Safety in electronics labs

1. 2319

2. SAFETY
Working together in electronics.
Safety is no accident.

3. Safety Concerns
•Electrical
•Physical
•Equipment

4. Electrical
• Cord plugs
• Frayed cords
• Extension cords
• Power Supplies
• Grounding of live electronics
• One hand meter reading
• Batteries
• Circuit Breakers
• Power Strips

5. Unplugging Cords
Unplug by the
plug, like this
Not by the
cord, like this

6. Damaged Cords
Broken insulation may expose live conductors.

7. Cord Plugs
Three prong plugs provide a safety ground path
for a circuit fault. Never cut off a 3rd prong. Use
a 2-prong adapter instead if you must.

8. Extension Cords
Be careful of cords across walk ways.

9. High voltage & Liquids

10. Water & Electricity do not mix!

11. Circuit Loading
Circuits, especially power strips can be
overloaded if too many things are drawing
power. Too much current flow can cause a
fire.

12. Explosive power in a battery

13. One Hand Meter Reading
Check “live” circuits with one hand securely
away from voltage. This will protect the
technician from fatal electrocution.

14. Physical Safety
• Burns
• Cuts
• Broken bones
• Breathing
• Eyes
• Ears

15. BURNS
• DO NOT touch anyone with the
soldering iron!
• Be careful with a heat gun.
• Remove rings when working with electricity.

16. BURNS
• Heat Gun
• Soldering

17. Cuts
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Utility knives
• Saws
• Drills
• Metal shears

18. Hack Saw
Use a vise or otherwise hold the work steady
for cutting. Keep fingers away from the blade.

19. Broken Bones
• Hammering
• Metal brake & shear

20. Breathing
Paint Solvents Soldering

21. Ladders! Big Safety Hazard!

22. Eyes
• Soldering
• Cutting wire
• Hand tools
• Power tools
• Grinding

23. Ears
• Grinding
• Hammering
• Music !

24. First Aid Kit
The first aid kit is in
Mr. Call’s front table
drawer

25. Fire Extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is
located by the back
emergency exit door

27. What should you find when you
enter a new work site?
• Exits
– Study the exit plan
– Practice for emergencies
• Safety equipment
– Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, fire alarms,
power cut-off switches, gas shut-off valves,
emergency lights

28. What should you do when
working at a lab or job site?
• Tag out / Lock out
• Protective clothing
– Hard hat
– Boots or shoes
– Aprons
• OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
– Safety training
– SDS or MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

29. Respect
• Be respectful and careful with all
equipment and tools.
• Treat others with respect.
• NO HORSEPLAY !
• Playing around with electricity could make
you lose your life, your job, your health, or
your credit for this class.

30. The Speed of Light !
186,282 miles / s
Or 300 million meters / s
Or 7 ¼ times around the world in one second.
The point: You can’t outrun electricity!
Electricity is just
a bit slower.