INTRODUCTION TO SAFETY

AND HEALTH HAZARDS

PREVENT ACCIDENTS: FOLLOW
THIS ADVICE
• Never hurry. Work deliberately and carefully.
• Check circuit power supply voltages for proper value
and for type (DC, AC, frequency) before energizing
the circuit.
• Remove conductive watch bands or chains, finger
rings, wrist watches, etc., and do not use metallic
pencils, metal or metal edge rulers, etc. when
working with exposed circuits.
PREVENT ACCIDENTS: FOLLOW
THIS ADVICE (cont.)
• If you are working with a lab kit that has internal
power supplies, turn the main power switch OFF
before you begin work on the circuits. Wait a few
seconds for power supply capacitors to discharge.
These steps will also help prevent damage to circuits.
• Do not run wires over moving or rotating equipment,
or on the floor, or string them across walkways from
bench-to-bench.
PREVENT ACCIDENTS: FOLLOW
THIS ADVICE (cont.)
• When breaking an inductive circuit open the switch
with your left hand and turn your face away to avoid
danger from any arc which may occur across the
switch terminals.
• If you are working with a circuit that will be
connected to an external power supply, turn the
power switch of the external supply OFF before you
begin work on the circuit.
BASIC ELECTRICAL
SAFETY PRACTICES
 SAFE WORK PRACTICES

• Turn off and unplug equipment (instead of relying on interlocks that

can fail) before removing the protective cover to clear a jam, replace a
part, adjust or troubleshoot. Ask a qualified person to do the work if it
involves opening equipment and creating an exposure to energized
parts operating at 50 volts or more.

• Don't use an electrical outlet or switch if the protective cover is ajar,

cracked or missing.

• Only use DRY hands and tools and stand on a DRY surface when
using electrical equipment, plugging in an electric cord, etc.
 SAFE WORK PRACTICES (cont.)
• Never put conductive metal objects into energized
equipment.
• Always pick up and carry portable equipment by
the handle and/or base. Carrying equipment by the
cord damages the cord's insulation.
• Unplug cords from electrical outlets by pulling on the
plug instead of pulling on the cord.
• Use extension cords temporarily. The cord should be
appropriately rated for the job.
• Use extension cords with 3 prong plugs to ensure that
equipment is grounded.
 SAFE WORK PRACTICES (cont.)
• Re-route electrical cords or extension cords so they aren't
run across the floor, under rugs or through doorways, etc.
Stepping on, pinching or rolling over a cord will break
down the insulation and will create shock and fire
hazards.
• Don't overload extension cords, multi-outlet strips and
wall outlets.
• Heed the warning signs, barricades and/or guards that
are posted when equipment or wiring is being repaired or
installed or if electrical components are exposed.
• Never remove the grounding post from a 3 prong plug so
you can plug it into a 2 prong, wall outlet or extension
cord.
HEALTH HAZARDS
 I. CHEMICAL HAZARDS

• Many chemicals reagents can be hazards. Acids and

caustics materials are corrosive to the skin and mucous
membrane.
• Exposure to organic solvents can results in any number of
harmful effects. Chemical pneumonitis, liver damage, and
kidney damage have all been reported as resulting from
exposure to various organic solvent.
 CHEMICAL HAZARDS (cont.)

• Many common chemical reagents are potent systemic

poisons. Arsenic, potassium, and sodium cyanide are just
few example of powerful systemic poisons that are
commonly found in engineering laboratories. Benzine is
carcinogenic.
• Many of the metals used in engineering laboratories are
hazardous to exposed personnel. Some of metallic
elements are considered to be carcinogens. Chromium,
nickel, and arsenic fall in this group.
 CHEMICAL HAZARDS (cont.)

• Many of the metals affect the central nervous system.

Mercury, lead, cadmium, and cobalt are member of
this group.
• Other target areas of the body affected by metals
includes the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal
tract, the cardiovascular system, the liver, and the
kidneys.
 CHEMICAL HAZARDS (cont.)

BEWARE OF:
 Liquids like cleaning products, paints, acids, solvents especially
chemicals in an unlabelled container (warning sign!)
 Vapors and fumes, for instance those that come from welding
or exposure to solvents
 Gases like acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide and helium
 Flammable materials like gasoline, solvents and explosive
chemicals.
 II. ELECTROMAGNETIC AND
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
• In engineering laboratories are generally confined to
radiation in its various forms or to electrical shock.
• ULTRAVIOLENT LIGHT,
LIGHT a type of non-ionizing
radiation, can be a definite hazards since if affects the eye.
• Also over exposure to ionizing radiation, such as alpha,
beta, gamma, and x-ray, can also be a very real hazards if
used improperly.
 ELECTROMAGNETIC AND
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS (cont.)

• MICROWAVE RADIATION is
another type of non-ionizing
radiation that can present hazards
to personnel. Also it results in both
eye and skin damage.
 III. SHOP HAZARD

• These hazards include fragmentation of

grinders, flying metals or chips, unshielded
belts and wheels, clothing being caught in
moving machinery and eye damage to
unshielded bystanders during arc welding.
 IV. NOISE HAZARD

• Not all sound is noise, noise is sound that people do

not like.
• Noise can be annoying and it can interfere with your
ability to work by causing stress and disturbing your
concentration.
• Noise can cause accidents by interfering with
communication and warning signals.
• Noise can also cause you to lose your hearing.
 IV. NOISE HAZARD (cont.)

• POINTS TO REMEMBER:
1. Short-term exposure to excessive (too much) noise can cause
temporary hearing loss, lasting from a few seconds to a few
days.

2. Exposure to noise over a long period of time can cause

permanent hearing loss.

3. Noise can cause stress and interfere with concentration. It can

cause chronic health problems and it can also cause accidents
by interfering with communication and warning signals.