Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2010 21:06:22 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Andrew Gross <gross.drew**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Emergency Action Plan for science labs
In-Reply-To: <60B9467E6F74CB47B97BFF8F00BD151C1BEBB26ED4**At_Symbol_Here**Orpheus.NJRC.ORG>

As far as protecting equipment, most of the high end instrumentation
in my lab has a built in computer running windows.  When windows shuts
down so does the software running the instrument and the instrument as
well.  That being said, what about something as simple as a few home
back-up batteries programmed to windows and set to shut down properly
in the event of a loss of power.  If it is not so integrated into
windows, many of these batteries can be set up with macros which would
automatically hit the necessary keys in the event of a power outage.
I would imagine a researcher would much rather prefer to program their
own shut down sequences as opposed to relying on maintenance to do it.

As far as cost, the battery on my home server was $150.  It holds
enough power (and is programmed to do so) to properly shut down the
system once any important tasks are completed, finish printing and
then conserve power.  1000w on the computer+monitor, speakers and
printer and the charge is good for 18minutes or more.  Another added
benefit is that you can unplug things and move them without completely
cutting power (assuming it is safe to do so).

Andrew

On Fri, Jul 9, 2010 at 10:13 AM, Skarda, Jay  wrote:
> Kathleen: =A0I've had some experience with this sort of thing the last co
uple of years. =A0 Here's the deal, emergency generators are generally desi
gned to provide for life safety issues first. =A0And BTW, an emergency acti
on plan is an OSHA requirement. =A0But they will not tell you how to write 
it. =A0You will need to do that based on relevant risk assessments. =A0Next
 on the generator is usually some key critical equipment, followed by whate
ver else your system can handle and whatever else your facility decides nee
ds EM power. =A0Though employees want it, it is unrealistic to have the who
le facility on emergency power. =A0A real important piece of your plan shou
ld be to have current "emergency phone contact" information listed for each
 lab/department. =A0"Current" meaning someone who still works there. =A0Som
eone that you can call at home, or on their cellphone, and they will answer
. =A0Then they can come in and deal with what can, and cannot, be shut down
. =A0It is really frustrating to be calling people at home and to get a rec
ording that says "that number is no longer in service". =A0 Your maintenanc
e personnel will be far too busy during a power outage to be baby sitting l
ab equipment. =A0Leave it up to the persons who own the machines.
>
>
> Jay Skarda
> Director of Safety & Security
> National Jewish Health
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of 
Schmidt-Nebril, Kathleen
> Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 6:35 PM
> To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
> Subject: [DCHAS-L] Emergency Action Plan for science labs
>
> My university recently was hit with a four day power outage due to severe
 storms. =A0Our science building is recently new and has a back up generato
r however none of the main lab instruments or equipment were backed up to i
t. Hoods, lights and ventilation were. =A0In the end we are looking at a hu
ge insurance claim and are now trying to prepare =A0an action plan for each
 of our labs in the event we go through something like this again. =A0I am 
the CHO for the department and was asked to put this together. =A0Does anyo
ne know what OSHA standard, if any, I should be looking at for this? =A0The
y want to incorporate a "what to do" list for example if none of the scient
ists were around someone from maintenance could follow it to turn off sensi
tive equipment in our absence. =A0My thought on that is would we need to tr
ain and document =A0anyone who might have to respond and use our action lis
t?
>
>
>
> Kathleen
>
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