Field Fabricated Equipment

Experimental equipment designed and/or assembled by researchers or "field fabricated" have potential to cause loss of life and major facility damage. Such equipment has produced several unfortunate incidents, and the cause is typically unsafe electrical and mechanical system design or assembly. Electrical and mechanical system installation and use is strictly regulated through building codes, electrical code and safety standards.

This guideline provides mechanisms for the reduction or elimination of hazards commonly associated with non-commercial, field fabricated research equipment. Primary responsibility falls upon the Principal Investigator (PI) and the individual academic unit which must implement policies and educate their constituents on equipment safety requirements. This Guideline applies to all UM-Dearborn personnel conducting scientific research with field fabricated equipment.