This is the second part of our series on the hazards posed with electrical equipment. by: Nicole Campbell, Safety and Industrial Hygiene Specialist Background Last month, we reviewed two common issues we find in laboratories: frayed cords and improper use of extension cords. This month, we continue our discussion on the use of extension cords […]

This is the first of a multi-part series on the hazards posed with electrical equipment. by: Nicole Campbell, Safety and Industrial Hygiene Specialist Background Laboratory workers may be exposed to electrical hazards including electric shock, electrocutions caused by short circuits and overloaded circuits and wiring. Most electrical-related incidents are caused by unsafe work practices or […]

Background Spontaneous and unexpected heating of hotplates has been the cause of laboratory fires and explosions. In 2005, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory issued a safety advisory related to a Corning model PC 420 hot plate. In 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014 the University of California, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, and Oak Ridge National Lab issued similar […]