Prevention of risks associated with electronic pipettes

As part of the Institut Pasteur's risk prevention efforts and measures to ensure the safety of the working environment on campus, an urgent technical safety issue has come to light and needs to be addressed.

This year, two fires have broken out on campus. A subsequent inquiry revealed that they were caused by the use of inappropriate chargers for electronic pipettes used in laboratories.

Although the available chargers were compatible with the devices in terms of voltage and connectors, there was a mismatch in terms of current specifications (amperage), creating a fire hazard.

Safety instructions:

•   Systematic checking: before charging your pipette, systematically check that the charger matches the specifications indicated by the equipment manufacturer.

•    Identify appropriate chargers: the appropriate chargers are labeled and clearly indicated in each laboratory with either a color code or a number. Chargers must be kept near the workstations where they are required.

•    Take action: if you see a charger without a clear label, identify which equipment it is intended to be used with, and failing that dispose of it.

•    Responsibility: every user has a responsibility to make sure that the charger they are using is appropriate for the device they are charging.

If in doubt, read the technical documentation or contact the equipment manufacturer.

Example of a mismatched charger:
If a device is designed to be charged with a 5V/2A charger and someone uses a charger with an output of 5V but only 1A, the device may not work properly and it may overheat, as it is not receiving enough current. Conversely, a charger that provides too much current may damage the device or create a fire hazard.

We all need to be on our guard to keep each other safe.

The Security Department is counting on you to be proactive in applying these measures and maintaining a safe working environment.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact Bertrand Hyvert at bertrand.hyvert@pasteur.fr