Laboratory Rules and Regulations

• Cleanup the bench before you leave.
• Nothing other than the instruments should be left on your table after you leave.
• Switch OFF all instruments before you leave.
• Return cables back to the marked cable racks.
• Swipe access to the lab will be revoked if you are found to be untidy.

Safety in the Student Projects Laboratory

To ensure a safe laboratory a list of rules and fundamental safety principles has been developed and provided to you in this page. These rules must be followed at all times. You will find this document as a contract here. Please print this out, sign this, and keep a copy for yourself. The signed copy should be handed over to John Kazana.

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. Never work in the lab alone.
2. Practice proper housekeeping and cleanliness. Poor housekeeping is a major factor in many accidents. A cluttered area is likely to be unsafe and inefficient.
   • Do not leave lose parts including wires on your bench. Leave your project in a cabinet.
   • Do not place drinks or food on your bench.
3. Identify hazards and anticipate problems.

   Many electrical hazards can be easily identified before a serious problem exists. Common indications of electrical problems include flickering lights, warm switches or receptacles, burning odors, lose connections, frayed, cracked or broken wires. Inspect all cords, plugs and equipment for possible damage and notify your instructor if you see any such damage. Also notify your instructor if you see any other sign of trouble such as loose wall sockets or sparks.

   In case of POWER FAILURE Call x4-4899 ( Area D ) or call EH&RS, x4-8749
   STOP WORKING !

   • Be aware of the fact that electronic components can overheat. Do not exceed the voltage and/or power rating of electronic components.
   • Be very careful to observe the polarity of electrolytic capacitors, which can explode if connected the wrong way.
   • While making circuit connections turn off all power first and unplug the equipment. Even then be aware that capacitors can store electric charges and give you an electric shock, especially if their capacitance is large and they are charged to a large voltage. Inductors have the ability to release stored energy at a much higher voltage than that used to pass a current through them. An arc is often created when a short circuit occurs or current flow is interrupted. If the current involved is strong enough, these arcs can cause injury or start a fire. Fires can also be started by overheated equipment,overheated electronic components or by conductors that carry too much current.
   • Notify your instructor if you receive an electric shock, however small.
   • If somebody else in the lab receives an electric shock, immediately turn off the power and/or remove the victim from the source of electricity WITHOUT coming into electrical contact yourself ( e.g., use a dry piece of wood, a dry piece of cloth, or a nonmetallic belt).

   MEDICAL EMERGENCY:

   • For minor injuries go to HEALTH SERVICES on the 3rd floor of John Jay Hall (114th ST. & Amsterdam Ave, southeast corner of campus). For more serious medical emergencies (unconsciousness, chest pain, breathing stops, deep cuts requiring stitches, etc.) CALL SECURITY at x99 DO NOT call 911!
   • Do not work when your skin is wet. Wear shoes while working, and be sure they are dry.
   • Do not wear metallic objects such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, or chains while working.
   • Be careful with soldering irons; they can cause burns or fires. Obtain training in soldering from an instructor.
   • Do not ignore electrical problems. Think through what might go wrong. Do not hesitate to discuss any situation or question with your instructor, teaching assistant and colleagues.
4. Resist "hurry-up" pressure. Program pressures should not cause you to bypass thoughtful consideration and planned procedures.
5. Design for safety. Consider safety to be an integral part of the design process.
6. Have designs reviewed by an instructor and/or a TA.
7. Have designs and operation verified.
8. Use electrical devices only as intended. Electrical devices may not be modified beyond the intent of their design. Electrical equipment is only safe when it is used according to its intended purpose. Some examples of misuse of electrical equipment are:
   • Pulling out a plug by the cord rather than by the plug.
   • Inserting wires or objects other than astandard plug into a receptacle outlet.
   • Deforming a contact to enable it to fit a receptacle for which it was not intended.
9. Reset circuit breakers only after the problem has been corrected.