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How to Prepare for a Power Failure in a Lab

Last Updated: November 4, 2024 2:33:02 PM PST
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Learn what to do before, during, and after a power failure in a lab.

1. Before the power fails

  • Designate an emergency contact person for your lab. This person should be available for contact 24 hours a day.
  • Label lab equipment with emergency contact information, allowing for communication in the event of power outages or equipment failure. Label your items with PI name, lab contact name, and at least one primary email and phone number. Keep the labels posted with current information and update as needed.
  • Equip your emergency/spill kit with a battery-powered flashlight.
  • Do not leave open chemicals in the fume hood when the fume hood is unattended. Always safely store chemicals after use.
  • Put essential equipment on emergency power circuits. These circuits have red cover plates and are powered by an emergency generator at each lab building.
    • Install appropriately-sized surge protection devices for all sensitive or expensive electronics.
    • Consult with Facilities Management, (858) 534-2930, if you need to install an uninterruptible power source (ups) or other backup electrical systems or equipment.
  • Make a list of equipment that must be reset, reprogrammed, restarted, or recalibrated once power returns.
    • Post the list in a conspicuous place.
    • Program equipment that operates unattended to shut down safely during a power failure and not restart automatically when power returns.
  • Identify an emergency source of dry ice, if you have items that must be kept cold.
    • Note: Refrigerators and freezers will maintain their temperature for several hours if they are not opened.
    • Do not use dry ice in walk-in refrigerators or other confined areas.

2. While the power is off

  • Shut down experiments that involve hazardous materials.
    • Make sure experiments are stable and won't create uncontrolled hazards.
  • Check fume hoods and biosafety cabinets and take the following precautions, if applicable:
    • Stop any operations that may be emitting hazardous vapors, fumes, or infectious agents.
    • Securely cap any open containers.
    • Close fume hood and biosafety cabinet sashes.
  • Check equipment on emergency power to ensure it's running properly.
    • Note: It may take 20 to 30 seconds for emergency power to activate after a power failure.
  • Reduce electrical use and risk of power surges by:
    • Disconnecting from emergency outlets equipment that runs unattended, and
    • Turning off unnecessary lights and equipment.
  • Transfer vulnerable items from cold rooms and refrigerators that have lost power to equipment served by emergency power.

3. When the power returns

  • Check equipment.
    • Reset and restart equipment.
      • If building systems, including fume hoods, fail to restart or operate correctly, contact Facilities Management Customer Relations Service Referral Desk, (858) 534-2930.
      • If non-building equipment fails to restart or operate correctly, contact the manufacturer or service provider.
    • Confirm air flow in your fume hood is restored.
    • Recalibrate and reprogram equipment as necessary.
  • Keep doors closed on refrigerators and freezers that failed until they have been repaired and returned to safe working temperature.
    • Note: Some refrigerators and freezers require a manual restart.
  • If system or equipment failures create hazardous conditions, immediately notify:
Contact an EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist.