S3E10 - Equipment Safety and Maintenance: Precision Tools and Predictable Risks

Liam Scott explains how incorrect use, poor maintenance, modification, or complacency with laboratory equipment can lead to injuries, near misses, and serious incidents in UK labs. The episode outlines the importance of pre-use checks and compliance with work equipment regulations, emphasizing that equipment must be suitable, maintained, and used by trained competent people. It covers key risks and controls for centrifuges (balancing loads, inspecting rotors, never bypassing interlocks), autoclaves and pressure systems (thermal PPE, waiting for full pressure reduction, following loading instructions, not overriding safety systems, and meeting pressure system safety regulations), cryogenic liquids like liquid nitrogen (oxygen depletion, cold burns, brittle fracture, pressure buildup, ventilation, oxygen monitoring, suitable vented storage and PPE), and heating equipment (preventing fires through inspections, proper glassware, keeping flammables away, stability, switching off when unattended, and ensuring equipment is fit for continuous use). The script also stresses the role of portable appliance testing, calibration, servicing, integrity checks, and maintenance records, noting that overdue or unknown maintenance may mean equipment should not be used. It concludes that safe science depends on pre-use checks, respecting safety features, reporting faults, and refusing unsafe equipment use.