A GPK Systems (after market, non-NRTL) MacBook power adapter was plugged in to a 120-Volt outlet when it began to flame and smoke. The adapter was unplugged, stopping the fire, but leaving soot on the table.
The stress point on the cord appears to have weakened the wire, causing heat to build up and eventually caused a fire.
Download Safety Alert 2015-005: Non-NRTL MacBook Power Adapter Catches Fire
An Electronics Engineering Technologist received a 120 VAC minor electrical shock to the right index finger.
A portable work light was plugged into a rack-mounted outlet strip. The plug had backed out partially from the receptacle. When the employee reached in to perform work, they did not see this condition and their fingertip brushed up against the exposed, energized prong of the plug.
The outlet strip is inside and facing towards the front of the cabinet.
The employee immediately reported the shock and was sent to medical for evaluation. Following an EKG with no abnormalities detected, the employee was released with no injury.
Download Safety Alert 2015-004: Worker Shocked by Loose Plug
The blade sticking out of the pictured outlet is from a power adapter that was powering an Apple (Mac) laptop, plugged into a 120-Volt outlet. When the user, a Network Engineer, attempted to unplug the power adapter from the outlet, the blade in the “hot” side of the outlet broke free of the power adapter and remained in the outlet.
This condition presented a serious shock hazard to the user. Had he not been attentive to the equipment condition, a serious injury could have occurred. While this incident occurred at home, the proliferation of Apple-branded products encouraged the Network Engineer to share the experience with co-workers.
Facility Electricians had de-energized and performed zero energy verification for a piece of equipment as part of a Lockout/Tagout procedure. A multi-lock hasp was applied to the energy isolation as part of the LOTO.
An Engineering Technician planning to work on the LOTO’d equipment placed his lock and tag on the hasp, along with the other locks already applied. The technician noticed that the hasp was cocked at an odd angle. He then challenged the lock by tugging on it several times to ensure it was latched, per his LOTO training. The metal of the hasp snapped.
An immediate stop work was called, and Facilities electricians were called to re-establish and re-verify the LOTO before work continued. Read the full Alert for more information and recommendations:
PUB-3000 requirements about space heaters can be found in the Fire Protection chapter of PUB-3000 (Chapter 12, Work Process I). Contact the Fire Marshal, Michael Torkelson (x 4906, mjtorkelson@lbl.gov) if you have any questions or concerns.
IMPORTANT: Always consult with your local Facilities Area Manager (FAM) before purchasing or plugging in an electric space heater.
During cold weather, you might feel the need to use a portable electric space heater in your work area. We should try to avoid the use of space heaters due to power consumption and fire safety concerns. However, if you must use a space heater, consider the following safety requirements.
Minimum Safety Features
Usage
Placement
Watch this video for additional safety with space heaters, including your home!
PUB-3000 requirements about space heaters can be found in the Fire Protection chapter of PUB-3000 (Chapter 12, Work Process I). Contact the Fire Marshal, Michael Torkelson (x 4906, mjtorkelson@lbl.gov) if you have any questions or concerns. In addition to increasing safety by reducing potential overload conditions, especially in cubicle environments, these requirements are part of the LBNL Management goal to comply with DOE Order 430.2B, and Executive Order 13423. For additional information, see Sustainable Berkeley Lab, or email the Sustainability Program.