General Safety

TM 5-6640-213-14

combustible gases is detected by the system, it automatically starts

the exhaust fan of the air purging system, rings a warning buzzer,

and turns on a red warning light.

(2) General Safety. Laboratory personnel and personnel

who handle petroleum products in the field are exposed to the same

hazards. In addition, laboratory personnel are exposed to chemicals.

Also, if an accident occurs, they are exposed to the effects of

vacuum and pressures in close quarters. Efficient laboratory opera-

tions must include all safety considerations. Operating procedures

should be prepared for each laboratory so that emergencies may be

dealt with when they occur.

Consult authority in charge of the laboratory when

in doubt concerning any laboratory procedure

operation.

Do not attempt to perform more than one test at a

time, unless each test can be given the proper

attention needed to complete it efficiently and

safely. Give complete attention to tests in

progress. Request assistance from another tech-

nician or notify the supervisor if it becomes

necessary to leave the laboratory for even a brief

period of time.

Do not attempt short cuts or improvisations,

because laboratory procedures have been divised

with a view to quality, efficiency and safety.

Discuss any change to procedures with the super-

visor.

Do not engage in any form of horseplay in the

laboratory, because it diverts attention from

testing or other operations in progress, and

contributes to existing hazards.

Never taste a laboratory chemical. Never smell a

chemical except when necessary, and then only by

wafting a small amount of vapor with the hand

toward the nose.

Systematically check the laboratory and its equip-

ment at the end of each day to be sure than no

hazardous situation can develop while the labora-

tory is unoccupied.

Bond and ground the laboratory to minimize po-

tential differences between the objects and the

ground.

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