Equipment failures can result from defects or malfunctions; failures such as these can be greatly reduced or eliminated by ensuring properly scheduled routine preventative maintenance and repairs of laboratory equipment. Flushing of emergency showers and eyewash units at least biweekly is a good example of how regular routine maintenance can prevent, or identify, the failure of a critical system before it is needed. If a piece of equipment fails while in use, take steps to contain or control possible exposures to the substances being used. It is unsafe to continue use of hazardous substances or equipment during an equipment malfunction, such as the loss of air flow in a chemical fume hood; personnel must secure any hazardous materials, turn off the equipment or discontinue use, and resume work only after the equipment has been successfully repaired.
Safe Use of Autoclaves
Safe Use of Centrifuges
