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E A LTH AND SAFETY

h
CONTENTS PAGE
1. Introduction 4
2. Electrical Hazards 4
3. Electrical Accidents and First Aid 5
4. General Safety Requirements 5
5. Detailed Safety Requirements 8
6. Testing Electrical Equipment 11
7. Testing Residual Circuit Devices 11
8. Experimental Equipment 11
9. Miscellaneous Equipment 15
10.High-Risk Areas and Activities 16
11.References 18
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDE
Uni ver si ty of Hul l El ectr i cal Equi pment Safety Gui de I ssued November 1996
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
2.1 Shock
2.2 Burns
2.3 Fire and Explosion
3. ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS AND FIRST-AID
4. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Using Electrical Equipment
4.2 Live Work
4.3 Classes of Electrical Equipment
Class 0
Class I
Class IIA
Class IIB
Class III
4.4 Types of Equipment
Portable Equipment
Fixed Equipment
Stationary Equipment
4.5 Personal Equipment
5. DETAILED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Supply Sockets
5.2 Plugs
5.3 Plug Fuses
5.4 Connecting Plugs to Cables
5.5 Flexible Cables
5.6 Joining Cables
5.7 Extension Cables
5.8 Connection of Cables to Equipment
5.9 Equipment Insulation
5.10Ventilation and Cooling
5.11Equipment Fuses
5.12Disconnection
6. TESTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
7. TESTING RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCDS)
SG11
8. EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT
8.2 General Points
Short Cuts
Operational at Low Safe Voltages
Colour Codes
Design to BS Specications
Live Work
Isolation
Clear Work Area
Equipment Left Operating Unattended in
a Dangerous Condition
Mat switches
Mains Power Supplies to Electronic
Equipment
8.3 Trials of Proto-types
8.4 Isolation Switches
8.5 Earth Bonding
8.6 Protection of Cables against Mechanical
Damage
8.7 Internal Fuses
8.8 Insulation
8.9 Exposed Terminals
8.10Interlocks
8.11Non-standard Supply Voltages, Plugs and
Sockets
8.12Transformers
Isolation Transformers
Variacs
8.13Capacitors
8.14Batteries and Accumulators
Lithium Cells
8.15Water Flow Systems
8.16Furnaces
8.17Explosion Protection in Highly Flammable
Atmospheres
8.18High Voltage Work
8.19Fieldwork
8.20Buzz Plugs
8.21Electrostatic Hazards
8.22Thermal Cut-outs
9. MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
9.1 Light Bulbs
9.2 Audio-Visual Equipment
9.3 Electrophoresis
9.4 Power Washers
9.5 Construction Site Equipment
9.6 Foreign Equipment
9.7 Overseas Power Supplies
10.HIGH RISK AREAS AND ACTIVITIES
10.1General Points
10.2Electrical and/or Electronic Workshops
10.3Electrical Engineering Laboratories
Provisions
Procedures
10.4Aquaria
10.5Power Washed Animal Houses
10.6Construction Sites and Buildings
Maintenance Work
10.7Portable Generators
11.REFERENCES
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Uni ver si ty of Hul l El ectr i cal Equi pment Safety Gui de I ssued N ovember 1996
DETAILED CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
Electrical accidents are not the most common type of
occupational accident. However, the proportion of
electrical accidents that cause loss of life is very high
compared to the proportion of fatalities resulting from
other types of occupational accident, and electrical faults
are the second main cause of industrial res in the United
Kingdom. The majority of electrical accidents involve
equipment that is defective due to internal insulation
failure, inadequate earthing, inappropriate fusing or
incorrect wiring. These defects pose a threat to personal
safety by causing electric shocks, burns, explosions and
res.
In order to safeguard University staff, students and
property against these potential hazards, this guide has
been prepared to advise departmental and area
managements on the procedures and precautions that
should be employed to maintain electrical equipment in a
safe condition. Sources of supply of the items mentioned
are listed in and the practical aspects of testing electrical
equipment are described in the Safety Guide.
2. ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Electricity does not alert the human senses; it cannot be
seen, heard or smelt. The potential hazards posed by
electricity and defective electrical equipment are electric
shock, burns, re, explosion, injury from involuntar y
reaction to otherwise harmless shocks, such as falls, and
radiation damage from radiation in the microwave and
ultra violet ranges.
2.1Shock
Electric shock affects the nervous system and can cause
muscular contraction including the inability to let-go thus
increasing the period of contact and possibility of fatality.
If the cur rent passes through the heart it upsets its
pumping action and can cause death. In addition, a shock
that in itself might not be serious may cause a reaction
resulting in loss of balance and a subsequent fall which
could have serious consequences.
Shock is usually caused by one part of the body touching
a live conductor whilst another part is in contact with
earth thus permitting the passage of current through the
body. Shock can be felt from voltages as low as 15v and
at 2025v most people experience pain. At higher
voltages the victim may not be able to let go of the
conductor and suffer burns. Death can be caused, in
appropriate conditions, by voltages as low as 70v, but
generally speaking the danger of death is small, but not
entirely negligible, at voltages below 120v ac.
Nevertheless, voltages in excess of 50v ac or 120v dc are
regarded as dangerous.
Most serious and fatal accidents involve the normal
domestic and industrial voltage of 240v acand involve
currents of 25-30ma and over. Direct cur rent (dc) does
not affect the body of the same degree as alternating
current (ac) as shown below.
Response ac dc
Threshold of feeling 1ma 5ma
Muscular paralysis (spasm) 15ma 40ma
Ventricular brillation 70ma 140ma
It is important to realise that it is the current passing
through the body that kills. The current is dictated by two
main factors. Firstly, the voltage or driving force behind
the current, as explained earlier, and secondly, the
resistance of the body between the live conductor and
return (normally earth) forming the circuit. This
resistance varies depending on the points of contact and
the skin moisture condition. Between the ears for
example, the internal resistance is only 100 ohms, whilst
from hand to foot it is 500 ohms. The skin resistance
varies from 1 kohms for wet skin to over 50 kohms for
dry skin. The important fact to note from these gures is
that with the exception of the dry skin condition, which is
comparatively rare given the normal degree of human
perspiration, all these conditions at the mains voltage of
240v permit currents equal to or in excess of 25ma to
ow that could prove fatal or arrest respiration.
The time of cur rent passage through the body also
inuences the degree of damage. Although the
current/time levels vary with tness, etc, the following
conditions would normally cause ventricular brillation in
the average person of 70kg body weight
50 ma for 4.5s
100 ma for 1.3s
250 ma for 200ms
500 ma for 50 ms
1a for 10 ms.
These values are obtained from the relationship
I = 116/T1/2 where I = current in milliamps (ma) and
T = time in seconds (s).
F u rther information on these effects is given in Reference 1.
This information explains why Residual Current Devices
(RCDs) are effective in avoiding the harmful
consequences of electrical accidents see later Sections.
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2.2Burns
Burns can be caused by the passage of heavy currents
through the body if it is in contact with a conductor and
earth, or by direct contact with an electrically heated
surface, or by the intense heat generated by arcs produced
from a short circuit. Although the area of an electrical
burn may be relatively small the depth is likely to be
greater than it appears, with damage to the underlying
tissue.
2.3Fire and Explosion
Fire (and explosion) can be caused by sparks or arcs
igniting ammable material or highly ammable
atmospheres, or short circuits producing high currents
with a high associated heating effect, or current
overloading causing heating and damage to insulation, or
the insulation of old wiring that has been in use for many
years becoming brittle and losing its insulating properties
leading to a short circuit.
3. ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS AND FIRST-AID
Instruction on the rst-aid techniques described below is
given in rst-aid training courses that are organised by
Safety Services. Further practical details are given in
Reference 2. Obviously it is prudent to be familiar with
these procedures before they may be needed; a poster
summarising the technique outlined in (Reference 2) is
available from Safety Services and must be posted in
Electrical and Electronic Workshops, Electrical
Engineering Laboratories and similar areas.
If an electrical accident shock, burns or re should
occur the following procedure should be adopted
1. The rst thing to do is to isolate the electrical supply
providing it is safe to do so. If necessary the entire
building should be isolated using the building mains
isolation switch. If someone is known or suspected to
be in contact with the mains supply, or a supply of
appreciable voltage, the victim must not be touched
directly with bare hands etc. The rescuer must use a
length of dry rope, wood, or a blanket to pry or pull
the victim loose and, if possible, stand on dry
insulating material whilst doing so.
2. If following isolation from the mains, the shock has
caused the patient to stop breathing, articial
ventilation must be started immediately. If the heart
has stopped beating (the signs of which are indicated
by the casualtys colour remaining unchanged or
becoming blue/grey, widely dilated pupils and absence
of pulse) external chest compression must be applied
as well as articial ventilation. In these circumstances
a rst-aider working alone should apply 15 heart
compressions followed by two deep lung ination
using mouth-to-mouth ventilation. An assistant must
be sent to call an ambulance as soon as possible.
3. Following revival, place the casualty in the recovery
position, cover with a blanket to keep him/her warm,
and provide reassurance until an ambulance or
physician arrives. Meanwhile continue to observe the
casualty carefully in case a relapse occurs. In which
case re-application of articial ventilation and/or chest
compression will be required. Arrange removal to
hospital in all cases where the casualty has required
resuscitation, was unconscious, sustained burns or
developed any of the symptoms and signs of shock.
4. If electrical burns have been sustained place the
burned part under slowly running cold water or
immerse in cold water for at least 10 minutes or until
the pain ceases. Remove any items of a constrictive
nature such as rings, bangles etc, before parts begin to
swell. Lay the casualty down and cover the injured
area with a clean non-uffy dressing. Reassure the
casualty at all stages. Do not apply lotions or
ointments. Do not prick blisters, breathe or cough
over, or touch the burned area. If the burns are
serious, call an ambulance by dialling Ext 5555.
Report Centre staff will call the ambulance, guide it to
building and send trained rst aiders to assist as
required.
5. Fire procedures are described in Fire Action Notices.
Water and foam extinguishers must not be used on
electrically induced res; carbon dioxide or dry
powder extinguishers must be used.
4. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Electrical equipment must not be used if there is any
doubt regarding its safety. Supervisors, Departmental
Safety Ofcers, departmental workshop staff, maintenance
engineers or Safety Services should be contacted in case of
doubt.
Whenever possible equipment, electrical components and
cables conforming to a British Standard (Reference 3)
should be purchased and used; vacuum cleaners to BS
5415, safety isolating transformers to BS3535 and normal
exible cables (cords or exes) to BS 6500 for example.
When obtaining foreign equipment the purchaser should
ensure that the equipment is at least as safe as equipment
constructed to the equivalent British Standard.
A means of isolation must be readily accessible.
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4.1Using Electrical Equipment
In order to obtain satisfactory standards of electrical
safety when using single phase mains powered electrical
equipment the following conditions must be met.

