Maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic equipment

5.1ElectricalSafetypracticeson board ships

Electrical Safety

Inspect equipment periodically.

Make sure it is properly grounded.  Replace any frayed or damaged wires and cords.

Keep all equipment far away from water

If necessary, tape or secure the cord in place.  Many outlets near sinks and other water sources are now GFI (ground fault interrupt).  They will automatically shut off if there is a sudden power surge

Remove all metal or conductive jewelry when working with electrical devices

If they make contact with a live wire, you may be included in the circuit

Don’t bury wires under carpeting or cover them with other objects

Don’t cover vents on equipment, or place equipment too close to a wall or in cabinets that could block ventilation

Use spark-free devices near flammable and combustible liquids

Avoid conventional hot plates

Refrigerators and freezers used to store chemicals should have external control switches, so that sparks are kept outside and away from fumes

Don’t overload electrical outlets or extension cords, can cause fires.

If a cord feels warm, disconnect it and don’t use it.

Many operating instructions for large appliances warn against using an extension cord, which can overload.

Electrical Equipments remain the number one cause of fires in ships, offices and Factories.If you see a frayed wiring do not attempt to fix it yourself but inform your supervisor or the facility coordinator to replace the wiring.

Use the “C” fire extinguishers.

Never throw water onto an electrical water, hence never use an “A” extinguisher which is water-based.

Let only authorized or competent electricians repair electrical equipments

If you don’t know how to fix something, don’t try it.  Some devices store electricity, and you may get a shock

Lockout/Tagout

Locks and Tags are applied to machineries and equipments where there may be an unexpected startup or release of energy stored in various forms.  These include fume hoods, hydraulic, and other equipments connected directly to electrical lines and other energy sources.

All switches, valves, or other connections must be either locked or tagged in such a way that they cannot be turned on when being serviced or repaired.

Only the authorized repair people can put on or remove the lock or tag.

If you turn on the electricity, you could cause serious injury, or death, to the person repairing the equipment

The laws do not apply to “bench top” devices and appliances, such as computers, refrigerators, or instruments, that are connected to an electrical outlet by a plug or cord.  Once disconnected, these units no longer are a risk

First Protect Yourself

Don't touch the person. That person might be energized, so take time to protect yourself

Don't try to use a conductive tool to free the person

Don't touch anyone who has become grounded.

Call for help, IF the person

is obviously injured such as loss of consciousness, significant trauma, etc.

has an altered mental status i.e.confusion, slow and/or slurred speech, etc.

has other obvious injury i.s. laceration, burns, etc.

or at the discretion of the shocked victim or supervisor

Electricity is used everywhere in the world. Some are more common ones include balances, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, light fixtures, telephones, centrifuges, refrigerators, heating mantles, autoclaves, computers, Radar etc..

Prepare for Shutdown. ...

Notify all Affected Personnel. ...

Equipment Shutdown. ...

Isolation of System (De-energization) ...

Dissipation (Removal) of Residual or Stored Energy. ...

Lockout/Tag Out. ...

Verify Isolation. ...

Perform Maintenance or Service Activity