Safety Plan

Risks

See the spreadsheet detailing risk level

Compressor and Pressurized Air Storage Tank
  • Possibility of tank failure with risk of explosion of projectiles
    • Make sure the tank is in a safe place at all times and avoid placing it somewhere where it could be tipped over.
    • Strap down the pressure vessel to avoid tipping
  • Beware of Wrap Points
    • Make sure the area is clear before starting compressor/motor
      • Create startup procedure
      • Reference manufacturer literature
    • Exposed rotating components that could snag, grab, or tangle loose clothing, hair, and body parts
    • Wear hair up and do not wear overly baggy clothing around the motor
  • Noise and ear PPE
    • Decibel measurement and OSHA guideline
Heat Exchanger
  • Expansion and contraction cycle
    • Heating and cooling metal continuously can lead to the material failing. This can lead to gasses or fluids escaping the system.
    • Check for cracks and leaks before use
    • Replace broken or worn out parts before they break catastrophically
  • Other failures
    • Modeling impact of alterations to heat exchanger
      • Pressure sensors
    • Operate under low pressure and with benign working fluids
    • Have an expert look over our work
  • Burn hazards
    • Label hot surfaces and high risk areas
    • Be aware of hot materials, objects, and equipment when in the lab
    • PPE and proper clothing
Turbine Motor
    • Flying particles or debris blown by compressed air can result in eye injuries, cuts, and scrapes
      • Wear PPE and proper clothing to protect eyes and body
      • Cover coupling system and air motor with plexiglass cover
    • Air injection into the body can lead to air embolism
      • Never point the nozzle of an air hose at anyone and never use compressed air to clean debris from a person’s skin or clothing
    • Beware of Wrap Points
      • Exposed rotating components that could snag, grab, or tangle loose clothing, hair, and body parts
      • Wear hair up and do not wear overly baggy clothing around the motor
      • Square and hexagonal shafts are more dangerous than smooth shafts because they tend to grip quicker
    • Be careful of light bulbs exploding from over power
      • Wire enough light bulbs for expected power output
      • Cover light bulb configuration with plexiglass or other clear plastic covering.

TIP: Once something is entangled in the rotating shaft, pulling at it only makes the wrap tighter

  • Burs, set screws, and bolt heads attached to the rotating shaft
    • Hazardous projections on rotating shafts can rip and tear at clothing, skin, and body parts.
    • Be aware of you proximity to the rotating shaft at all times
    • Only interact with the motor when required and try not to do so with your bare hands
Electrical Concerns
  • Connections should be UL listed (Underwriters Laboratory) or connected by a licensed electrician
  • Engineering controls to keep electricity away from water

Data Acquisition 

  • When using thermocouple welder, make sure to use proper eye protection

In The Event of an Emergency

  • Call public safety emergency line (610)-330-4444 or 4444 from a school phone
  • In the event of an incident in the lab, it is always safer and more efficient to call the public safety emergency line. Easton police have trouble locating specific buildings and often do not have the fob or key access.