Purchasing Lab Equipment

1. What health and safety risks might there be when using the machine?
2. Are there any dangerous parts, and what guards are provided/required?
3. Will the equipment need emergency stop controls, and how can the electrical supplies be isolated?
4. How do the controls and control system work?
5. Will dust or fumes be produced by the machine? If these are likely to be in significant quantities, can an existing extraction system be adapted to cope with the new machine or will new systems be needed?
6. Has the machinery been designed to minimise noise and vibration levels?
7. Are there any extremely hot or very cold parts of the machine, and can they be insulated or protected?
8. Are there any lasers, thickness gauges or radioactive sources in the equipment and what precautions are there to stop any exposure?
9. What has been done to eliminate the risks of electric shock, particularly during maintenance work, when covers or control panel doors may be open?
10. Are there possible risks from other sources of stored energy, such as hydraulic or pneumatic systems?
11. Is there clear information about installation, maintenance and breakdown procedures?
12. What training will be required both for users and for the maintenance of equipment?

For complex or custom-built equipment/machinery, arrange for a trial run so you can be shown the safety features and how they work.

1. Satisfy yourself that the machine is safe, and you understand how to operate it safely.
2. Make sure any early concerns about the safety of the machine once it is commissioned and in use are reported to and discussed with the suppliers.

Even though the equipment may have a CE marking never assume that it is safe. The manuals supplied by the manufacturer should include:

1. Drawings of the machinery and its control circuits
2. Specifications and standards used in the design
3. Relevant test results and other data
4. Operating instructions
5. Technical reports

Contact the Compliance Team by completing the Incoming Equipment Form before purchase to ensure the proposed equipment meets safety and space requirements.

The Compliance Team will liaise with Estates to confirm:

• The equipment does not obstruct other equipment, walkways, or emergency exits.
• The addition will not overburden systems such as lab air handling units or power supplies.

Contact the Compliance Team by completing the Incoming Equipment Form before purchasing to ensure the replacement equipment:

• meets safety and compliance requirements.
• will not introduce space constraints or infrastructure issues.

If the replacement involves a different size, power requirements, or additional infrastructure changes, the Compliance Team will liaise with Estates to assess suitability.

Note: Before disposing of old or broken equipment, refer to Safe Disposal of Lab Equipment for guidance on correct disposal methods, including hazardous material handling and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) compliance.

If the equipment that needs replacing is Core Equipment, you must notify the Equipment Committee by email.

Once the Compliance Team (and, if applicable, the Equipment Committee) have reviewed the request, you may proceed with the purchase.

1. Infrastructural equipment:
   • Filtered Water systems
   • Centrifuges
   • Freezers (including ULT freezers) – serviced in-house by the Compliance Team
   • Incubators
   • Biosafety tissue culture hoods
   • Fume hoods
   • Chemical Cupboards
2. Specialist Analytical Equipment that:
   • Is available for use by the entire facility.
   • Can be accessed by multiple research groups with appropriate training.
   • Has been identified by the Equipment Committee as essential to faculty-wide research.

1. Small lab equipment:
   • Vortex mixers
   • Microcentrifuges
   • Benchtop lab devices
2. Equipment primarily used by a single research group, rather than a shared facility.
3. Equipment funded by individual research grants, unless the Equipment Committee has formally agreed prior to purchase that it will be adopted as Core once the grant expires.

New Energy Lable for Refrigeration

1. There is a CE mark. Ask for a copy of the EC declaration of conformity if you have not been given one.
2. The supplier has explained what the machinery is designed to be used for and what it cannot be used for.
3. Make sure a manual has been supplied which includes instructions for safe use, assembly, installation, commissioning, safe handling, adjustment and maintenance, and final disposal.
4. Make sure the instruction manual is written in a language you are very familiar with (or can obtain a technically competent translation).
5. Make sure information has been provided about any remaining risks from the machine and the precautions you need to take to deal with them i.e. electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal
6. Check that data about noise and vibration levels have been provided and where necessary explained to you.
7. Ensure that any warning signs are visible and are easy to understand.