CHP APPENDIX 5. UHM EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR LABORATORIES DURING POWER OUTAGES

It is important to remember that some equipment cannot be turned off and certain other pieces of equipment do not shut themselves off when there is a power outage. Pre-plan specific procedures for your laboratory while adhering to the following: 

1. Close chemical fume hood sashes. No work is allowed in fume hoods during a power outage. 

2. Ensure that all chemical containers are secured with caps, parafilm, etc.. 

3. All non-essential electrical devices should be turned off. Keep the doors of refrigerators and freezers closed. Check to ensure large lasers, radio frequency generators, etc. have been turned off. 

4. Turn off all gas cylinders at the tank valves. If a low flow of an inert gas is being used to “blanket” a reactive compound or mixture, it may be appropriate to leave the flow of gas on. The decision to do this should be part of the written SOP specific for each laboratory and included in this CHP. 

5. Check all cryogenic vacuum traps (N2 , CO2 + solvent). The evaporation of trapped materials may cause dangerous conditions. 

6. Check all pressure, temperature, air, or moisture sensitive materials and equipment. This includes vacuum work, distillations, glove boxes used for airless/moistureless reactions, etc..