Equipment conforming to BS 3456 should be

purchased whenever possible.

Manufacturers or suppliers instructions must be read

and understood before an unfamiliar item of
equipment is used for the rst time.

The mains supply socket (and temporary installations)

must be cor rectly installed ie wired, adequately
earthed, appropriately fused and comply with the IEE
Regulations (References 4 and 5).

The mains supply plug and other components must be

adequately rated and constructed for their application,
in good condition (no cracks or pieces missing),
correctly wired, appropriately fused and, where
applicable, the supply cable sheath clamped inside
(Reference 6).

The cable from the plug to the equipment must be of

adequate duty to car ry the required cur rent,
unknotted, adequately insulated, free from cracks,
frays and kinks, long enough to be used without
stretching, and not present a trip hazard (Reference 6).

The cable must be correctly connected and anchored

inside the equipment, an insulating grommet tted
around the point of entry through the case (if
conductive), and the earth conductor connected to the
case of equipment (if conductive) that is not all-
insulated (Class IIA) or double-insulated (Class IIB)
(Reference 6).

The cable must be secured inside the equipment by

non-conducting faces so that it cannot slip.

The equipment must have sufcient insulation between

all live parts and external surfaces to reduce leakage
currents to a safe level.

In areas of particular hazard the need for measures as

follows must be considered
ameproof or intrinsically safe equipment where
essential in explosive atmospheres
operation at voltages as low as practical (25V ac
or 60v dc ripple free) where a particularly low
body resistance is anticipated
where appropriately extra low voltages cannot be
sensibly achieved, the application of high
sensitivity (normally 20 or 30 ma) Residual
Current Devices (RCDs), and wherever practical,
of the permanently xed type
safeguards against mechanical damage and
extremes of temperature (it may be necessary to
consider actual maximum temperatures in selecting
a form of insulation eg a heat resistant exible
cable to BS 6141).

The equipment must be annually inspected, tested and

labelled (Section 6).

When internal adjustments, repairs or modications

are necessary, the equipment must be isolated at the
mains supply socket, the plug removed from the socket
before work begins and insulated hand tools should be
used.
4.2Live Work
No live working until a risk assessment has been
completed and the signicant ndings recorded in writing
and brought to the attention of the relevant people. Work
on exposed live conductors at voltages of greater than 50v
ac or 120v dc (smoothed or ripple free) must only be
undertaken by persons with the technical knowledge to be
aware of dangers when conductors are exposed, and the
following conditions met

Access to areas where such conductors are exposed

should be restricted to personnel who have been given
specic permission by the Head of Department or his
nominee in charge of the area.

Working spaces should be kept clear so that

movements are not restricted whilst work near live
conductors is in progress and due allowance should be
made where groups of students witness
demonstrations under these circumstances.

Clearly labelled isolators should be provided for all

supplies to equipment where bare conductors may be
exposed when live at dangerous voltages.

When live conductors at dangerous voltages are

exposed one person should never be present alone; at
least one other person should be present to isolate
supplies in an emergency and to summon aid.

If possible live work should be carried out in a

Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCD) protected
area, or a RCD socket extension cable connected
between the equipment and mains supply socket
(Reference 7). RCD plugs should be used with caution
as they are susceptible to damage.

