCI outlets and ensure all safety features on equipment are in working order. No more than two high current draw devices should be plugged into the same outlet. How to Protect Yourself It’s also important to use safe work practices: Report hazards to supervisors and safety officers. Regularly test GFCI outlets and ensure all safety features on equipment are in working order. No more than two high current draw devices should be plugged into the same outlet.

How to Protect Yourself Place power cords so they don’t come in contact with water or chemicals; water is a shock hazard and chemicals can degrade the cord insulation. Do not lift a piece of electrical equipment by the cord or pull the cord to disconnect from the outlet. Know the location and operation of shut-off switches and circuit breakers. Place power cords so they don’t come in contact with water or chemicals; water is a shock hazard and chemicals can degrade the cord insulation. Do not lift a piece of electrical equipment by the cord or pull the cord to disconnect from the outlet. Know the location and operation of shut-off switches and circuit breakers.

How to Protect Yourself If you see a person being shocked, DO NOT TOUCH THEM! The electricity can go through you too. If possible, turn off the power, or use an item made of non-conductive material (e.g., wooden broom handle) to pry him or her away from the contact. Call 911 immediately. If you see a person being shocked, DO NOT TOUCH THEM! The electricity can go through you too. If possible, turn off the power, or use an item made of non-conductive material (e.g., wooden broom handle) to pry him or her away from the contact. Call 911 immediately.

Final Word Recognizing electrical hazards and then taking appropriate measures to prevent and protect lab workers will help to avoid electrocution and electricity related injuries. Final Word Recognizing electrical hazards and then taking appropriate measures to prevent and protect lab workers will help to avoid electrocution and electricity related injuries.