SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY
Various hazards present themselves in the Laboratory because of the use of sophisticated equipment and techniques. You will do the experiments involving the sealed radioactive sources, X ray radiation, voltages higher than 40V, strong magnetic field, flame and some harmful chemicals. Prevention of injury, to yourself and to others, is a matter of being aware of and treating with respect apparatus and materials which may be potentially hazardous. One of the goals of the PHYS2110/2030 course is to instruct you in the safe use of equipment and materials commonly encountered in research and industrial laboratories. We have endeavoured to make the lab as safe as possible for you, but ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure your own safety and that of others.

It is essential that you behave safely in the laboratory at all times and follow these safety rules

• No running or jumping in the laboratory.
• Smoking, drinking and eating are forbidden in the laboratory. The only exception is drinking from or around the water fountain near the entrance door.
• Always wear adequate foot covering in the laboratory; bare feet, thongs and open shoes are not permitted. In a case of wearing inappropriate shoes you will be excluded from the laboratory class.
• All bags and backpacks have to be placed on the low shelves of the benches. Do not keep them on the floor to prevent the blockage of the pathways between the benches.
• Always read the safety precautions for the activity related to the experiment you are going to do (they described in the instruction for the each experiment in your lab manual) before making up any circuits or turning on any equipment.
• Always follow the safety signs and circuit diagrams provided for the experiments with the potential hazards.
• Before wiring up the experiments ensure that all power supplies are off and all voltages are dialled to 0. Always switch the power off before making any wiring changes.
• Care must be exercised when unplugging electrical apparatus from the mains power sockets. First the socket should be switched off and you must keep your fingers away from the pins on the plug.
• Some experiments use voltages exceeding 40V. You must always use the leads with shrouded connectors provided for these experiments.
• Be aware of the location of the fire extinguishers, fire blanket and emergency exits in the laboratory.
• Wear the protective thermo-gloves or goggles when advised.
• Report to the Lab Manager or Demonstrator about any defects in the laboratory equipment. Do not attempt to fix any equipment yourself.
• Report any medical conditions that could put you at risk during the lab experiments (ex. Strong magnetic field can affect people with any sort of conductive implant).
• Stop experiment immediately and notify the Lab Manager or Demonstrator if you feel sick or dizzy.
• If an accident does occur, notify the Lab manager or Demonstrator without delay. In a case of electrical shock do not touch a casualty still receiving a charge- you will get a shock yourself.

Safety Precautions For Naked Flame (Stirling engine experiment)

• Check the location of the Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket before you start.
• Tie back loose or long hair and secure loose sleeves.
• Never reach across a naked flame. Most accidents involve people setting their clothing or hair alight.
• Remember that flames make things Hot.
  
• The Fire Extinguishers in the Lab use CO2. Their output will be very cold – do not spray onto people from a short distance.
• The Fire Blanket should be fully extended and then wrapped around the part of the person that is alight. Gently pat the blanket to extinguish flames.
• Do not move or attempt to refill the spirit lamp whilst it is still alight.
• Ensure that you are wearing your laboratory coat throughout the entire experiment.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION
The Evacuation Alarm has two distinct tones: the first tone is called the Alert tone (Beep beep sound), which is used to alert the occupants of the building to prepare for an evacuation and to mobilise the evacuation personnel in the building. Upon hearing this alarm turn off any equipment, pack up your personal belongings and wait for the evacuation tone or further instructions.
The second tone is called the Evacuation tone (Whoop Whoop sound and recorded voice asking you to evacuate the building). Upon hearing this alarm you MUST EVACUATE the building in an orderly fashion via the nearest fire stairs or exit (DO NOT USE LIFTS!) and meet at the assembly area outside the southern entrance to the Old Main Building (i.e. Barker St. side, Village Green).

 

Further Information

Contact:

• Dr. Mary Beilby mjb@phys.unsw.edu.au
• Tamara Reztsova rt@phys.unsw.edu.au