Equipment and Tool Safety

Providing resources and guidance for the safe use of tools by UC Berkeley personnel.

Electrophoresis Equipment: Guidelines for Safe Use

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2004

Electrophoresis units present electrical, chemical, and radiological hazards. All of these hazards need to be addressed before using the units. The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) has prepared these guidelines and the accompanying checklist to assist researchers in safely operating electrophoresis units.

Ultracentrifuges: Hazards and Precautions

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2005

The ultracentrifuge is a commonly used type of laboratory equipment. Rotors are exposed to enormous forces every time they are used. Rotors can fail catastrophically, resulting in destruction of the entire centrifuge and damage to a laboratory. As evidenced by the attached photographs, there is no doubt that serious injury could result should someone be present when a failure occurs. To prevent such failures, all ultracentrifuge manufacturers require that ultracentrifuge users maintain an up-to-date use log for each rotor, and also require that each time a rotor is used it must be given a...

Extension Cords and Surge Protectors

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2004

Extension Cords and Surge Protectors Fact Sheet

Extension cords are very useful in many applications on campus and in the field, but they do have limitations. Misused and damaged extension cords (see photos 1-6 below) have caused painful injuries, fires, equipment damage, and regulatory citations and penalties. Take the time to choose the proper extension cord for the equipment being used.

Animal Traps

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
2006

The purpose of the Best Management Practices (BMP) process is to scientifically evaluate the traps and trapping systems used for capturing furbearers in the United States. Evaluations are based on animal welfare, efficiency, selectivity, practicality and safety. Results of this research are provided as information to state and federal wildlife agencies and trappers.

Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

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Federal Firearms Licensee

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL)

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) website contains information for the firearms industry and its members, classifications of firearms and the interpretation of the regulations codified under 27 CFR, Parts 447, 478 and 479.

Apply for a License - How to Become a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Tools and Services for Licensees

Also see:...

Firearm Requirements

CA Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Firearm Permit Fact Sheet

The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS or Bureau) issues Firearms Permits (also referred to as a "Firearms Qualification Card (FQ)" or "Exposed Firearms Permit") as specified in Article 4 (commencing with Section 7540) of Chapter 11.3, Article 4 (commencing with Section 7583) of Chapter 11.5 and Article 6 (commencing with Section 7596) of Chapter 11.6 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code (BPC).

Firearm Requirements Fact...

Locator Beacons

NOAA

Search & Rescue Beacons

Emergency Beacons, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Mosquito Net

CDC
2020

Protection Against Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Insects and Arthropods,

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Eyewear - Protecting Your Eyes Fact Sheet

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2006

More than 90,000 eye injuries occur each year in the United States. Many of these could have been prevented with proper protective eyewear. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) requires that protective eyewear be worn wherever there is the potential for injury from flying particles, hazardous substances, or dangerous light. The eyewear must meet the standards put forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in Standard Z87.1-1989. Safety eyewear that meets this standard has “Z87.1” imprinted on the frame or lens. Since eye hazards are common...

Personal Protective Equipment for Lab and Shops

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2020

Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees. Engineering or administrative controls to manage or eliminate hazards to workers is the preferred option. When engineering or administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, supervisors must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their workers and ensure its use. Attire when occupying a laboratory or shop containing hazardous materials or equipment.