School of Chemistry Safety Protocol – Use of Electrical Equipment
Protocol for the Use of Cryogens
Protocol for the Use of Cryogens
PROTOCOL FOR THE USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Main Hazards
•Fire
•Burns
•Electrocution
Key Safety Procedures
Visually inspect all electrical equipment at regular intervals to ensure it is safe using the procedure below. Portable Electrical Appliances will also be periodically checked through the PAT testing scheme.
General Comments
Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations all equipment used in the workplace must be safe. Under the Health and Safety at Work Regulations it is the duty of employees to work in a safe manner.
To comply with these regulations, before starting any work with any electrical equipment all staff (students, post graduates, post doctorates and full-time staff) must ensure that the equipment they are using is safe.
If the apparatus fails to pass any of the checks outlined below then it should be taken to either the Mechanical or Electronics workshops.
Detailed Instructions for Use
1. Check the mains plug:
a. Only the outer insulation of the mains cable should be visible, the inner brown, blue and green/yellow should not.
b. The plug should not be damaged, no cracks or parts broken.
c. The screws that hold the plug together and the cable grip should all be there and tight.
d. The pins should be clean, no corrosion or contamination.
e. The insulation on the pins (if present) should be intact.
f. There should be no signs of overheating or scorching.
2. Check the mains cable:
a. The cable should have no burns, cracks, cuts or deep abrasions i.e. the inner brown, blue or green/yellow cables should not be visible.
b. There should be no kinks or knots in the cable.
c. If the cable is on the floor ensure that it does not present a trip hazard or will not pull your apparatus over if stood on.
d. The cable should enter your apparatus securely, again only the outer insulation of the mains cable should be visible, the inner brown, blue and green/yellow should not. e. When finished do not wrap the lead on a stirrer hotplate round the hot hotplate, allow it to cool.
3. Check the general condition of the apparatus:
a. The case should be in good condition, no cracks or parts missing.
b. There should be no holes in the case where you could insert a large object i.e. a finger or screwdriver.
c. All the screws and other fasteners should be present and tight.
d. All the switches and indicator lights should be working correctly.
e. There should be no signs of overheating or scorching.
4. General working environment:
a. The apparatus should be suitable for the intended use, used in a safe manner and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
b. Keep flammable liquids and gases away from pieces of apparatus with switches and other components which may cause sparks.
c. Keep all electrical apparatus away from water unless it is intended for use in contact with water.
d. Do not use in excessively hot, cold damp or dusty areas unless designed.
e. Ensure that all controls and especially the on/off switch are easily reachable.
f. Ensure that parts of the apparatus which get excessively hot or cold are labelled accordingly.
g. Ensure that any guards which cover moving parts are in place.
h. If the apparatus could allow material to exit the area with any force i.e. mechanical stirrer or drill that safety spectacles are worn.
i. Ensure an emergency shutdown procedure is in place for complex apparatus.
Emergency Procedures
Seek First aid as needed.
Protocol written by: / S. RichardsonApproved by the Safety Committee: / 08. 2001
Last Review by: / R. Fox
Last Review Date: / 7. 2015
The School of Chemistry Safety Committee have approved this protocol for the named School operation or procedure. This task must be carried out in line with this protocol. If you believe that this protocol is unsuitable for the circumstances in your laboratory or area of work discuss this procedurewith your supervisor or line manager and the appropriate Safety Advisor. Any modified operating procedures must be documented, approved and signed by your supervisoror line manager before they are undertaken
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