The following general rules and precautions are to be observed at all times in the laboratory. These rules are for the benefit of the experimenter as well as those around him/her. Additional rules and precautions may apply to a particular laboratory.
1. There must be at least two (2) people in the laboratory while working onlive circuits or chemical processing.
2. Shoes must be worn at all
times.
3. Remove all loose conductive jewelry and trinkets, including
rings, which may come in contact with exposed circuits. (Do not wear long loose
ties, scarves, or other loose clothing around machines.)
4. Consider all
circuits to be "hot" unless proven otherwise.
5. When making
measurements, form the habit of using only one hand at a time. No part of a live
circuit should be touched by the bare hand.
6. Keep the body, or any part
of it, out of the circuit. Where interconnecting wires and cables are involved,
they should be arranged so people will not trip over them.
7. Be as neat
a possible. Keep the work area and workbench clear of items not used in the
experiment.
8. Always check to see that the power switch is OFF before
plugging into the outlet. Also, turn instrument or equipment OFF before
unplugging from the outlet.
9. When unplugging a power cord, pull on the
plug, not on the cable.
10. When disassembling a circuit, first remove
the source of power.
11. "Cheater" cords and 3-to-2 prong adapters are
prohibited unless an adequate separate ground lead is provided, the equipment or
device is double insulated, or the laboratory ground return is known to be
floating.
12. No ungrounded electrical or electronic apparatus is to be
used in the laboratory unless it is double insulated or battery
operated.
13. Keep fluids, chemicals, and beat away from instruments and
circuits.
14. Report any damages to equipment, hazards, and potential
hazards to the laboratory instructor.
15. If in doubt about electrical
safety, see the laboratory instructor. Regarding specific equipment, consult the
instruction manual provided by the manufacturer of the equipment. Information
regarding safe use and possible- hazards should be studied
carefully.