A telephone must be easily available to summon an

ambulance at all times when such work is carried out.
More information relating to live work on experimental
apparatus is given in Section 8.2.
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4.3Classes of Electrical Equipment
The various methods used by equipment manufacturers to
provide safety for users of electrical equipment may be
classied as follows (nb equipment that is directly
connected to a single or three-phase mains supply is not
included in this classication).
Class O
Equipment in which exposed conductive parts may
present a shock hazard in the event of a fault occurring in
the basic safety insulation, ie the equipment has functional
insulation only and no provision is made for earthing any
external metal parts.
Class O equipment is dangerous and must not be used at
the University without prior permission from the
University Electrical Engineer.
Class I
Equipment with a metal case that must be earthed and
must be connected to the mains supply plug using a three-
core cable.
Class I I A
Equipment that is all-insulated (plastic cased for example)
and must be connected to the mains supply plug using a
two-core cable.
Class I I B
Equipment that is double-insulated, has an unearthed
metal case and must be connected to the mains supply
plug using a two-core cable. This class of equipment is
usually labelled with the concentric squares symbol.
Class I I I
Equipment that is designed for operation at voltages of
less than 50v ac or dc.
4.4Types of Equipment
There are three main types of electrical equipment
Portable Equipment
Which is either

intended to be hand-held during use, eg drills,

soldering irons, inspection lamps, saws, vacuum
cleaners, oor polishers, domestic irons, etc;
or

