Demonstration Hazards

Hazard	Description	Mitigation	PPE Required
projectile	An object is launched across the room	Orient away from audience and walkways, PPE	Glasses
motor	An object rotates which may grab hair or loose clothing	Tie back hair and loose clothing
glass	Apparatus may intentionally or unintentionally shatter	Provide dustpan
sound	Sudden loud noises are produced	Audience warnings, PPE	Ear muffs
pressure	A pressurized gas is stored and delivered to the demo	Limit quantities, use regulators
cryogen	The demonstrator handles a cryogenic liquid	Limit quantities, PPE	Cryogen gloves, goggles
heat	Energy is dissipated as heat while the demo is running	Limit running time
fire	Demo involves an open flame such as a blowtorch	Compatible construction materials, extinguishing equipment, training in emergency procedures	Flame-resistant lab coat
fluid	Demo involves fluids which may spill causing stains or slippery conditions	Absorbent cleaning equipment
boiling water	Heated water presents a scalding hazard	Cooling time, secondary containers	Waterproof gloves
acid	A low-pH solution may spill or react	Compatible construction materials, spill kit, PPE	Lab coat, gloves, glasses, long pants, closed-toed shoes
lead/mercury	Apparatus contains specific toxic materials	PPE, spill kit	gloves
charge	Charge is stored on conductors which may present a minor shock (separately classify connection to 5kV power supply)	Grounding rods/discharge resistors
mains	120VAC	Add switches, guard contacts, label exposed contacts
MHV	Connected to high-power 120VDC supply or 208V three-phase supply	Add switches, guard contacts, label exposed contacts
HV	Connected to a >5kV supply	Add switches, guard contacts, label exposed contacts
arc	May cause an arc flash when switched	Grounding rods, current limiting
car battery	Uses a 12V car battery with exposed contacts and a dropping hazard which may fail when charging	Guard contacts, use cart, monitor while charging
radiation	Sealed radioactive source used in demo	ALARA
laser	Beam from a Class II laser used in demo	Awareness, obstruct secondary beams
EMF/EMI	Emits UV or radio interference	ALARA
strobe		Audience warning
asphyxiation	A gas displaces oxygen if released in sufficient quantities	Awareness
gravity	A >25lb object is elevated an intentionally dropped	Relevant demos retired
explosion	A spontaneous combustion is intentionally caused	Relevant demos retired
rocket	A rocket motor is ignited indoors	Relevant demos retired
gun	A firearm is fired indoors	Relevant demos retired

Chemical Hazards

A chemical inventory is available at https://physshop.mit.edu/safety-data-sheets

All Safety Data Sheets are hosted at web.mit.edu/tsg/sds/

EHS Training

Visit Learning Center -> My Profile -> My EHS Activities
Select Principal Investigator or Supervisor(s): Roland, Gunther M. (Physics) [head Junior Lab instructor]
Select, at a minimum, “Use potentially hazardous chemicals in a laboratory”, “Work with cryogenic liquids”, “Use electrically powered equipment over 50 volts where there is a potential for exposure to exposed parts (uninsulated and unguarded) of energized electrical circuits or equipment”

The following courses are applicable:

General Chemical Hygiene
Managing Hazardous Waste (annual)
Lab Specific Chemical Hygiene Training (annual) [training conducted by EHS Representative, record sent to EHS Coordinator]
Signature: Read Dept. Chem. Hygiene Plan [read, send signed form to EHS Coordinator: (https://web.mit.edu/8.13/www/healthandsafety.shtml,http://web.mit.edu/8.13/www/Safety/Physics_Teaching_Lab_CHP.pdf].
Cryogen Safety (recommended by EHS, not aligned to the nature of our work)
Adv. Electrical Safety - Lab Personnel [requires Electrical Safety Awareness]
Lock Out/Tag Out; Authorized Employee or Lock Out/Tag Out; Affected Employee
Fire Extinguisher Familiarization (optional class)
EHS Rep Orientation Overview/EHS Rep Orientation Overview Practicum (for EHS Representatives once added to Training Group: EHS Rep Overview & Practicum: SoS by EHS Coordinator)

EHS Contacts

See https://ehs.mit.edu/team-members/

Physics EHS Coordinator	Sean Robinson
Physics EHS Representatives	Christopher Miller, Joshua Wolfe
Lead Contact	Chris Sain
Radiation Protection Program Contact	Chris Sain
Biosafety Program Contact	Damon Baptista
Environmental Management Program Contact	Alec Casavant
Industrial Hygiene Program Contact	Wei Lee Leong
Occupational and Construction Safety Program Contact	Todd Numan