Hazard Alert - Electrical Fire involving a Laboratory IEC Heater Stirrer (CAT. CH2090-001)

Hazard Alert – Electrical Fire involving a Laboratory IEC Heater Stirrer (CAT. CH2090-001)

The Incident: A student had been working on a task for four hours using an IEC Heater Stirrer (CAT. CH2090-001). The student noticed flames coming from the heater stirrer which were suppressed.

Factors to Consider: The failure was a malfunction of the simmerstat which controls the heating side of the device. This resulted in a breakdown of insulation on the conductors and subsequent burning of the unit. This process occurred over a period of time allowing a build up of heat resulting in meltdown of the plastic end panel. Following investigation, failure of this piece of equipment would appear to be an isolated incident.

Recommendations: Whilst failure of this piece of equipment would appear to be an isolated incident the following recommendations were made:

• Laboratory heating equipment should not be left turned on and unattended, in particular on weekends and out of normal hours.

• Schools and sections are advised to locate and check similar heater stirrer units.

• The University Electrical Equipment Safety Policy must be adhered to including locating, testing, tagging and recording of all electrical equipment.