ME 4751 – ENERGY SYSTEMS LABORATORY SAFETY

Safe conduct of the laboratory experiments is of paramount importance in ME

4751. The laboratory experiments to be performed by the students have been designed with
safety in mind. In order to avoid the possibility of injuries it is important that the students
be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to all instructions. It is always possible
that unforeseen events may lead to circumstances that are potentially dangerous. In that
case prompt and correct response can minimize the potential for personal injury.

Most often safety in the laboratory can be ensured if simple, common sense rules
are strictly applied. For example, inappropriate behavior in the laboratory can be
dangerous, and will not be tolerated. It is important that students never work alone. Be
careful when using glassware in the laboratory, due to the possibility of breakage. In
particular, thermometers are quite fragile, and should not be employed as stirring rods.
Never bend or kink the power cord on an instrument, as this can crack the insulation,
thereby introducing the danger of electrical shocks or burns. If it is necessary to use a hot
plate in an experiment, it is important that the heating element never come in contact with
fingers, clothing, or the power cord of an instrument. Never leave an experiment
unattended. Familiarize yourself with the location of all safety devices, and always exercise
caution and good judgement.

Safety glasses are available for use by the students. Their use is mandatory in
situations where chemicals can be splashed into the eyes, or where solid particles may enter
the eye. Safety glasses are designed to be worn over prescription lenses. If your eyes are
exposed to any solid particles or liquid splatters, contact the instructor immediately. In the
event that minor cuts or burns are experienced in the laboratory, a first aid kit is mounted
on the wall of BRWN 108 by the sink. The kit contains a variety of bandages, antiseptic
wipes, etc., and instructions for simple medical procedures. Quickly inform the instructor
if minor medical attention is required.

Fire extinguishers carry classifications on their nameplates that consist of a numeral

followed by a letter. The numeral indicates the approximate relative fire extinguishing
capacity on that class of fire, which is identified by a letter. Class A fires involve ordinary
combustible materials such as paper, wood, fabrics, rubber, and many plastics. Quenching
by water or Halon 1211, or insulating by a multipurpose chemical agent, is effective. Class
B fires occur in flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, greases, tars, paints, lacquers, and
flammable gases. Dry chemicals, Halon 1211, and carbon dioxide agents extinguish these
fires. Class C fires take place in live electrical equipment such as motors, generators,
switches, and appliances. Nonconducting extinguishing agents such as dry chemicals,
Halon 1211, or carbon dioxide are required to extinguish them. A fire extinguisher (Class
ABC) is located on the north wall adjacent to the door to the laboratory in BRWN 108. In
order to actuate a fire extinguisher, follow the instructions written on the device. It is
typically necessary to be fairly close to the fire, i.e., within approximately 10 feet. Always
direct the extinguisher stream to the base of the flames. This will remove the oxygen source
and smother the flames.

ME 4751 Fall 2019

 To lessen the chance of receiving an electrical shock make sure that equipment
power cords are not frayed. Do not touch electrical equipment while standing on metal
floors, damp concrete, or other well-grounded surfaces, and do not handle electrical
equipment while wearing damp clothing (particularly wet shoes) or while skin surfaces are
damp. If you observe an individual being electrically shocked, cut the voltage and/or
remove the victim from contact as quickly as possible, but without endangering your own
safety. Use a length of dry wood, rope, blanket, etc., to pry or pull the victim loose. Do not
waste valuable time looking for the power switch. The resistance of the victim decreases
with time, and a fatal current level of 100 to 200 mA may be reached if action is delayed.
If the victim is unconscious and has stopped breathing, start artificial respiration at once.
Do not stop resuscitation until medical help arrives.

In the event of a major emergency it is important to alert the proper authorities

immediately. In order to contact off-campus emergency personnel by telephone, dial 9-
911. Telephones are located in all ME faculty offices, in the ME shop, and in the main ME
office. The telephone number of TTU Safety and Security is 3234. Fire alarms are located
by the entrances to the first floor of Brown Hall at the east and west ends of the main
hallway, as well as at the north entrance to the building.

ME 4751 Fall 2019