Surge protectors a possible safety concern Published Feb. 25, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Jack Tucker 3rd Wing Safety ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- In the Air Force, one of our primary responsibilities is to identify hazards in our work areas and perform follow-up actions until it is resolved. It is always best to eliminate any hazard at the lowest level possible in order to prevent mishaps. A mishap is an unplanned occurrence, or series of occurrences that results in injury, occupational illness, death, destruction or damage to government property. We may sometimes forget that safety pertains to everyone, everywhere, all the time and at all levels. We have all heard mission first and safety first before. But, which is a priority? Safely accomplishing the mission is what Air Force Safety is all about. We may not be able to eliminate all hazards to a mission, but we can determine the safest way to accomplish it through sound operational risk management . "Implementing ORM into the mission is extremely important," said Lt. Col. Charles Butler, 3rd Wing chief of safety. "Through sound ORM we can mitigate exposure to certain hazards and decrease the likelihood of a mishap." The 3rd Wing Safety staff conducts periodic safety inspections conducted to help identify and abate hazards. One of the most common safety discrepancies found throughout Elmendorf is the improper use of surge protectors, also referred to as power strips. This finding is so common because most on-base buildings were built in accordance with old standards. The size of your office or room will now determine how many outlets are required. Power strips are being used improperly, because the work areas don't have enough outlets to accommodate everyone. This is what leads to deviating from normal safety practices and creating fire hazards. It may seem like a minor safety discrepancy; but if you look at the facts and past history, surge protectors have been responsible for numerous fires. Any corded, multiple-outlet power strip, has a built-in 15-amp circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is designed to "pop" if the amperage being pulled by the devices plugged into the outlets exceeds 15 amps. Most devices pull .05 to 1.5 amps. With eight outlets there is an average pull of 12 amps which is just under the maximum. If you plug a power strip or surge protector into one of those outlets, you may exceed the maximum amperage on one outlet alone. Plugging in an additional surge protector or power strip will certainly overload the amperage rating of the primary surge protector or power strip. The following is provided as a guide for the proper use of surge protectors/power strips. · Call an electrician if your lights flicker or if your power goes out a lot. · Use the right light bulbs in all lamps and light fixtures. · Never tack or staple cords to walls or ceilings · The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a ground fault circuit interrupter. This is a tool that protects you from a dangerous shock when water and electricity come together. An electrician can install a GFCI for you. · All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by faceplates. · Do not tie or knot cords. Do not let furniture sit on cords. · Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark on the label when you buy electrical appliances, such as toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, and cords. · Do not plug in too many appliances at once.