Contact Persons

Lab Supervisor: Chemistry staff
Other contact persons:

Phones

Location of nearest public phone is: interior hallway to right

Location of another phone: Chemistry office

Emergency Equipment

Fire extinguishers (and type): to right of door (BC) ; 60 feet to right (ABC)

Basic Hazards from Laser Equipment

1. Eye -- Damage can occur from both acute and chronic exposure to laser radiation depending on the wavelength and exposure levels. Corneal and/or retinal burns can result from acute overexposure. Cataracts and/or retinal injury may be possible from chronic exposure to excessive levels.

The primary form of protection from overexposure by inhalation in Wittenberg science laboratories is fume hoods. Laboratories are generally equipped with at least one negative pressure fume hood that pulls vapors of hazardous chemicals away from the user. If the laboratory does not have a hood, then a negative pressure glove box should be used or an appropriate respirator.

Hazards of Compressed Gases

1.  Mechanical failure of the cylinder, cylinder valve, or regulator can result in rapid diffusion of the pressurized contents into the atmosphere, leading to explosion, fire runaway reaction, or burst reaction vessels.

2.  Unsecured cylinders can be knocked over very easily, causing serious injury and damage. Impact can shear the valve from an uncapped cylinder, especially if a regulator is attached, causing a rocking action or penwhelling leading to personal injury.