Electrical Safety
Robert M. Rioux & Suprita Jharimune, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Among the many hazards present in the laboratory, electrical h…
1. Preparation for Electrical Hazards
- Be familiar with the location of the laboratory electric control panel and know how to shut down the power in case of emergency. Locate the circuit breaker box in the laboratory and identify the circuit in which the electrified equipment is plugged into. All circuit breakers should be labeled appropriately, identifying the laboratory area or specific equipment it is associated with.
- Be familiar with the type and location(s) of fire extinguishers in case of an electrical fire. Electrical fires (also known as Class C fires) require an extinguisher containing carbon dioxide. The location of the fire extinguisher should be marked overhead or with floor signage with arrows pointing to the location. According to OSHA, the 4 key steps for proper use of an extinguisher are3:
a. Pull the pin.
b. Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire.
c. Squeeze the trigger to control the release of agent.
d. Sweep from side to side. - Inspect all laboratory electrical equipment periodically to ensure that all equipment and its associated internal and peripheral wires are in prime working conditions. If any wires are in poor condition, have them repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician. It may be advantageous to have group members assigned to this task with the results of their investigation provided in a log book associated with the instrument.
2. Avoiding Electric Shock
- Never touch electronics with wet hands or wet materials.
- Check that all power cords are in good condition before turning power on. Frayed cords or exposed wires should not be used. Have the cord repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician.
- Keep wires away from corrosive chemicals and organic solvents to avoid erosion of insulation on wires.
- Replace damaged or broken sockets, plugs, and joints immediately to avoid further damage. Do not attempt to force a plug into a socket into which it does not fit.
- Shut down the power and unplug the power cord before opening the cover to any electrical devices. Be aware that some capacitors may still be charged up even hours after removing the cover.
- Only use equipment with grounding plugs in the lab. The main plugs used for lab equipment include single-phase with safety ground, three-phase with safety ground, single-phase center tapped with safety ground, and three-phase with neutral with safety ground. Do not ever force a plug into a socket. Verify that they are appropriate mates.
- Never use extension cords for permanent lab equipment except for personal computers or temporary usage. Use surge protectors to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. Avoid "daisy chaining" of extension cords.
- Never take the risk of repairing unknown electrical issues. Ask qualified electrical workers to inspect or repair any unknown electrical issues.
- Never touch a person being electrically shocked because you will act as a conduit for the electricity to reach ground. Call 911 immediately. Ensure your safety first and then shut down the power if possible or use non-conductive material such as wood, glass, or rubber to pull the person away from the electric contact.
3. Avoiding Electrical Fire or Explosion
- Don't overload a circuit. If a circuit is overloaded, the actual power, current, and voltage might exceed the rated value and lead to a fire. If you are unable to determine the rated values, consult with a person who can determine if the current circuit load exceeds the maximum recommended draws.
- Store flammable and explosive chemicals away from electric devices. The sparks generated by electric devices might cause fire or an explosion with flammable and explosive chemicals nearby.
- Make sure all electric devices are away from hot point sources (i.e., an open flame) to prevent melting and electrical fire.
- In case of electrical fire, first leave the area and call 911 immediately. Pull the most convenient fire alarm and shut down the main power source if safe and possible. Never use water or a conductive foam extinguisher. Use sand or a carbon dioxide extinguisher instead.
Safe handling of electrical equipment is as important as the handling of chemical materials, however, the hazardous nature of electrical devices is often overlooked.
Improper operation of electrically-powered devices may potentially lead to injury or death by electric shock. Additionally, electrical sparks in the laboratory may lead to fire or explosions, especially when highly flammable or potentially explosive chemicals are placed in close proximity.
Prevention of electrical accidents involves inspection of electrical wiring, keeping power cords at distances safe from water or chemicals, and situational awareness.
This video will illustrate the necessary precautions to take before using electrically-powered devices, and the procedures used to prevent or handle shock-related accidents and electrical fires.
Before powering up any electrical device, make sure the power cord is in good condition. Do not use the device with a frayed cord or exposed wires.
Make sure the device is on a sturdy surface free from clutter or debris to prevent it from falling. Additionally, keep flammable and corrosive chemicals at a safe distance from electrical outlets.