not primarily intended for hand-held use but can be

touched or moved whilst in operation or easily moved
from one place to another whilst connected to the
supply, eg desk lamps, electric res and heaters,
photographic lighting equipment, typewriters, portable
television receivers, kitchen equipment such as mixers,
stirrers, etc, laboratory bench-top equipment such as
hotplates, ovens, variacs, heaters etc.
Fixed Equipment
Which is fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a
specic location, eg workshop machinery such as lathes,
milling machines, etc and substantial plant.
Stationary Equipment
Which is either xed or has a mass exceeding 18 kg and is
not provided with a car rying handle, eg ofce machines
such as duplicators, photo-copiers etc, large television
receivers, refrigerators, large ovens, large computers, etc.
4.5Personal Equipment
Personal equipment owned by students residing in halls of
residence such as kettles, calculators, tape recorders,
record players, etc must be maintained by their owners to
the same standards of electrical safety as those required
for the University equipment.
With the exception of residential accommodation all
electrical equipment connected to the University Electrical
supply system must be tested in accordance with the
University Code of Practice Testing Electrical Equipment.
Any equipment that does not conform to these
requirements must not be used on University premises or
during University activities.
If a member of hall or department staff notices students or
staff indulging in dangerous electrical practices such as
poor wiring, using exposed mains connections, etc the
danger must be pointed out to the student or member of
staff concerned and if necessary the Hall Warden or Head
of Department informed who must then take the
appropriate action to curtail the danger.
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5. DETAILED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
This section explains in more depth the general guidance
given in Section 4 and Reference 8.
5.1Supply Sockets
Mains supply sockets or xed supplies at voltages above
50v ac or 120v dc must be correctly wired, adequately
earthed, fused, and comply with the IEE Regulations for
the Electrical Equipment of Buildings (References 4 and
5).
The installation, maintenance and repair of mains supply
sockets and the associated ring-main fuses must not be
carried out by departmental staff. The installation of new
electrical supplies is carried out by the Estates Ofce, and
the repair and maintenance of existing supplies by the
Estates Ofce Maintenance Department.
Equipment must not be plugged into light bulb sockets, or
circuits intended for lighting purposes, or circuits intended
for emergency use only. Approved multi-way sockets
connected by a short 13a rated exible cable and standar d
13a plug and socket may be used but care must be taken
not to overload the supply socket. Plug-in adaptors are
not approved. In some areas special electrical hazards
exist, aquarium laboratories for example, and it is
desirable for sockets to be fed via high sensitivity Residual
Current Devices (RCDs) - previously known as Earth
Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) - (References 7 and 9).
Installation of xed RCDs is carried out by the Estates
Ofce.
5.2Plugs
Mains supply plugs must be in good condition (no cracks
or pieces missing) cor rectly wired, appropriately fused and
the supply cable outer sheath clamped inside the plug
between non-conductive faces (References 6 and 10). Any
plugs that are damaged beyond repair must be thrown
away to ensure that they are not re-used.
Plugs and sockets for use at differing voltages must be
non-interchangeable, ie it must not be possible to use a
plug for one voltage level with a socket having a different
voltage source.
All mains electrical plugs must conform to the relevant
British Standard (Reference 3)
square 3-pin 13a to BS 1363
round 3-pin 5a and 15a to BS 546
round 2-pin 5a to BS 4573
industrial plugs for single and 3-phase use to BS 4343
and
appliance connectors to BS 4491, etc.
Where plugs are routinely and regularly connected and
reconnected many times during a days work, eg vacuum
cleaner plugs etc, it is prudent to use a rubber moulded or
durable (eg nylon) plug. Damaged plugs must be repaired
or replaced as soon as the damage is noticed. A poster
reminding staff and students of this requirement is
available from Safety Services.
The IEC and old BS colour codes for wiring plugs are
Terminal IECColour Code Old BSColour Code
Earth (E or ) Green/Yellow formerly Green
Live (L) Brown formerly Red
Neutral (N) Blue formerly Black
Special care must be taken by laboratory supervisors and
Departmental Safety Ofcers to familiarise overseas staff
and students with these colour codes.
A plug must be provided and used for each item of
electrical equipment; it is not permissible to connect two
or more items of equipment to the mains supply using one
plug, nor one item using two plugs. Equipment should be
isolated by the removal of one plug.
5.3Plug Fuses
A fuse is a device for opening a circuit by means of a fuse
element that melts when the current exceeds a
predetermined and stated value. The cartridge fuse rating
to be used depends on the current carrying capability of
the input mains cable and the power requirement of the
equipment, which is normally stamped on the case or
chassis, as shown in the table in Section 5.5. The cartridge
fuses used in square three-pin 13a plugs must comply with
BS 1362.
Where the main load in a piece of equipment is an electric
motor due consideration should be given to allow for the
power surge encountered when the unit is turned on. An
electrician should be consulted when necessary. In some
instances anti-surge fuses may be required. When fuse
ratings have to be increased due to load characteristics the
cable current rating must be increased accordingly if
necessary (see table in Section 5.5) so that the fuse and
cable are thermally matched. The practice of wrapping
silver paper or fuse wire around a blown cartridge fuse or
inserting any other conductor, such as a bent hairpin or
any form of makeshift fuse, is highly dangerous and
forbidden. Electrically over-sized fuses must not be used;
the fuse rating must be appropriate to the demand of the
equipment.
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5.4Connecting Plugs to Cables
Care must be taken whilst stripping the insulation from a
cable prior to connecting a plug (or other electrical
component), rstly not to cut through the core conductor
insulation whilst removing the outer sheath insulation,
secondly, to remove only the minimum length of core
conductor insulation necessary to make connection to the
plug pin terminals, and thirdly, not to sever strands of
core conductors so as to decrease the cross-sectional area
and current carrying capacity of the conductors. Ideally an
insulation stripping tool should be used for these
operations.
Before a plug is connected the cable core wires must be
twisted so that there are no unattached or protruding
strands of conductors inside the plug that may make an
electrical path to the outside of the plug or to other
terminals inside the plug. All terminal screws must be
tight and the cable clamp must grip the outer sheath of
the cable rmly. The live core conductor should be
connected to the live pin terminal using the shortest length
of core conductor possible and the neutral and earth core
conductors connected leaving some slack inside the plug.
This procedure ensures that if the cable is wrenched out of
the lug the live core conductor is disconnected before the
earth and neutral. Two-pin plugs must not be connected
to three-core cables. When connecting two-core cable to a
three-pin plug the earth terminal must not be used and the
screw on the earth terminal should be tightened to prevent
it falling out.
5.5Flexible Cables
Cables from plugs to equipment must be of adequate duty
to carry out the required current, unknotted, adequately
insulated, free from visible damage such as cracks, frays
and kinks and long enough to be used without stretching
or causing a trip hazard.
Where cables are damaged or perished and require
replacement the cables and plug fuses shown in the table
below must be used.
When a cable following the old BScolour code of green,
red and black is to be replaced it must be replaced with
yellow/green, brown and blue cored cable to IEC
specication. However, it is not mandatory to replace all
old type cables unless they are in poor state of repair.
Equipment tted with a cable that does not conform to
either of these two codes, for example, overseas
equipment (References 10 and 11) must be rewired with
yellow/green, brown and blue core cable before it is used
at the University. It is important to note that green/yellow
colour coded wire must only be used for earth conductors
and no other purposes. Details of overseas power supplies
are given in Reference 12.
Equipment Maximum Cable Conductor Fuse Cable
Power Current Current CSA Rating Core
Consumption at 240V Rating Resistance
Up to 450W 1.88a 3a 0.5mm
2
2 or 3a 0.040ohms/m
450W-700W 2.92a 3a 0.5mm
2
3a 0.040 ohms/m
700W-1.1kW 4.58a 6a 0.75mm
2
5a 0.027 ohms/m
1.1kW-2.2kW 9.17a 10a 1.00mm
2
10a 0.020 ohms/m
2.2kW-3.0kW 12.50a 13a 1.25mm
2
13a 0.016 ohms/m
CSA cross sectional area
Flexible cables and plugs from sockets to equipment must
be by single plug and cable only, ie parallel feeds by any
method are prohibited.
Cables should be insulated, sheathed, of appropriate size and
type, as short as practical (preferably not exceeding 2 metre s
in length), and located so as to prevent danger or damage. In
cases where cables exceeding 2 metres in length are needed
repeatedly or semi-permanently then the provision of
additional xed outlets should be sought. Flexible cables
must NOT be permanently xed within or outside a building
ie they must not be used as permanent wiring.
5.6Joining Cables
The practice of joining short lengths of cable together to
make a longer cable by either twisting/soldering core
conductor together and insulating the joints using
sellotape or insulating tape, or by using terminal blocks is
forbidden. Ideally one continuous length of cable should
be provided. However, if the joining of lengths of cable is
unavoidable, a suitable cable connector conforming to BS
562, BS 3283, BS 4343 or BS 4491 must be used
(Reference 3).
Care must be taken to ensure that each section of cable
has the same number of conductors and that identical
conductor colour coding (continuity) is maintained
throughout. Two-pin connectors that permit continuity
reversal must not be used. Great care must be taken to
ensure that the female section of the cable connector is
connected to the mains supply section of the cable;
connection of the male section could result in live
connector pins being exposed when the cable connector is
disconnected. If routine disconnection is not required, a
non-disconnectable connector should be used.
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5.7Extension Cables
Extension cables (y-leads) must be kept as short as
practicable and must be tted with a fuse appropriate to
the maximum current carrying capacity of the cable.
Unless extension cables are made for a specic purpose,
they should always be constructed of 13a cable so that it
is unlikely that they would be overloaded during normal
use when connected to a 13a (square pin) socket. Heavier
duty cable may be needed for extension cables used in BS
4343 plug/socket systems.
Whenever reasonably practicable the use of mains
extension cables should be avoided. If two extension
cables are used in series, care must be taken to ensure that
both cables have the same number of coreconductors and
that continuity is maintained. When extension cables are
used the rules made in Section 5.5 must be observed and
particular care must be taken not to pass cables through
puddles, in the vicinity of sinks, liquids or other damp
situations. The use of twisted rubber fabric-covered cable
is forbidden; double-insulated cable must be used. The use
of cable connectors in such areas is prohibited. It must
also be remembered that many aqueous solutions, such as
sodium chloride solutions, have a high conductivity and
are therefore more dangerous than water.
Unprotected cables must not be passed through doorways
which may cause damage to the cable. Cables must not be
passed across laboratory gangways unless they are
protected by Vulcascot (or RS equivalent) to avoid trips
and falls. Whenever possible cable should be secured in
out of the way positions.
Extension cables should not be tightly coiled whilst in use
in case local heating occurs whilst heavy currents are used;
reels should be unreeled before use unless used at
negligible load.
5.8Connection of Cables to Equipment
Cables must be cor rectly connected and anchored inside
the equipment, an insulating grommet xed around the
point of entry through the case into equipment when
necessary, eg into metal cased (Class I) equipment, and the
earth conductor must be connected to the case (if metal or
conductive) of equipment that is not all-insulated (Class
IIA) or double-insulated (Class IIB). The cable sheath
should be secured inside the equipment by non-conducting
faces so that it cannot slip. When necessary devices to
increase the bending radius at the point of entry should be
used.
In certain circumstances heat resistant cable and special
connectors for termination at hot terminals may be
required.
Where the supply cable is connected to the equipment
using a plug and socket, the socket with male pins must
be attached to the equipment and the female plug attached
to the cable so that plug pins at the mains voltage cannot
be exposed. In addition, female cable plugs should be
clamped to the outer sheath of the supply cable using a
tool. Some versions of the Bulgin plug do not conform to
these requirements and should be replaced with a IEC
approved connector. In some instances cables are used to
carry power from one item of equipment to another. Care
must be taken to ensure that the connecting plugs and
sockets are arranged so that there is no possibility of live
pins being exposed if any section of the circuit is
unplugged whilst the mains supply is still connected, that
is, exposed pins must always be on the equipment being
supplied - never on the supply cable. Care must be also
taken to ensure that earth continuity is maintained in
these systems.
5.9Equipment Insulation
Equipment must have sufcient insulation between all live
parts and external surfaces to prevent access in normal
service and leakage cur rents. The internal insulation of
electrical equipment is usually governed by the designer or
manufacturer of the equipment. If equipment fails the
internal insulation test (Section 7) it must be returned to
departmental workshops, Estates Ofce Maintenance
Department, the suppliers, or a reputable electrical repair
rm for repair.
5.10 Ventilation and Cooling
Some items of equipment are provided with grills and/or
fans to permit adequate passage of air for cooling
purposes. Care must be taken to ensure that cooling grills
are not obstructed. Filters should be cleaned or replaced
according to manufacturers recommendations.
5.11 Equipment Fuses
Some items of equipment are tted with internal fuses in
addition to plug fuses. If an internal equipment fuse blows
the equipment must be switched off using the equipment
switch (if provided) and isolated from the mains supply
before the spent fuse is removed and replaced. Usually a
blown fuse is a symptom of some other fault. The
equipment should be carefully inspected before it is
returned to service.
5.12 Disconnection
Power should be isolated at the mains supply and plugs
removed from sockets before any work inside equipment
commences, or any signicant modications are made.
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6. TESTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
All single phase 240v ac mains powered electrical
equipment should be tested for adequate earthing,
adequate insulation, plug and cable integrity. Details given
in Code of Practice Testing Electrical Equipment
(References 1315) may prove useful.
It is difcult to list all the items of University electrical
equipment that requires inspection, testing and labelling.
However, the following list of examples is intended to
illustrate typical items of equipment that should be
included

