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