Personnel should be aware of the hazards associated with the use of defective electrical equipment. Defective equipment should be tagged and repaired or discarded. Constant awareness by all laboratory associates will help to uncover and eliminate potential electrical hazards that may be lurking. It is important to restate some previously mentioned concerns, as well as other potential electrical HAZARDS, including:
- Liquids, chemicals, and heat sources located near electrical outlets and/or cords
- Frayed cords or open sheathing
- Loose electrical switches
- Use of extension cords
- Worn parts or damage on equipment that could cause leaks or sparks
- Static electricity buildup
- Overloaded circuits caused by using more than one multiple-outlet boxes (adapters) in a single wall outlet
- Blocked access to electrical panels containing fuses
- Using liquids around electrical sources
- Use of "daisy chain" multiple extension cords or plug-in power strips end-to-end