anglepoise lamps, kettles, drills, hotplates, laboratory

ovens, laboratory hair-dryers, waterbaths, heavy-duty
soldering irons, inspection lamps,

toasters, vacuum cleaners, oor polishers, oor

washers, electric res,

heaters, food mixers, domestic irons, darkroom

enlargers, darkroom dryers and glazers, variacs, etc.
It is most important that all items of portable
equipment are tested because faults in this type of
equipment account for a high proportion of electrical
accidents.
Test and inspection procedures vary according to the class,
type and nature (Section 4) of the equipment concerned.
Testing normally includes a visual inspection of the
condition of all visible parts and the interior of the plug
and fuse, an earth bond test where applicable and a test of
the insulation integrity. However, special care must be
taken not to damage certain sensitive or delicate items
whilst testing, eg computers, electrometers, etc see
Section 4.2 of Code of Practice Testing Electrical
Equipment.
Fixed, stationary and portable three phase mains
equipment, and equipment operating at currents in excess
of 13a, must not be tested or repaired by departmental
staff. Plug, cable and equipment faults noticed by
departmental staff must be reported to the Estates Ofce
Maintenance Department.
7. TESTING RESIDUAL CURRENT CIRCUIT
BREAKERS (RCDS)
The Estates Ofce Maintenance Department annually tests
RCDs, previously known as Earth Leakage Circuit
Breakers (ELCBs), that are part of the mains supply
system for threshold tripping cur rent and isolation time.
Portable RCDs (Reference 7) should be annually
instrument tested by departmental staff (Code of Practice
Testing Electrical Equipment). Where portable RCDs
are effectively in permanent situ and unlikely to be
damaged they must be instrument tested annually and
otherwise monthly. Any case of doubt should be
instrument tested forthwith.
Supervisors of RCD protected areas described in Section
10.2 must arrange the testing of the RCD test button at
the start of each working day. However, in areas where
live work is not carried out, for example, process areas
where continually running plant or equipment are
protected by RCDs, the test button need only be tested
on a monthly basis so as not to unnecessarily interrupt the
supply and create a nuisance.
8. EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT
It is impossible to describe all the potential electrical
hazards that may occur when experimental equipment is
constructed for research purposes. However, the points
made in Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 should be followed
whenever reasonably practicable to reduce risks to a
minimum. An annual inspection and test should be
possible providing the precautions regarding the testing of
sensitive and/or delicate electronic equipment described in
Code of Practice Testing Electrical Equipment are
observed.
8.1General Points
General points to note regarding experimental equipment
are as follows
Short Cuts
One of the main hazards to avoid is the temptation to
take short cuts to obtain a quick result. Experiments
should always be carefully planned in advance, the
hazards assessed and appropriate precautions taken. In
cases of doubt Supervisors, Departmental Safety Ofcers,
Safety Services or the Estates Ofce should be approached
for help and advice.
Operation at Low Safe Voltages
Whenever reasonable practicable equipment should be
designed to operate below 50v ac or 120v dc.
Colour Codes
Mains supply cables must always be connected to IEC
standards (Sections 5.4 and 5.8) and green/yellow colour
coded conductors must only be used for earth conductors;
the use of green/yellow for any other connection is
forbidden. Green conductors may only be used for non-
earthing purposes as a part of spectrum colour coded
multi-cables of at least ve other colours.
Design to BS Specications
Whenever reasonably practicable BS 3456 and BS
Specications (Reference 3) should be followed.
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8.2Live Work
No live work is to be done until a risk assessment has been
completed and the signicant ndings re c o rded in writing
and brought to the attention of the relevant people. The
following points must be noted before embarking on live
w o r k .
I solation
Equipment should always be isolated from the mains
supply before internal adjustments, maintenance or
overhauls that do not require the application of mains
power, are carried out. If live testing or adjustments
have to be carried out, precautions must be taken by the
provision of shrouding etc to avoid accidental contact
with exposed live terminals. Work of this nature must not
be carried out alone and the highest possible degree of
supervision must be provided for undergraduate students
who may be involved in this type of activity. Only
qualied trained personnel may undertake this type of
work.
Maintenance of X-Ray generators and similar high voltage
power supplies require particular caution in both physical
and electrical examination.
Clear Work Area
The working area must be kept clear of items left on the
oor that may cause someone to trip and fall onto live
teminals (where exposed live terminals can be justied).
The equipment must also be secure on the work surface so
that it does not move unexpectedly.
Equipment Left Operating Unattended in a Dangerous
Condition
Equipment must not be left unattended while it is in a
potentially dangerous exposed state. In some instances the
erection of physical barriers may be necessary to prohibit
unauthorised access to areas where this type of activity is
being carried out. There are occasions when test
equipment is required to operate without earthing.
Authorisation must be sought from the Laboratory
Supervisor, Departmental Safety Ofcer or Head of
Department for work of this nature and a RCD
incorporated in the mains supply. Electrical hazard signs
should be displayed where necessar y.
Mat Switches
Mat switches are available to place under mats located in
the paths of access to equipment that is left running in a
dangerous condition. The weight of a person walking on
the mat isolates the equipment before he could touch any
parts. These switches must be used in a manner that
requires positive manual re-activastion, ie when a person
steps off the mat the equipment must not be automatically
reconnected to the supply.
Mains Power Supplies to Electronic Equipment
In a high proportion of electronic equipment the majority
of components operate at less than 12v dc and the only
electrical hazard at voltages of greater than 50v ac is the
mains supply to the mains step-down transformer.
Consequently it is desirable when working on the low
voltage components to cover the mains transformer
teminals and other components on the primary side of the
transformer to prevent accidental contact with hazardous
supply voltages. Permanent shrouding should be provided
where such activities are frequently necessary in teaching
classes etc.
8.3Trials of Prototypes
Equipment should always be isolated, by means of a
suitable switch, and disconnected from the mains supply
before internal adjustments, maintenance or overhauls
that do not require the application of mains power, are
carried out. If live repairs or adjustments have to be
carried out, great care must be taken to avoid accidental
contact with exposed live terminals (References 15 and
16). Wherever possible an isolation transformer or
portable RCD should be used.
8.4Isolation Switches
Isolation switches must be located in an easily accessible
position and clearly labelled so that they can be easily and
safely reached and operated in an emergency. Recessed
switches should be used if accidental isolation could cause
a hazard.
8.5Earth Bonding
Painted metal cases may not be adequately earthed by
merely attaching an earth conductor. The paint should be
scraped away in the vicinity of the connection and/or a
star washer tted to ensure good contact. Generally the
earth bond resistance should not exceed 0.1 ohms.
However, an earth bond resistance up to a maximum of
0.5 ohms is acceptable on the basis indicated in Section
5.5 for some items of equipment that are tted with long
mains supply cables.
8.6Protection of Cables against Mechanical Damage
Mains supply cables should not be positioned in a
location where they could be mechanically damaged by
cog-wheels, blades etc. If such siting cannot be avoided
earthed amour-based cable should be used on mains
supplies or the supply voltage reduced to 12 or 24v.
However, the use of lower supply voltages demands the
use of higher cur rents for any given power consumption,
and care must be taken to ensure that the cable used is of
sufcient duty to carry the currents involved.
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8.7Internal Fuses
Equipment fuses must be installed on the live side of the
supply and after the equipment isolation switch in the
supply circuit. Before replacing a blown equipment fuse
the equipment isolation switch must be off and the
supply plug removed from the electrical supply socket.
8.8Insulation
When designing and constructing single phase mains
supplied experimental equipment, it is advisable to
provide internal insulation between live and earth of at
least 500 kohms or preferably 1 Mohms whenever
possible. However, this is not always practicable for some
items of equipment, such as furnaces and ovens, because
aerial moisture absorption markedly decreases the
resistance of many porous refractory materials.
8.9Exposed Terminals
Terminals carrying voltages of 50v or more should be
insulated or protected to prevent accidental contact.
However, providing the permission of the Departmental
Safety Ofcer or research supervisor is obtained in
advance and the operator is not working alone, proto-type
equipment may be operated with live terminals exposed,
but not unattended. Immediately following initial trials,
the equipment must be adequately protected and/or
insulated before it is placed in routine operation. The
precautions and procedures described in References 15
and 16 may be of use to persons involved in this type of
activity.
Care must be taken to cover transformer terminals
(Section 5.9).
8.10 Interlocks
In some situations the tting of interlock switches to
equipment side panels and covers is necessary (References
17 and 18). These switches automatically isolate the
mains supply if a panel is removed. Care must be taken
to use interlock switches that fail-to-safety so that
interlock failure does not create an unexpected dangerous
situation. Interlocks must be regularly tested (Reference
17) and circuitry should be designed to fail-safe (BS
5304).
8.11 Non-Standard Supply Voltages, Plugs and Sockets
Equipment operating at voltages other than 240v, for
example 110v equipment, must be tted with plugs and/or
sockets that cannot be connected to the normal mains
240v supply (Section 5.2).
8.12 Transformers
Great care must be taken when connecting any
transformer because errors can lead to very high voltages
being produced unexpectedly. In cases of doubt, advice
must be sought before connection and use.
I solation Transformers
Safety isolation transformers or transformers with the
secondary centre tapped to earth with an earth screen
between primary and secondary windings can provide
useful protection against electric shock, eg 110v centre
tapped to earth supplies for hand tools and isolation
transformers on some electronic apparatus (References 15
and 19).
Ideally, isolation transformers should be encased or
enclosed within equipment and to appropriate BS and IEC
specications. These items should be tested as separate
items with particular attention to case and core
protection. Sockets should be to BS 4343 on the isolation
side and output voltage rating clearly identied.
Variacs
The connection of variacs (variable autotransformers)
pose a particular danger. Whenever mains cables of
variacs are replaced care must be taken to ensure that:

