Opinion ID: 1706754
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Testing Procedures:

Text: A. Schedule of Testing: The following equipment testing procedures shall be conducted by the electrician, assisted by the maintenance staff or the superintendent's designee, during (1) the first two weeks of each calendar quarter, (2) within ten calendar days after each death warrant is signed, and (3) on the day prior to a scheduled execution. The schedule referenced in (1) shall become effective during the quarter commencing July 1, 1997. The schedule referenced in (2) shall become effective for all death warrants signed after the date of these testing procedures. The schedule referenced in (3) shall become effective for any execution scheduled after the date of these testing procedures. B. Pre-Test Equipment Examination and Procedures: 1. Saturated Saline Solution: The electrician shall mix the saturated saline solution at the beginning of the testing procedures. A saturated saline solution is professionally described as a mixture of salt and water where, after having thoroughly stirred the mixture, undissolved salt remains in the bottom of the container. This composition can be attained through the mixture of three gallons of water with one gallon of salt. 2. Natural Sea Sponges: Only natural sea sponges shall be used for testing and executions. The sponges selected for the testing shall be inspected to detect tears, foreign debris, or other defects that could hamper the efficiency of the sponge. The dimensions of the sponges shall also be checked to insure sufficient coverage of the electrodes. If a sponge is determined unsuitable, it shall be discarded and a new sponge selected. [NOTE: A new natural sea sponge shall be used for every test and for every execution.] 3. Emergency Generator: The electrician shall start the emergency generator for each test. Power is directed only to the reactor switch gear during the test, eliminating emergency generated power to any other area but the execution chamber. 4. Safety Switch and Cables: Check safety switch to assure the breakers are in the open position. Check attached cables to verify serviceable condition. 5. Chart Recorder: The electrician shall test the calibration of the chart recorder and shall visually and manually check the pens for adequate ink. To test the calibration of the chart recorder, the electrician shall compare the amperage and voltage meters located on the execution panel with the amperage and voltage on the chart recorder. If the amperages and voltages readings are similar, the chart recorder is accepted as calibrated. If the chart recorder is determined to be uncalibrated, the electrician shall immediately have a professional electrical engineer recalibrate the chart recorder before proceeding with further testing. Faulty pens shall be replaced by the electrician. 6. Reactor Switch Gear: After checking safety switch and cables, check reactor switch gear for proper voltage. Energize the control circuit breaker. Engage control circuit breaker to execution panels. 7. Execution Control Panel: Check control panel for proper voltage. 8. Head Piece/Leg Piece/Leather Lace/Leather Body Straps/Chin Strap/Sponges: Examine head piece for corrosion, screen breaks or indications of wear. Examine leg piece for corrosion or indications of wear. Examine leather lace, leather body straps, and chin strap for tears or indications of wear. Defects shall be corrected or equipment replaced prior to further testing. C. The Test: After the equipment is examined, remove the natural sea sponges from the saturated saline solution and position in the head piece and leg piece to cover the electrodes. Connect the head piece and leg piece to a repeatable resistive load to measure voltage and amperage. Energize power to the execution control panel. Close safety switch. Energize the execution switch. Begin automatic cycle with the programmed 2,300 volts, 9.5 amps, for 8 seconds; 1,000 volts, 4 amps for 22 seconds; and 2,300 volts, 9.5 amps for 8 seconds. After cycling is completed, manually disconnect the equipment at both the execution panel and the safety switch. Shut down all other related operational equipment. D. Post-Test Equipment Examination and Procedures: 1. Immediately following completion of this test, examine electrodes, sponges, leather, and all related equipment for damage or wear. If any equipment or material is found to be damaged, worn or faulty, it shall be replaced. 2. If any test fails for any reason, the problem shall be identified, corrected, and the testing process repeated until the testing procedures are successfully completed at all levels. 3. The results of the testing procedures shall be written on the chart recorder paper and shall be turned over to the superintendent. The chart recorder paper shall include the date of the testing and the start and finish times and shall be signed by the electrician conducting the testing procedures. 4. The superintendent shall provide the Secretary of the Department of Corrections with written results of each test performed.