Power Disruption

General Information:

Power failures may occur either as a result of a failure of NSAC equipment, or as a result of a failure of NS Power equipment. Unless the weather is extremely severe, the failure of electrical power is more of an inconvenience than an emergency.

The NSAC campus is equipped with emergency generators which will maintain power to designated areas of the campus for an extended period of time. Some of the emergency lighting units situated throughout the campus are of a battery back-up design and will last for a minimum of 20 minutes to a maximum of two hours without recharge.

During this time period, efforts will be made by the Physical Plant Department. If the duration of power outage is lengthy, the Executive will be informed and they will make the determination whether or not to suspend operations until the power supply is returned.

In the event that there is a risk of injury to any person on campus due to the absence of electrical power, the President may issue instructions to suspend operations in those areas.

Any chemistry, radiation, biological or other scientific experiment which is underway at the time of the power failure will be terminated in the most expedient manner without endangering the persons involved. Where the power failure has resulted in contamination or injury to a person, the appropriate response mechanism will be initiated.

Power failures do not render the telephone system inoperative, as it is equipped with a battery back-up system. Certain display type telephones may not function as they normally would without electrical power (i.e. displays and/or ringers may not function).

In the event of an outage:

∙ Remain calm

If the power will be out for a prolonged period, causing potential for serious damage or injury or the extended disruption to business, then the Emergency Response Plan may be activated at the discretion of the President (or designate).