particular care is taken to distinguish between input

and output terminals

the neutral conductor to the supply cable is connected

to the terminal which is common to both the input
and output of the variac

the live supply (not neutral) is fused

equipment whose maximum safe input voltage is less

than the maximum output of a variac is not directly
connected to the variac.
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8.13 Capacitors
Capacitors can store large amounts of electrical energy
and care should be taken to short circuit capacitors with a
suitable resistance before the terminals or wires leading to
them are touched. In some circumstances bleed resistors
or dump switches may be necessary to automatically
discharge capacitors when the supply is turned off and an
earthing rod provided for operators to manually earth
capacitors before touching. The potential electrical
hazards posed by capacitors must be assessed bearing
mind both the operating potential (v) and capacity (C)
from which the stored energy (E) can be calculated from
the relationship E = 1/2Cv
2
. These precautions may not
be required at voltages below 50v ac or 120v dc. The
discharge of 0.25J of stored energy to the human body
can provide a heavy shock and 10J can be fatal.
Capacitors of hazardous capacity should be individually
kept short-circuited with an appropriate resistor during
storage. Care should be taken to avoid the danger of
burns from high value capacitors.
8.14 Batteries and Accumulators
Experiments and equipment involving the use of batteries
pose hazards. Some batteries can become lethal if
exposed to short circuits. Others can evolve reactants
which are explosive and can easily be detonated by sparks
or other sources of ignition. Care must be taken not to
allow gases and vapours to accumulate, and to prohibit
activities, such as smoking, etc that may provide a source
of ignition. In addition, metal bracelets, metal watch
straps, rings, etc must not be worn whilst handling
secondary cells because accidental terminal contact may
cause such items to become welded to the terminals thus
permitting the ow of high currents through the bracelet
etc and results in severe burns. Suitable protective
clothing including full face visors and gloves should be
worn when handling or working with batteries. Eye wash
must be readily available. Lead-acid batteries should
always be mounted in stable carrying boxes or other
suitable equipment provided. A sign should indicate
charging rate and potential. Ensure that the charger is
turned off before disconnecting cables to avoid the danger
of sparks igniting gases.
Lithium Cells
Lithium cells are liable to explode if recharged. Such cells
are commonly used in memory storage systems and care
must be taken to ensure that they are not connected in
series with other cells.
8.15 Water Flow Systems
If an item of electrical equipment also contains a water
ow system great care must be taken to keep these
services as far apart as possible inside the equipment and
all practicable steps such as using hose, collar or jubilee
clips, hose of suitable duty etc, must be used to avoid
water leaks. The practice of securing a water supply hose
to a glass or metal water supply or exhaust tube by tightly
twisting a length of wire around the joint is forbidden
because the wire may cut through the supply hose and
cause a leak. It is advisable to locate water systems below
electrical circuits inside and outside equipment whenever
practicable so that if a water leak occurs water cannot
ow down over electrical circuits and connections.
The use of rubber hose for water circuits is undesirable
because rubber will eventually perish and cause a leak.
PVC or braided nylon hose, for example, should be used.
Connections in the water circuits must not be made
directly above electrical connections. In certain wet work
areas, such as aquarium laboratories (Section 10.4),
greenhouses with spray watering systems etc, it is worth
while tting water proofed mains supply sockets and
plugs and a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (Sections 5.1
and 7) to the circuit supply so that if a current leakage to
earth occurs the main supply is automatically isolated
(References 7 and 9). Details of portable RCDs are
available from the Estates Of ce. Requests for xed
RCCB installation should be sent to the Estates Ofce.
Whenever possible xed RCDs should be used so that all
appliances fed by the circuit are protected.
8.16 Furnaces
Care must be taken when constructing furnaces to provide
adequate internal and external electrical insulation and it
should be borne in mind that the insulation afforded by
many refractory materials decreases markedly as the
temperature increases. Consequently insulation tests
(Safety Guide Testing Electrical Equipment) should be
carried out with the furnace at operating temperature. The
use of metal tongs to handle hot items when a furnace is
operating can also lead to electric shocks and great care
should be taken to design equipment and systems of work
that preclude this possibility (Reference 20). Heat resistant
cable and special hot terminal connectors will frequently
be required in this type of work.
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8.17 Explosion Protection in Highly Flammable
Atmospheres
Electrical equipment that may provide a source of ignition
should not be placed in areas such as fume cupboards
where solvents are in use that may generate a highly
ammable atmosphere. Conversely sources of highly
ammable vapour must not be used or stored in the
vicinity of electrical equipment whilst it is operating
(Reference 21). Explosion Hazard signs must be posted
on the doors of all laboratory refrigerators which are not
specially constructed or modied to render them safe in
this respect. Spark-Proofed signs should be posted on the
doors of units that met this requirement.
8.18 High Voltage Work
Staff and students designing or working with High
Voltage (650v 3kv) or Extra High Voltage (>3kv)
equipment are advised to read Reference 22.
8.19 Fieldwork
Certain eld activities, such as electrical shing, working
near overhead national grid or other high voltage lines,
excavating near mains services, using petrol engine power
generators, etc require special precautions. Any relevant
Codes of Practice (Reference 23) should be consulted and
the project discussed with the Area Safety Ofcer before
practical work commences.
8.20 Buzz Plugs
In some instances it is important to receive warning if the
mains supply to an item of equipment fails, for example,
the storage of cultures in refrigerators etc. 13a Buzz
Plugs can be obtained that give an audible warning if the
power fails.
8.21 Electrostatic Hazards
Some research work may involve use of insulating
materials that present electrostatic hazards (References 24
and 25).
8.22 Thermal Cut-Outs
Consideration should be given to installing thermal cut-
outs to the supplies of experimental equipment when
necessary so that the supply is isolated if a pre-set
dangerous temperature is exceeded.
9. MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
The following comments may prove useful for certain
miscellaneous items of equipment.
9.1Light Bulbs
The replacement of a spent light bulb must not be carried
out whilst power is applied to the light bulb socket in case
the bulb shatters during withdrawal or insertion and
causes a live lament to touch or puncture a persons hand
and deliver an electric shock. After isolating the bulb from
the supply it should be wrapped in a cloth to protect the
hand and eyes in case it should shatter during withdrawal.
Care must always be taken when changing light bulbs to
avoid being knocked from step ladders and hop-ups when
working near doors.
Bulbs provided around theatrical make-up mirrors should
be protected (by a wire mesh cage cover(s) for example) so
that persons cannot fall on the bulbs or inadvertently
touch the socket terminals from which spent bulbs may
have been removed but not replaced.
9.2Audio-Visual Aids Equipment
Useful information relating to the maintenance and use of
audio-visual equipment is given in Reference 26.
9.3Electrophoresis
The lids of electrophoresis tanks should be tted with
interlock switches that automatically isolate the supply if
the lid is lifted during use. Where possible resistors should
be tted in the supply to limit the maximum current too
about 1 ma.
9.4Power Washers
Details of the safety requirements relating to the use of
power washer are given in Reference 27 and Section 10.5.
9.5Construction Site Equipment
Details of the safety measures to be employed when using
electrical equipment during construction work is given in
Reference 19 and Section 10.6.
9.6Foreign Equipment
Overseas equipment purchased from domestic sources
overseas that is not wired to IEC colour codes (Code of
Practice Testing Electrical Equipment) must be rewired
to IEC standards before it is used at the University.
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9.7Overseas Power Supplies
Several overseas types of mains supply packs or battery
rechargers (that contain a step-down transformer and
rectier to transform the mains AC voltage to an
appropriate DC supply) for use with portable instruments
are tted with live and neutral supply pins that do not
exactly t a standard UK 13a socket. Such items should
be rehoused in a combined 13a plug and mains power
supply case.
10.HIGH RISK AREAS AND ACTIVITIES
An above average risk of electric shock is presented to
staff and students who work and study in certain areas of
the University.
Examples are

