Working with Electrically Powered Laboratory Equipment

C Working with Electrically Powered Laboratory Equipment 109... 

C WORKING WITH ELECTRICALLY POWERED LABORATORY EQUIPMENT... 

The risk associated with an experiment should be determined before the laboratory work begins. The hypothetical question that should be posed before an experiment is, "What would happen if... " For the possible contingencies, preparations should be made to take the appropriate emergency actions. The worka- should know the location of emergency equipment and how to use it. He or she should be familiar with emergency procedures and should know how to obtain help in an emergency. Any special safety precautions that may be required should be addressed before the experiment is begun. The consequences of loss of electrical power or water pressure should also be considered. 

As in the situation with fires or spills, it is best to turn off equipment before leaving a lab if it is possible to do so safely. If electrical power is lost in a building, laboratory fume hoods will not work. Any materials in the hoods should be capped, if it is possible to do so safely before leaving. 

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