Warning on Plugs with Interchangeable Heads

For all Schools

Dear Colleagues,

I attended the CLEAPSS conference yesterday and wanted to bring to your attention a few things and in particular the warning notice below.  This warning notice was circulated towards the end of the summer term.

Interchangeable plug heads are available on the international markets and CLEAPSS have serious concerns about the use of these power supplies in schools.  Their concern stems from the fact that it is entirely conceivable for the plug head to become detached and be left in the socket (bottom picture).  If this was to happen then live terminals could easily be touched giving a mains electric shock.

If you receive such a power supply with your science equipment or any other equipment that you may have ordered with these types of plugs, CLEAPSS have advised that you contact your supplier and ask for a power supply fitted with UK 3-pin plug (with non-interchangeable heads).  CLEAPSS have further advised that you do not attempt to glue or modify the plug to make it safer.

There was also a recent incident in the UK where CLEAPSS were informed via their hotline where a pupil had inserted a pair of scissors into one of the plugs described.  The pupil received an electric shock but luckily recovered well.

Please see pictures below.

Primary Science – CLEAPSS member

Whilst writing I would also like to remind any primary schools that have membership with CLEAPSS to ensure that they have their own log-ins.  CLEAPSS reported yesterday that there many primary schools in the UK who were paying for membership and not using the CLEAPSS service.  There is information available for primary teachers of science, technology, art, and design, providing information on doings things safely etc.


 The way you log on to CLEAPSS has changed

  • As of the end of January 2025 all users of CLEAPSS now use their personal log-in to access our services.
  • If you have yet to register your details and create your personal log-in please visit our Account Request page.
  • If you are not sure if you have a personal log-in or have forgotten the password, please click the reset password link.

 

Eye protection; a change in standards

CLEAPSS advised yesterday that the standards for eye protection have recently been reviewed and updated to an ISO (worldwide) standard.   Although the new standard is more demanding than previously, there is no need to replace your current stocks. 

Suppliers will start to sell eye protection to the new standard during the autumn term, but they can still sell existing stocks to the old standard. Therefore, the likelihood is you will end up with a mixed stock of eye protection to either standard for a while. 

Safety glasses were labelled EN166 and will in future be labelled EN ISO 16321 C Safety goggles were labelled EN 166 3 and will in future be labelled EN ISO 16321 3

Existing products certified to EN 166 can continue to be sold until the expiry of their certification, up to a maximum of five years from the date of issue. 

For example, if a product is certified to EN 166 before the November deadline, it may remain valid until late 2029 depending on the certificate’s issue date.