staff employed to construct and maintain electrical

and electronic equipment in workshops and
laboratories

staff and students involved in teaching electrical

engineering and electronics

staff and students involved in teaching and research in

aquaria or animal houses or greenhouses where
animals, plants etc are maintained and water is used in
close proximity to electrical equipment.
In view of the increased risk in these areas the following
preventative measures must be taken.
10.1 General Points
Where work in workshops or laboratories involves
operations on live systems in which the nature of the
investigation necessitates working with bare conductors,
normal safety precautions which prevent danger should be
followed whenever practicable (Section 4). In
circumstances where there is no alternative to deviation
from standard practice, it is essential that precautions to
avoid danger (section 4) are strictly observed. However,
such precautions are not adequate to avoid danger from
high voltage (above 650v) systems. At high voltages there
is increased risk of death from shock by contact and also
the possibility of shock from spark-over on close
approach to bare conductors.
10.2 Electrical and/or Electronic Workshops
Workshops used for repairing, modifying, constructing
and testing electrical or electronic equipment must have a
RCD or isolation transformer tted to the mains supply
(not battery powered and separate safe low voltage
supplies). (References 7 and 9). The workshop supervisor
must check the operation of the RCD by operating the
TEST button every working day before work
commences.
If any live chassis work is carried out, an Earth Free
Area must be provided. Any rubber mats used must be
tested annually for adequate insulation and details
recorded. Testing should be carried out if damage by the
impregnation of metal swarf, for example, is noticed. The
use of externally earthed extension cables in the earth free
area that are connected to a supply socket outside the area
is forbidden.
10.3 Electrical Engineering Laboratories
Laboratories used for teaching electrical engineering
(Reference 28) pose a particularly high risk due to the
high voltages used, the need to observe functional parts of
generation devices during operation, and inexperience of
the students involved who nevertheless need to gain
adequate experience to obtain due professional
competence. In the circumstances those involved must
read Reference 28, a written safe system of work (working
procedure) compiled from a risk assessment, must be
established and the following provisions made and
procedures followed.
Provisions

All power supplies to apparatus where voltage above

50v ac or 120v dc may be exposed should be provided
from a system that is entirely separate from the
general services and lighting circuits and should
originate from a single circuit breaker so that all
supplies excepting lighting can be isolated in an
emergency.

Main and sub-circuits should be adequately protected

by fusing against over-current.

A clearly labelled emergency isolation button(s)

located in a convenient place(s) that is easily accessible
from all working areas, must be provided to isolate all
the apparatus supply circuits except lighting in the
event of an emergency arising.

Outlet points for the connection of research and

experimental apparatus and other systems should be
arranged so that connections which are electrically
safe can only be made without exposure to electrical
danger. Acceptable methods include plugs and sockets
which are not interchangeable with those used for
general service distribution, safe block connections, or
switches with the handle interlocked to a cover which
protects xed terminals.

Bare conductors at less than 650v that need to be

observed during use must be covered by transparent
covers (eg perspex) to prevent anyone falling on them.

Any apparatus involving the use of bare conductors at

greater than 650v must be placed in a segregated
enclosure that has an interlocked isolation switch on
the door and a portable earthing rod provided within
the enclosure which is applied to bare conductors
before they are touched after isolation.
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An Authorised Entry Only sign must be displayed on

the door(s) to the laboratory.

All benches should be non-conductive and areas where

live conductors at above 50v ac or 120v dc may be
exposed should be sur rounded by a clear and
unobstructed passageway. A minimum clearance of at
least 1 metre is recommended. In the case of adjacent
benches and/or areas the separation recommended is
1.5 metres. Small non-conductive barriers should be
provided between adjacent bench workstations to
prevent inadvertent contact with neighbouring live
parts.

Instructions on the treatment of persons suffering from

electric shock shall be prominently displayed in all
laboratories, or parts thereof, where there is exposure
to danger at voltages above 50v ac and 120v dc.
Those in charge must be able to render articial
resuscitation should it be necessary.

