Electrical Shock from Electrophoresis Unit

A laboratory worker at another institution received a potentially fatal electrical shock when they accidentally touched a high voltage electrical connector on an electrophoresis device.  The contact points were on the right elbow and right knee.  Had one of the contacts been on the opposite side of their body, the shock could have been fatal.

The primary cause of this incident was the existence of an exposed high voltage conductor in the form of a stackable banana plug at the device.  When connected to the male plug on the device, the male connector plug was left exposed with no insulation or guarding.

Tips for Avoiding Similar Electrical Incidents

• Eliminate the use of exposed conductors in connector cords and electrophoresis devices.
• Fit each electrophoresis unit with its own set of permanently attached connector cords to eliminate jacks and plugs entirely.
• Elminate the use of cords with stackable plugs on both ends by replacing the stackable plugs on one end with a female only jack.
• Inspect power cords and leads for frayed, cracked or dried out cords; exposed copper wires at the banana jacks; and corroded or loose fitting banana plugs, jacks, or electrode connection nuts. Discard and replace all cords that do not pass inspection.
• Ensure hands are dry while connecting leads.
• Turn off the pwer before connecting electrical leads.
• Connect one lead at a time, using one hand only.
• Turn off power before opening lid or reaching inside chamber.
• Never override safety devices.