ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
In accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), all portable electrical appliances should be visually examined on a regular basis to check for obvious defects, e.g. loose wires, cracked casement, plugs show no signs of burning Any item found to be faulty should be taken out of action and repaired by an approved electrician, or if not disposed of. The main user of the equipment should perform this maintenance inspection. All equipment must be properly earthed and connections should be made permanent where possible. Any temporary connections must be made safe. Extension leads are not recommended for anything but temporary use and even then should be securely anchored, to minimise any potential hazard. When equipment is not in use it should be switched off at the mains. It should be borne in mind that certain equipment, for example calculator chargers, might not be suitable for continuous running. Care should be exercised to ensure that such items are not left on, especially overnight, where overheating could constitute a potential fire hazard. Centrifuges: Personnel unfamiliar with centrifuges must read the instruction manual supplied with the instrument and seek the assistance of an experienced member of the department for the first few occasions of use. On no account should centrifuges be used without prior instruction. Please note that centrifuges not fitted with an “interlock” device have been prohibited since 1984. Fume cupboards: In accordance with College policy, fume cupboards are tested every 12 months for adequate performance. Pieces of equipment and other Items, which may restrict airflow and reduce performance below acceptable levels, should not be stored in fume cupboards. Fume cupboards are fitted with audible and visual “high sash alarms” and “low air flow alarms”. Fume hood must not be used if alarm is sounding. Any breakdowns contact the UCl customer services centre on ext 30000. Safety Cabinets: In accordance with safety legislation safety cabinets must be tested every 12 months depending on usage. Due to the high usage of the cabinets at UCLCI all class II biological exhaust protective cabinets will be annually tested for airflow, containment and HEPA filter efficiency (containment level 3 cabinets will be tested every 6 months). This will be organised by the CI Safety who will notify staff in advance. Prior to maintenance, cabinets must be decontaminated and a decontamination certificate completed – this is the responsibility of the cabinet user. Safety cabinets are fitted with audible and visual low airflow alarms. If the cabinet goes into alarm e.g. power failure, while an individual is working, stop all work immediately, evacuate room and contact the helpdesk and the DSO.
Rev: 10/2007