Battery Precautions

The batteries we will be using are Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). LiFePO4 batteries are the safest option, as they are not prone to overheating or exploding due to their strong covalent bonds in the cathode of the battery. Our batteries will be stored in a closed environment, shielded from weather conditions and other hazards that could affect the battery or the MARGE user.

Weight Concerns

The MARGE system will weigh around 75lbs. The cart will be around 25 lbs and the dock will be around 50lbs. We will make sure the cart is light enough to move quickly but heavy enough to not be blown away by a storm. The dock will be heavy enough to stay in place beside the owner’s driveway, not having to be moved for weather conditions.

General Safety Concerns

The MARGE cart will be moving into the center of the driveway in front of a moving vehicle. The cart will be large enough to be seen, with bright colors to be seen at night. If the cart is hit, it will be damaged, but it will not damage the car enough to hurt any of the passengers in it. The goal of MARGE is to stop incoming vehicles into a driveway, but it is safe to come in contact with. 

While building MARGE, the team will wear closed toed shoes, safety glasses, and no loose accessories. The team will also adhere to all laboratory safety rules set forth by Lafayette College.

 

 Safety Plan

Electronics/Digital Safety

General Safety

  • Use tools for the task they were made for.
  • Ensure the work environment is clear and there is adequate space for the current task.
  • Wear safety glasses when cutting, piercing, or snapping material.
  • When making physical alterations to a board or electrified part, disconnect the part from the power source. 

 

Soldering Safety

  • Clean the workspace before beginning to operate the equipment.
  • Ensure the cleaning sponge is wet when using a heating element.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Turn on the fume fan while working.
  • Do not use lead-based solder.
  • Ensure that all devices are off before leaving the lab.

Mechanical Safety 

Motor Safety

  • Keep your work area clean when working on motors.
  • If working on a motor with voltage being supplied, wear safety glasses.
  • Motor can spin fast, tie up any loose hair, clothing and jewelry before working on the motor.
  • When not actively testing the motor outside the cart, turn off its connection to power.
  • Do not exceed the maximum voltage of the motor (12V).
  • Keep hands away from the spinning motor.
  • When testing a motor with a load or wheel, remove any delicate or breakable objects away from the testing space in case the wheel or load comes loose.
  • Allow the motor to stop completely before removing any load, power source, or wheel.
  • If a wire becomes exposed for any reason or the motor malfunctions, turn off all power being supplied to the motor and allow it to cool down before fixing any issues.
  • If the motor becomes hot, turn off the power supply and allow the motor to cool before continuing testing.
  • When not working on the motor, store it away from the public to avoid any injury or motor malfunctions.
  • Always work with a partner when using the motor.

Cart Safety 

  • Wear safety glasses when handling materials, and assembling the cart.
  • When assembling, always have two people working together. 
  • Wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Watch for pitch points to not injure yourself. 
  • Do not have any food or liquids near the cart to refrain from damaging electrical components. 
  • Be cautious when carrying or lifting pieces and lift with a partner to avoid injury.
  • Handle the cart with care to avoid damaging the device or potential injury.
  • When operating power tools, follow all safety instructions on the tool, and have a partner present in case of emergency.
  • If the tool in operation requires it, make sure to wear the appropriate ear protection to avoid loud and damaging noises.
  • When not working on the cart, make sure to store the device somewhere not accessible to the public. 
  • After receiving cut parts from the machine shop wipe the surface down with a dry paper towel to remove any splinters and if sharp edges are present sand them down.

Dock Safety 

  • Always wear safety glasses when handling materials and assembling the dock.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Always have two or more people when working on the dock.
  • Watch for pinch points to avoid injury.
  • Do not insert anything but the cart into the charging port.
  • Keep all food and liquids away from the charging port.
  • Refer to power safety in regards to installation and handling of the solar panel to dock connection.
  • Be cautious when carrying or lifting pieces, and lift with a buddy to avoid injury.
  • When operating power tools, follow all safety directions on the tool, grab the tool by its body and never by its cord or hose; and have a buddy present in case of emergency.
  • If the tool in operation requires it, make sure to wear proper ear protection to avoid loud and damaging noises.
  • Make sure to avoid baggy clothing, low-hanging hair, and any other dangling objects (like jewelry) when assembling to avoid getting pinched or stuck.
  • When not directly working on the dock, make sure it is stored properly so nobody in the public could get hurt.

 

Power Electronics Safety

Chips, ICs, And PCBs

  • Store chips, ICs, and PCBs in non-metallic casing and in climate-controlled places.
  • If a chip, IC, or PCB has been run for an extended period of time allow at least two minutes for parts to cool before handling.
  • Peer-check connections before powering on a microprocessor or microcomputer.

Battery handling 

  • Wear safety glasses when connecting the battery.
  • Do not bring food or drinks near the battery.
  • Remove all jewelry that could touch the battery. 
  • Always wear closed-toed shoes.
  • Handle battery with care.
  • Battery should be placed on non-conductive material. 
  • When disconnecting the battery from the dock or the cart, disconnect the ground terminal first.
  • When connecting the battery to the dock or the cart, connect the ground terminal first.
  • Avoid short-circuiting the battery (connecting the terminals together). By any means!
  • When the battery is not in use and in storage, place covers over the terminals to mitigate shorting the terminals.
  • Incase of puncture of battery keep battery acid clean up kit in lab.
  • When connecting or disconnecting the battery to the cart on or dock ensure that the kill switch in the location is turned off.

Battery Storage

  • Store the battery in a dry location at ambient temperature.
  • Store in a controlled environment.
  • Only team members should have access to the batteries.

Solar Panel Handling

  • Wear safety glasses and closed-toed shoes.
  • Keep food and drinks away from the solar panel at all times.
  • Have two people handling the solar panel if you want to move it.
  • Handle the solar panel with care.
  • Do not drop or shake the solar panel.
  • Be cautious when wiring the solar panel and only wire the solar panel to the designated solar controller.
  • Do not disconnect the panel when it has a load attached

Solar Panel Storage

  • Store upright inside a controlled environment.
  • Only team members may have access to the solar panel.