15-348 Lab Safety Guidelines

Do not work alone in the lab. There must be at least two (2) people in the laboratory.
Do not bring food or drinks to the lab.
Do not bring unauthorized people to the lab (only people associated with the 15-348 course are authorized to enter the lab).
Do not run around or play with the equipment. If you do not know how to use a piece of equipment, please ask - do not try to experiment.
No rechargeable batteries are allowed in the lab except the ones provided by the course staff. Use extra caution while charging the provided batteries.
Do not use regular (non-rechargeable) batteries in the battery chargers.

Never work on a circuit while power is applied.
Do not connect power to a circuit until the circuit is finished and you have carefully checked your work.
If you smell anything burning in your circuit, immediately disconnect the power and examine your circuit to find out what went wrong.
Keep your work area dry.
Always wear safety goggles.
Be careful around large capacitors; they can continue to hold voltage long after they are disconnected from power.
Have safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and a phone nearby.

Be especially careful when you solder because a hot soldering iron can easily burn you.
Always work in a well-ventilated space.
NEVER touch the soldering iron as it can reach 400°C and will burn your skin.
Use tweezers and clamps to hold wires and other components while soldering them.
Soldering iron must be returned to its stand after use. Never place it on the workbench.
Turn off the soldering iron when not in use.
Wear eye protection as solder can ``spit’’. Always wipe off excess solder after it has cooled.
Wash your hands with soap and water after soldering.
Avoid toxic lead fumes.
Electrical shock: always use grounded outlets for your soldering iron. Prevent damage to electrical cords.
Fire prevention: keep away hot soldering iron from any surfaces that can provoke a fire (store the iron in the stand).

Proceed to the security office IMMEDIATELY for any safety/security concerns inside of CMUQ building - report directly in person to building security at both the East/West entrances and/or the security control room located directly north of the first floor information desk and across from the elevator or call 4454 8550