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THIRD
YEAR LABORATORY
SAFETY
IN THE LABORATORY
Various
hazards present themselves in the physics laboratory due
to the use of sophisticated equipment and techniques. 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 third year physics laboratory courses 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.
If
an accident does occur, notify a lab demonstrator
without delay
- they can quickly locate someone trained in first
aid!
In
case of an evacuation alarm, evacuate
the building in an orderly fashion,
via the nearest fire stairs or exit
(DO NOT USE LIFTS!) and meet at the
assembly area on the Village Green (=sports oval)
west of the Old Main Building. |
Following
is a summary of the most basic rules and points; for detailed
safety instructions on individual experiments,
particularly those involving lasers, radioactive sources
or liquid nitrogen, consult the experiment notes
and a demonstrator ; for details of the hazards
associated with, and precautions for the safe handling
of, the various chemicals and substances
used in the laboratory, consult the relevant Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS) folder on the laboratory's
bookshelf.
-
before
starting any experiment always check
with a demonstrator about any potential hazards relating
to the particular experiment and how to deal with them
-
never
work alone in the laboratory
-
always
wear adequate foot covering in the laboratory;
bare feet, thongs and open shoes are not permitted
-
report
any damaged power points immediately;
remember that 240V is lethal and water
and electricity don't mix; switch off mains sockets
before unplugging equipment; do not place
water where it can spill on electrical equipment; take
special care when using electric hair driers and fans
-
do
not run in the lab; immediately wipe
up any slippery substances spilt on the floor
-
food
and drink are not to be consumed
at the experimental benches; a special area, with coffee/tea
making facilities, is set aside for this purpose
-
broken glass must be disposed of in the
designated bins - do not use the normal
rubbish bins
-
when
using lasers wear appropriate
eye protection as specified by your notes and
demonstrator. Never look directly into the laser
output! Beware of stray reflections (remove all
jewellery from your hands/arms); maintain experimental
set ups at low height to prevent inadvertent scattering
of light into your colleagues' eyes. First time users
will be given training in laser safety techniques.
-
pieces
of optical fibre can easily lodge in
the eyes or skin; always use protective goggles,
take extreme care in handling fibres and carefully dispose
of broken pieces in the containers provided
-
light
choppers can also cut and chop hands
and fingers; take care!
-
with
radioactive sources, which will be issued
against lodgement of your student card and collected at
the end of each lab session, minimise your exposure
by maximising your distance, minimising your exposure
time and using appropriate shielding; never eat or drink
when using radioactive sources and always wash
your hands after using sources; ensure that others
are not unknowingly exposed to the radiation. First time
users will be given training in the safe use of the laboratory=s
radioactive sources.
-
when
using liquid nitrogen always wear protective
goggles; wear protective gloves
and a laboratory coat when transporting or transferring
the liquid; do not mix with other liquids or pour down
the sink. First time users will be given training in the
safe handling of liquid nitrogen.
-
always
use the safety shield and wear goggles
when using glass vacuum apparatus
-
use regulators correctly on compressed
gas cylinders; ensure that cylinders are properly
secured in a vertical position
-
when
using high voltage equipment, touch with one hand
only (keep other hand in pocket)
| So
remember... SAFETY FIRST !
- when in doubt, ask a demonstrator |
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Further
Information |
Contact:
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