Engineering Controls

Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory Manager with the backing of all personnel and from the College Safety Liaison is responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and providing training to laboratory personnel on the correct use of equipment.  A routine inspection and maintenance program that includes necessary instrument calibration, certification, and maintenance procedures should be implemented for all equipment in the laboratory to identify worn parts, frayed wires, malfunctioning instruments, faulty safe guards, and other potential hazards.  Follow these equipment safety guidelines: 

  • Do not allow personnel to use laboratory equipment without proper training. 
  • Use equipment only for its intended purpose.  Do not modify or adapt equipment without guidance from the equipment manufacturer or the Safety Officer. 
  • Use applicable safeguards when operating equipment.  Do not defeat, remove, or over-ride equipment safety devices. 
  • Inspect equipment prior to each use to identify potential safety concerns. 
  • Perform preventative maintenance, and maintain instrument calibration and certification as indicated by the manufacturer. 
  • Make sure that equipment maintenance is performed by a qualified individual.   
  • Verify that equipment does not contain hazardous substances such as Freon (refrigerators and cooling systems), lead (lead acid batteries), or mercury (mercury switches) before transport, removal, or disposal.   
  • Place a work order with the Physical Plant to move, surplus, or discard laboratory equipment.   
  • Check electrical chords for frayed or exposed wire.   
  • Cover exposed mechanical devices such as belt driven vacuum pumps and moving parts on equipment.