A safety alert issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on February 22, 2022, highlights the problem of inadequate maintenance of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems in industrial settings. The investigation conducted by the HSE revealed that the operating instructions provided for the equipment lacked sufficient guidance on maintenance, thereby compromising its safe operation.
These maintenance deficiencies resulted in power failures and the need for emergency shutdown procedures. In some cases, these failures even led to dangerous fires caused by capacitor or battery malfunctions. Alarmingly, one incident involved the unplanned release of toxic chemicals due to outdated firmware.
The HSE warns that operators may have a false sense of security based on sales literature that claims modern UPS systems have a design life of 15-20 years and require minimal ongoing maintenance. The safety alert stresses the crucial importance of proper UPS maintenance and provides guidance on the necessary steps operators should take to ensure safe operation.
Ensure the proper maintenance of your backup power solutions by availing a maintenance contract. Just as your car undergoes regular MOT inspections, the same principle applies to UPS systems. It is essential to have the system regularly checked by a qualified engineer.
Do you need assistance in setting up a maintenance plan? Let us know, and we will be glad to help.
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