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quantumchromodynamics
Hazard to Self
Posts: 67
Registered: 25-9-2013
Location: with much determination, nowhere in particluar
Member Is Offline
Mood: tired but still trying
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safety consciousness
I continue to experiment with HF HV devices. It is interesting how HF HV safety precautions are analogous to chemistry precautions.
In HV you always do a full set of measurements with a low voltage excitement in order to verify your setup and comprehension is expected. The chemical
analogy is to perform miniature test reactions.
When HV is online you must always be aware of where both of your hands are, and only manipulate the system with one hand. This sounds simple but it
requires discipline. For example, you can't lean on something with one hand and move a wire with the other hand. In any lab work it seems important to
always be conscious of both hands. This definitely applies to the chemistry of energetic materials.
For me, the most important safety precaution is a kind of mental check. Always move slowly, and if you get confused, or something random pops into
your head immediately stop moving and think. Always reserve the option not to do something. You can always wait a few extra seconds to think. If you feel so tired or time constrained that a few
extra seconds is wasting time, then shut everything down and go do something else.
[Edited on 2-11-2013 by quantumchromodynamics]
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Magpie
lab constructor
Posts: 5939
Registered: 1-11-2003
Location: USA
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Mood: Chemistry: the subtle science.
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Excellent analogy, quantum. I have been working with a high pressure Hg arc tube recently that produces UV light that will burn the retina and skin.
I have placed the power switch in a location such that I cannot see this light except by its reflection from a dark irregular surface.
Another good check is to fully assemble any complicated apparatus before loading any chemicals and greasing the connections.
A further good precaution is to leak check the apparatus before charging any chemicals. I failed to do this recently and therefore likely wasted a
lot of Cl2.
The single most important condition for a successful synthesis is good mixing - Nicodem
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Arthur Dent
National Hazard
Posts: 553
Registered: 22-10-2010
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Mood: entropic
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Not as elaborate as the eye wash station, a plain "eye bath" kit is only a few bucks and always a good thing to have at hand when working with
hazardous chems. Mind the expiration date though, I wouldn't use a solution that's a year older than the actual expiration date.
As for kitty litter, it's awesome cheap and great for spillage (just make sure the bag is open so you don't have to fiddle with it in case of
emergency), and empty gallon jugs of water can be used for a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize moderate acid spills. A big glass
jar with the contents of 3 or 4 boxes of Cow Brand can also be handy for big nasty acid spills.
As stated by all the previous posters, a full frontal apron, good gloves, good goggles and a full face shield are a must if you're going to play with
corrosive stuff.
Beyond that, you'll have to determine what you'll need based on what you want to do. 
Rob
--- Art is making something out of nothing and selling it. - Frank Zappa ---
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ScienceHideout
Hazard to Others
Posts: 391
Registered: 12-3-2011
Location: In the Source
Member Is Offline
Mood: High Spin
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Sorry for the delayed reply
Quote: Originally posted by bfesser  | | [thred-rez] Not a good plan. You'd be surprised how difficult it is to accomplish simple tasks or even complete basic coherent thoughts when
your hair is on fire, your face is covered in splattered lye, or you're temporarily blinded by bleach—speaking from experience. If it
involved threaded connections; you'd be fucked. I prefer something you can find while drunk, blindfolded, and wearing earplugs; where you can just
smash a huge paddle, stomp on a peddle, or pull a giant lever to get drenched in life and limb saving water. |
Sorry it took me so long to reply...
It is not a threaded connection- I rigged up a cork to the end to it, so all I have to do is shove it into the end of the sink. It is pretty simple,
but I can agree with you that it might be difficult to do in an emergency- however, for now, there is not much of a substitute. Perhaps I could
permanently attach a y connector to the faucet, and put a valve on one side, and have the shower head always attached to that. I may do this in the
future, but I feel that what I have now is 100000000x better than nothing!
P.S. Arthur- Do you plan on opening your eyewash bottle? Having a bottle sitting there means less packaging to take off when there is an emergency.
[Edited on 3-11-2013 by ScienceHideout]
hey, if you are reading this, I can't U2U, but you are always welcome to send me an email!
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