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All the rules of general safety used in
other school laboratories apply equally to
the electrical/electronics lab. So that you
are aware of these, some of the more
important ones will be repeated.
1. Many painful accidents occur by care-
less and thoughtless actions—think!
2. Your instructor is there to help. Ask for
his or her approval before starting
activities. This will save time and may
help prevent accidents.
3. Report any injury at once. A small cut
can develop into serious trouble if not
properly cared for.
4. Your eyes are a priceless possession.
Wear safety goggles when grinding or
when working where sparks or chips
are flying. It is also wise to wear eye
protection when soldering or when
working around automotive (lead-acid)
storage batteries.
5. Keep the lab floors clean and free of
litter that might cause someone to slip
or stumble.
6. Use tools correctly and do not use
them if they are not in proper working
condition.
7. Observe proper ways of handling and
lifting objects. Get help to lift heavy
objects.
8. Do not talk to or attract the attention of
anyone else when operating machinery.
9. Never leave a machine running or
coasting/running down to stop. Wait for
it to stop completely before leaving it.
10. Obtain permission from your instructor
before using any power tools.
Special Safety Rules for the
Electricity/Electronics Lab
1. Observe safety rules concerning each
project and be particularly careful not
to contact any wire or terminal that is
connected to a high voltage.
2. When testing your projects, always
keep one hand in your pocket. If two
hands are in contact with a circuit, a
current could potentially flow through
your body causing death or serious
injury.
3. Do not apply voltage or turn on any
device until it has been properly
checked by the instructor.
4. A project turned off and disconnected
from the power source can still contain
a charge of electricity. Always short out
capacitors with a low value, high
wattage resistor or with an insulated
screwdriver before attempting to work
on or repair a project involving a
capacitor.
5. If your project should blow a fuse in
the main power line, do not turn it
on until the trouble is discovered and
remedied. Have your instructor
assist you.
6. Always stand at a safe distance and
look away from any project when it is
turned on for the first time to minimize
possible harm if there is a problem
with the circuit. Be sure your instructor
is present.
7. Know where the fire extinguishers are
placed in your laboratory.
8. Wires carrying excessive current, resis-
tors and vacuum tubes get hot while
operating. Wait for them to cool before
attempting to touch them.
9. Be sure equipment is in proper work-
ing order before use. Frayed cords and
damaged plugs are a major source of
accidents.
10. Ask for instruction before using any
piece of electronic test equipment. One
wrong connection can destroy an
instrument. Repair or replacement of
electronic instruments can be expensive.
Electricity and Electronics Lab Safety