Non-College Electrical Appliances

1. Purpose

This procedure outlines when non-College owned electrical appliances are and are not permitted on college premises. It is designed to ensure that the use of these appliances does not create safety, health or cleanliness concerns.

2. Scope

• 2.1 This procedure applies to everyone in the Loyalist College community who may bring a personal electrical appliance onto college premises.
• 2.2 Non-College Electrical Appliance – any appliance that:
  • requires an alternating electrical current (e.g. must be plugged in) to operate, and
  • is not purchased or owned by Loyalist College, but is brought onto college premises by members of the college community.
  • Examples: lamps, radios/music players, toasters, toaster ovens, microwave ovens, kettles, refrigerators.

3. Responsibility

• 3.1 Employees/Students/Community members will:
  • not bring their own electrical appliances onto college premises (and remove any currently in place) unless they are in compliance with this procedure.
• 3.2 Managers and Supervisors will:
  • ensure that non-College electrical appliances are not brought onto college premises under their control (and remove any currently in place) unless they are in compliance with this procedure.

4. Procedure

• 4.1 Non-College electrical appliances are generally permitted on college premises as long as they:
  • display labels showing electrical approval from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), United Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA),
  • do not contravene applicable federal/provincial/municipal legislation or contain any hazardous material,
  • are in safe working condition (e.g. there are no exposed wires/frayed cords or plugs with open fronts/missing ground prongs),
  • can be plugged directly into a wall outlet
    • Note: extension cords/power bars are not permitted for non-College electrical appliances,
  • are not used close to sources of heat, liquids or combustible materials,
  • do not have cords running under carpets or across walkways,
  • do not interfere with work/study activities,
  • are kept clean and maintained in safe and good working order,
  • are removed by the owner when no longer required or inoperable.
• 4.2 Exceptions:
  • 4.2.1 Electric heaters:
    • These are only permitted:
      • If Facilities Management has been consulted, but cannot maintain temperatures within the set acceptable indoor range of 20-22 degrees Celsius during the December–March heating season.
      • Facilities Management has provided written approval for an electric heater to be used, and the above conditions for personal electrical appliances on college premises are met.
  • 4.2.2 Extension cords/power bars:
    • These are only permitted if purchased and supplied by the college.
    • Are not to be used in place of permanent wiring.
    • Should only be used for low amperage office equipment (computers, phones)
    • In most College applications, power bars are not needed for surge protection. For specific applications, contact Facilities Services department directly for advice on needed surge protection.
  • 4.2.3 Electric kettles:
    • These are only permitted on college premises if they have an automatic shut-off device.
  • 4.2.4 Toaster ovens/toasters/microwave ovens or other heat-producing appliances intended for food preparation:
    • These are only permitted in designated food service/staff lounge areas, or other areas recommended by the responsible Supervisor.
• 4.3 Removal of Appliances:
  • The College reserves the right to order that a personal electrical appliance be removed at any time without cause. The owner will be advised to remove the appliance from college premises. If the owner refuses or cannot be found, the appliance will be removed/disposed of by the College.