Experimental setup, maintenance, and breakdown should be included in your work control documents. Often, we focus solely on the experimental task that we forget to address the hazards associated with the setup, maintenance, and breakdown. Stop and ask yourself, “What work control document am I working under? Is what I am about to do within the scope?”
Consider adding a task to your work control document to cover the servicing, maintenance, and repairs to your experimental apparatus. This planning step can prevent a stoppage of work if an equipment failure were to occur, and to ensure the hazards associated with this activity are included in the hazard analysis.
If you need a tool to access the internal components of equipment, you are potentially encountering electrical work. Stop and reach out to a Qualified Electrical Worker or the Electrical Safety Program Manager for assistance and clarification.