Familiarize yourself with the emergency electrical shut off and the circuit breaker box in the event that a device needs to be shut down. Properly label the circuits to which each electrical outlet is connected.
Inspect all laboratory electrical equipment on a regular basis by checking for the wiring conditions. In case of damaged wire or defective device have the parts replaced by experienced personnel immediately.
To prevent electrical shock, keep plugged-in devices away from any water-filled sinks or tubs, and avoid touching them with wet hands.
Additionally, use only electrically-powered devices equipped with a grounding plug. Avoid forcing a plug into an ill-fitting socket, and replace any damaged sockets or plugs.
Always use surge protectors to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes, and never use extension cords for permanent laboratory equipment.
Electrical fires may be caused by contact with flammable chemicals, but also by overloaded circuits. Use no more than two electrical devices per outlet, or use surge protectors to prevent overload. Additionally, keep electrical devices away from open flames to avoid melting of the wire.
Always know the location of the fire extinguisher. In case of a small electrical fire, use a CO2 extinguisher or sand.
If a fire extinguisher needs to be used follow the PASS rule. Pull the pin first. Then take the nozzle and aim towards the base of the fire and squeeze the trigger. Slowly sweep the nozzle from side to side to cover the burning area.
In case of a large fire, sound the fire alarm, leave the area immediately, and call 911.
If a lab worker has been electrically shocked, ensure that the power is off, and call 911. Do not touch the victim with bare skin to avoid acting as a conduit for the electricity to reach ground. Always use non-conductive materials such as wood, glass or rubber to help the electrically shocked person.
You've just watched JoVE's introduction to electrical safety. You should now understand safeguards against electrical safety hazards, how to be prepared in the event of an accident, what to do to prevent an electric shock and electrical fires. Thanks for watching!
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Q1: What should you check before using an electrical device in the lab?
Before powering up any electrical device, inspect the power cord for damage, frayed wires, or exposed conductors. Ensure the device sits on a sturdy, clutter-free surface to prevent falls. Verify that flammable and corrosive chemicals are stored at safe distances from electrical outlets to minimize fire and shock hazards.
Q2: How can you prevent electrical shock when working with plugged-in devices?
Keep plugged-in devices away from water-filled sinks or tubs and never touch them with wet hands. Use only electrically-powered devices equipped with a grounding plug. Avoid forcing plugs into ill-fitting sockets, and replace any damaged sockets or plugs immediately to maintain safe electrical connections.
Q3: What causes electrical fires in laboratories and how can you prevent them?
Electrical fires result from contact with flammable chemicals or overloaded circuits. Limit devices to two per outlet or use surge protectors to prevent overload. Keep electrical equipment away from open flames to avoid wire melting. Always know the fire extinguisher location and follow the PASS rule: pull the pin, aim at the fire base, squeeze the trigger, and sweep side to side.
Q4: What is the proper way to use a fire extinguisher on an electrical fire?
Follow the PASS rule for fire extinguisher use. First, pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher. Then take the nozzle and aim toward the base of the fire. Squeeze the trigger to discharge the agent, and slowly sweep the nozzle from side to side to cover the burning area. For small electrical fires, use a CO2 extinguisher or sand.
Q5: What should you do if someone receives an electrical shock in the laboratory?
Ensure the power is off immediately and call 911. Do not touch the victim with bare skin to avoid becoming a conduit for electricity. Instead, use non-conductive materials such as wood, glass, or rubber to help move or assist the electrically shocked person to safety.
Q6: Why is regular inspection of laboratory electrical equipment important?
Regular inspection identifies damaged wires, defective devices, and safety hazards before accidents occur. Check wiring conditions frequently and have experienced personnel immediately replace any damaged parts. Familiarize yourself with the emergency electrical shut-off and circuit breaker box location, and ensure circuits are properly labeled for quick identification during emergencies.
Q7: What precautions should you take when using extension cords and surge protectors?
Always use surge protectors to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes and prevent circuit overload. Never use extension cords for permanent laboratory equipment, as they pose fire and shock risks. Limit device usage to two per outlet maximum, and ensure all cords remain at safe distances from water and chemical storage areas.