Laboratory Safety
It is important that everything you do in laboratories is done safely. If you are unsure about any safety matter, ask the appropriate laboratory supervisor for instruction.
- The lecturer responsible for each laboratory class has complete charge during the class.
- Except when otherwise directed by the lecturer in charge, no experimental circuit is to be made live until the lecturer, or one of the demonstrators, has checked the circuit and ensured that all earth connections have been made.
- If any faults with equipment are suspected, the laboratory supervisor should be notified immediately.
- No live experimental circuit is to be left unattended.
- No student is to do any practical work using live equipment, or power and machine tools, whilst alone in a laboratory or workshop.
- It is highly desirable that shoes with insulating and non-slip soles and heels are worn. Bare feet, jandals or loose sandals, will not be permitted in laboratories.
- Smoking, eating or drinking in the laboratories is forbidden.
- After completion of an experiment students must tidy up and stow away.
Machines and Power Electronics Laboratories
- When taking part in experiments on rotating machines, ensure loose clothing or long hair that might entangle with equipment are restrained.
- The main switchboard is not to be operated by students, except under the direct supervision of a staff member.
- Be aware of the location of the emergency “stop” and “trip” buttons.
- After wiring the bench equipment, the supervisor must check the circuit before the supply is switched on.
- No leads are to be removed until the supply has been disconnected and any associated machinery has stopped rotating.
- Beware of energy storage devices, e.g. capacitors.
High Voltage Laboratory
Use of the laboratory and operation of controls is permitted only under the direct supervision of an authorized person. Authorisation is obtained from Mr Jac Woudberg.
Earthing
The outputs of permanent high voltage equipment are to be temporarily earthed when not in use. Any modification to the structure of these supplies should only be undertaken isolated from their permanent supplies. Any equipment to be energized must have all exposed metal connected to earth unless the metal forms part of the energized circuit. Any potentially live part of equipment under test and HV supply outputs will be earthed with temporary earths before personnel touch the equipment on non-earthed surfaces. Capacitors should be discharged to earth before touching. Any unused capacitors should be short circuited. Take care discharging capacitors, eg use appropriately sized discharge resistors.
Equipment Operation
Equipment is to be energized only by or under the direct supervision of an authorized user. A minimum of two people must be present in the laboratory when high voltage equipment is to be energized. When equipment is to be energized, all personnel are to be outside the test enclosure except when demonstrations, research or laboratories require personnel to interact with energized equipment (eg live-line maintenance). Movement is only permitted under the strict direction of an authorized user. Where more than one set of high voltage equipment is in use at the same time, the areas required for each task will be clearly defined and, at least, roped off to prevent wandering into restricted areas.
HV Supply Equipment Modification
No HV supply equipment will be modified unless undertaken by an authorized user or under the direction of an authorized user.
Noise
Flashovers can be noisy. Ear-muffs MUST be used to prevent hearing damage. Consideration and warning should be given to other laboratory users.
Electromagnetic Interference
Flashovers can be a source of electromagnetic interference. Equipment susceptible to this interference should be shielded. Consideration of the effect of any experiment should be given to other laboratory users and appropriate action taken to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference.
Computer Laboratory
Occupation Overuse Syndrome (OOS) is surprisingly common in frequent users of computer workstations. Students should be aware that they can minimize the risk of injury by:
- Ensuring that the chair, work surface, monitor and keyboard are in the correct position.
- Taking frequent breaks.
- Maintaining a straight-wrist position.
- Using the whole arm to move the mouse not just the wrist.
Once again if you are unsure of what is appropriate for you, check with the laboratory supervisor.