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  • Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely necessary. Using a light-duty, household extension cord with high-wattage appliances can start a fire. If you must use an extension cord, it must be marked #14 or #12 A WG; this tells the thickness or gauge of the wire in the cord. (The smaller the number, the greater the thickness of the wire.) For example, a cord sold as an air conditioner extension cord will have these heavy wires. Do not use a cord marked #16 or #18 AWG. Only use extension cords bearing the label of an independent testing laboratory such a U.L. or E.T.L.


  • Be sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet. Since a loose plug can overheat, have a qualified repairman replace the worn-out plug or outlet. Since heaters draw lots of power, the cord and plug may feel warm. If the plug feels hot, unplug the heater and have a qualified repairman check for problems. If the heater and its plug are found to be working properly, have the outlet replaced. Using a heater with a hot cord or plug could start a fire. Broken heaters should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center. Do not attempt to repair, adjust or replace parts in the heater yourself.

  • Here at UIC, the only type approved for use on campus are ceramic oil-filled space heaters. These space heaters are completely enclosed with no elements exposed. Make sure to always consult a campus electrician to see if your outlet is capable of handling a space heater. For more information regarding space heaters please contact the Health and Safety Office at 6-7411.

Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington DC,20207 www.cpsc.gov.


Environmental Health and Safety Office
Radiation Safety Section 312-996-7429
Health and Safety Section 312-996-7411
Emergency: 312-966-7233 (6-SAFE)
In Case of Emergency

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
Generated from Actual Incidents at UIC

Issue No. 26 June 18, 2008

Type of Incident: Fire alarm was averted by quick thinking researcher

Details of Incident:A researcher had collected biohazardous waste, placed the red bag waste into a secondary container and loaded the bags into a steam sterilizer/autoclave. The autoclave door was closed and the sterilizer program was initiated. As the sterilizer filled with hot steam and pressure, a large leak became evident around the sealed door. The researcher immediately aborted the program but due to a delay in the programming, the sterilizer continued to release a considerable amount of steam into the room. The hot steam condensed on the surfaces in the room making everything very wet. The researcher had immediately called the emergency safety number (6-SAFE) to ask for assistance. The steam leak eventually subsided and the sterilizer program stopped. No injuries occurred during the incident.
If the researcher had not remained at the autoclave as the cycle began, the continuous leak of hot steam would have set off the fire sprinkler head and fire alarm. The room would have quickly flooded and caused considerable water damage to the laboratory and to rooms located on floors below the facility.

Immediate Cause: The steam leak was caused by a worn out gasket that lines the door to the chamber of the autoclave.

Root Causes: The gasket failure of the sterilizer was the result of a lack of thorough inspection and routine servicing and testing of the autoclave.

Corrective Actions:
Ensure preventative maintenance: call your service representative to inspect and test the autoclave on an annual basis.

Have appropriate personal protective equipment available for loading and unloading the autoclave.

Provide documented training to individuals who will be using the autoclave; include information on the operation of the autoclave, package of waste, proper loading and unloading techniques, and stopping the autoclave in case of an emergency.

Know what items can and cannot be safely autoclaved.

Become familiar with quality control measures of autoclave performance such as the use of physical, chemical and biological indicators.

Know what actions to take in case of a medical emergency (call 5-5555, UIC Police).
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