A telephone must be readily available to summon an

ambulance.

An insulating device to pull someone off a live

conductor, ie an insulated skipping rope with long
wooden handles must be readily available.

In general, all experimental and test rigs should be

designed to ensure that there is exposure of bar metal
live at voltages above 50v ac and 120v dc where it is
necessary to apply test probes, etc for measurement
purposes. If any particular experiment or research
involves an abnormally high degree of risk of shock to
earth, the supply should be made through a safety
isolating transformer with an unearthed secondary or,
if for any reason that is technically impracticable,
through a high sensitivity RCD.
Procedures
Only persons authorised by the Head of Department may
enter and work in the laboratory. Such persons ar e
qualied electrical engineers, and providing they have
attained the age of 18 years and have been properly
instructed in the avoidance of the dangers of electricity,
electical undergraduate students in their second or
subsequent years, postgraduate students or technical staff
working to the directions of the Laboratory Supervisor.
The laboratory must be kept locked when unattended if
these are bare live conductors at dangerous voltages.

No person except an authorised person should carry

out work on research or experimental apparatus and
systems where there are conductors exposed when live
at voltages above 50v ac and 120v dc and no-one
should do such work unaccompanied. Students or
technical staff under the age of 18 may, however, be
trained in carrying out such work provided they are
under the close, immediate and continuous supervision
of an authorised person.

No work should be done on any conductors of

apparatus or systems operating at or generating
voltages above 650V unless the conductors have been
made dead and ef ciently earthed. This restriction
shall not apply to non-lethal HV systems (eg EHT of
TV sets, electrostatic apparatus, pressure test sets, etc)
where the cur rent availability is below 5 ma.

All laboratory equipment (xed or portable) should be

identied in a register and regularly checked. A defect
reporting and clearance procedure should be
established to ensur that maintenance needs are
promptly recorded and that defective equipment is not
returned to service.
10.4 Aquaria
The mains supply circuits of aquaria should be tted with
a RCD (References 7 and 9) and water-proofed supply
sockets provided. Any other connections must be made at
least 30 cm (1 ft) above the highest tank water level in the
laboratory and joints sealed in resin for waterproong if
necessary. The operation of the RCD must be tested as
described in Section 10.2.
10.5 Power Washed Animal Houses
The supply circuits of animal houses that are power
washed must be tted with RCDs either on the whole
supply or, if this gives rise to nuisance tripping, on each
individual outlet including those which supply the power
washer. RCD protected 13a plugs must not be tted to
power washers. Water proofed outlets or other equipment
may be reqired in such areas (Section 8.15). See also
Reference 27.
10.6 Construction Sites and Building Maintenance Work
Portable equipment used on construction sites or during
maintenance work of a comparable nature should be fed
by 110v ac step-down transformers to BS 3535 with the
secondary centre tapped to earth with an earthed screen
between primary and secondary windings (Reference 129).
In cases where special equipment can only be used above
110v (eg unavailable as 110v models), the supply circuit
should be controlled by a RCD. Portable handlamps
should be 50v with Eddison Screw lampholders or in
particularly hazardous situations 25v with three-pin
Bayonet Cap lampholders, in each case supplied by a
Class II transformer to BS 3535. Non-interchangeable
plugs and sockets (Section 5.2) should be used in all
transformer systems and primary leads should be of
minimum practical length. Care must also be taken to
avoid overhead power lines (Reference 23) and identify or
detect underground mains services (Reference 29). Such
activities must be reported to the Estates Ofce before
such work commences on University premises.
10.7 Portable Generators
Safety aspects relating to the use of portable generators
are given in Reference 34.
17
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDE
Uni ver si ty of Hul l El ectr i cal Equi pment Safety Gui de I ssued N ovember 1996
1 Effects of Current Passing Through a Human Body
IEC Publications 479/1/1984
2 First-Aid
The Authorised Manual of St John Ambulance
St Andrews Ambulance Associated and
The British Red Cross
3 British Standards Year Book
British Standards Institute (BSI)
4 Regulations for Electrical I nstallations
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE),
Edition 16 as amended
5 A Guide to the 16th Edition of the I EE Wiring
Regulations
JF Whiteld, Peter Peregrinus Ltd
6 Flexible leads, plugs, sockets, etc
Guidance Note GS37, HSE, HMSO
7 ELCB Developments in Design and Applications
GE Moore, The Safety Practitioner, March 1983
8 The safe use of portable electrical apparatus (electrical
safety)
Guidance Note PM32, HSE, HMSO
9 A Guide to Earth Fault Detection
Merlin Gerin
10 Plugs and Fuses
The Electricity Council EC3314
11 World Electricity Supplies
Technical Help to Exporters (THE), Edition 2
12 Businessmans Travel Guide
Dan Hillman, Cassells
13 Portable Electrical Apparatus
ICI, RoSPA, Publication IS128
14 Electrical Safety Code for Hospital Laboratory
Equipment
DHSS, HMSO
15 Electrical Testing
Health & Safety Series Booklet HS(G)13, HSE,
HMSO
16 Recommendations for Electrical Safety in TV, Radio
and Audio Equipment Testing and Servicing
RETRA
17 Electrical Limit Switches and their Applications
Health & Safety Series at Work Booklet 24, HSE,
HMSO
18 Electrical Safety I nterlock Systems
D Hughes, Occupational Hygiene Monograph 2, 1978
19 Construction Safety
NFBTE
20 The Electrical Safety of Resistance Heated Laboratory
Furnaces
I Whitney
21 Electrical I nstallations in Flammable Atmospheres
ICI, RoSPA, Publication IS91
22 Safety Precautions in the Use of Electrical Equipment
Imperial College of Science and Technology
23 The Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Electric
Lines and Underground Electric Cables in Forestry
and Plantations
Forestry Commission
24 Static at Work: The Shocking Truth
3M United Kingdom
25 Electrostatic I gnition Hazards of I nsulating
Materials
Occasional Paper OP5, HSE, HMSO
26 A Guide to the Safe Handling and Operation of
Audo-Visual Equipment
Council for Education Technology (CET)
27 Electrical Hazards from Steam/Water Pressure
Cleaners etc
Guidance Note PM29, HSE, HMSO
28 Electrical Safety in Departments of Electrical
Engineering
Guidance Note GS34, HSE, HMSO
29 Recommendations on the Avoidance of Danger from
Underground Electricity Cables
National Joint Utilities Group
30 Earth Monitoring
LC Eales and RA Woodage, Power & Works
Engineering, September 1977
18
Uni ver si ty of H ul l El ectr i cal Equi pment Safety Gui de I ssued November 1996
REFERENCES
31 Memorandum on the Electricity Regulations
Form SHW928, HMSO
32 Safe Use of Electricity
A Beckingsale and EG Hooper, RoSPA, Publication
IS73
33 Electrical Safety in Schools
Guidance Note GS23, HSE, HMSO
34 Emergency Private Generation: Electrical Safety
Guidance Note GS23, HSE, HMSO
35 Electrical Test Equipment for use by Electricians
Guidance Note GS38, HSE, HMSO
Amended June 2000
19
Uni ver si ty of H ul l El ectr i cal Equi pment Safety Gui de I ssued November 1996