Electrical Problem in Hotplate-Stirrer

24. (1999)

An employee of the Research School of Chemistry has received an electric shock from a commercially-manufactured hotplate-stirrer. An investigation by RSC electronics personnel (phone x 3493) revealed that the top of the motor casing had chafed through the insulation on one of the leads to the hotplate element. The leads were restrained by a nylon p-clip, but there was enough slack to allow them to contact the motor. Other hotplate-stirrers in RSC have been found where the insulation of the wires to the hotplate had been chafed by the motor casing. As a result of these findings electronics personnel modified all stirrers by re-routing the heater wires under the adjacent green/yellow earth leads. The manufacturer has been informed of this problem and requested to improve the design of the product.

It is recommended that Areas inspect the internal wiring of all relevant hotplate-stirrers to ensure the absence of such problems.

Under the ANU Code of Practice for Electrical Safety portable appliances, like hotplate-stirrers, are to be tested by an approved person every 12 months, except where Areas determine a more frequent test period is necessary for the local conditions.

For further information contact:
OHS Officer, e-mail: OHS.Officer@anu.edu.au