Instructional Laboratory Safety Guidelines

1. Introduction

Safety is paramount in the mechanical engineering department’s (ME) undergraduate instructional laboratories. This document is a guide to keep participants mindful of general laboratory safety and is intended to protect students, equipment and resources belonging to the university. Individuals in a laboratory are expected to behave in a mature manner and follow proper operating procedures as well as instruction from the professor and GTAs. If you have any safety concerns or questions, inform the instructor immediately.

2. General Laboratory Safety

The controls and instrumentation (ME 360) and energy systems (ME 460) laboratories in ME are instructional laboratories. The ME 360 lab involves working with sensitive electronic equipment, sensors, actuators, data acquisition systems, low-voltage circuits (12 – 24 V). Proper safety practices are essential to protect both personnel and equipment.

The ME 460 lab involves working with pumps, piping networks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, flow and temperature measurement devices, heating plates and other heat transfer apparatuses. These systems can involve pressurized fluids, high flow rates, moderate temperatures (< 150 F) under normal conditions—however hot plates can present burn or electrical hazard if proper safety precautions are not followed—and potential leaks and/or bursts, making safety a top priority.

A brief guideline is given below to aid students in their decision-making process. The instructors and TAs will dismiss persons not following these guidelines from laboratory sessions. Students must keep in mind that participation is a component of their laboratory grade and dismissal will be reflected in their grade.

• Wear sensible closed-toed shoes/boots with no openings that allow exposed skin and have no raised heel. Open-toed shoes, sandals, or bare feet are not acceptable laboratory attire.
• Shorts and skirts are not acceptable laboratory attire. Please wear long pants that go below the ankle.
• Do not wear items of clothing, jewelry or rings that may become caught in laboratory equipment.
• Please wear long hair in a ponytail or contain properly.
• Wear safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87 at all times while in lab spaces or outside performing laboratory activities. Wear the provided ear plugs (when needed), as directed (NRR ³25dB).
• Wear gloves, dust masks (when needed) and other appropriate clothing depending on the nature of activities for that particular laboratory.
• Never work alone when testing automated systems.
• Keep the lab clean and free of clutter, especially around wiring and equipment.
• Avoid distractions and stay focused when working with live circuits or moving parts.

3. Electrical Safety

• Inspect all cables, connectors, and power supplies before use.
• Use insulated tools and wear appropriate shoes when working with electrical systems.
• Ensure all equipment is properly grounded.
• De-energize circuits before making changes or connections.
• Use current-limiting devices (e.g., fuses, circuit breakers) to prevent overloads.
• Handle sensors, transducers, and data acquisition devices with care—many are sensitive to static discharge.
• Use anti-static wrist straps or mats when working with delicate electronics is recommended.
• Do not exceed voltage or current ratings of components.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for calibration and maintenance.
• Know how to shut down power to the lab in case of emergency.
• Report any malfunctioning equipment immediately.

In the case of electrical shock:

• Turn off power source immediately
• Call UAPD
• Administer first aid

In case of electrical fire:

• Turn off power source (if possible)
• Only use fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires (Class C)
• DO NOT USE WATER TO EXTINGUISH ELECTRICAL FIRES

4. Thermal and Fluid System safety

• Operate thermal and fluid systems after reading laboratory instructions carefully and receiving instructor/TA approval.
• Perform a full inspection of the system before use, checking for leaks, loose fittings, and wear.
• Never exceed the rated pressure or flow capacity of any component.
• Keep hands, tools, and clothing away from moving parts and pressurized lines.
• Use proper fittings and secure all connections tightly.
• Label all lines with fluid type, flow direction, and pressure rating.
• Use pressure gauges and flow meters to monitor system performance.
• Start systems slowly to avoid pressure surges or water hammer effects.
• Ensure proper system configuration to avoid over pressure conditions (i.e. no flow condition for pumps in recirculating systems) unless explicitly instructed as part of the lab instructions.
• Never stand directly in front of pressurized fittings or hoses.
• Use shields or barriers when testing high-pressure systems.
• Depressurize the system completely before disassembly or maintenance.
• Use drip trays and absorbent pads under connections and valves.
• Clean up spills immediately using appropriate materials.
• Report persistent leaks or faulty components to the lab supervisor.
• Use hoses and components rated for the system’s pressure and fluid type.
• Be cautious of stored energy in accumulators or compressed air tanks.

5. Laser Safety,

Class II lasers may be used in the laboratory. Do not ever stare into the beam and do not point the beam at other persons in the laboratory.

6. Laboratory Testing Procedures

Do not operate any laboratory equipment unless authorized by the TA and/or the instructor. Instruction for the equipment used in the laboratory sessions will be given by the TAs and/or the instructor. The standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all equipment and labs are provided along with instructions for the particular laboratory session. If there are any doubts or questions as to how to properly operate a piece of laboratory equipment, please ask the TAs or instructor for proper guidance.

7. Laboratory Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature manner and to follow basic rules of conduct while in laboratory. These basic rules will be followed:

• Never operate any unfamiliar equipment without proper training and approval from the instructor or TAs.
• Check all wiring and electrical connections and assure that cables are clean and properly attached to appropriate equipment.
• Electrical cables should not lie in water or oil, dangle in the sink, obstruct walkways, or be cut.
• Clean up after performing the laboratory activity. Cleaning up is an essential part of proper use of a laboratory and will ensure that the next laboratory session receives equipment in good, clean condition.
• Place all equipment and tools in the proper storage areas after use.
• No smoking, vaping, food or beverages are allowed in the laboratory.
• Students must always remain aware of their surroundings.
• Students must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

8. Incidents

• In the event of a life-threatening injury or fire, call 911 or The University of Alabama Police at 205-348-5454.
• If a personal accident happens and someone is hurt, seek help immediately and inform the instructor or TAs promptly for reporting purposes (https://riskmanagement.ua.edu).
• First aid kits are available in all ME instructional labs.
• Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways outside of all ME instructional labs.
• If equipment is damaged or broken during a lab session, please inform the instructor or TAs. This will ensure that a repair or replacement is made quickly.

9. Additional Information

Students must complete the safety training curriculum required for their lab through their course Blackboard page (or other means as instructed by the TA/supervisor). If immediate assistance is needed, contact the College of Engineering at 205-348-2228. Contact Engineering Support (support@eng.ua.edu) for any questions or concerns.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

• Extinguishers are located in the hallway outside the lab – These extinguishers are designed for all classes of fires listed below
• Extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fires:
• Class A is for fires involving paper, wood, or cloth
• Class B is for fires involving flammable liquids
• Class C is for fires involving electrical equipment
• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”:
• “P” stands for “pull the safety pin”
• “A” stands for “aim at the base of the fire
• “S” stands for “squeeze the thumb level or handle”
• “S” stands for “sweep from side to side as you slowly approach the fire”

Evacuation

In case of a fire:

• Quickly and calmly walk out of the lab and toward the nearest building exit
• Pull the fire alarm as you exit the building
• Call UAPD

In case of severe weather:

• The UA campus is equipped with sirens to warn of severe weather
• For the College of Engineering, the nearest official severe weather shelters are as follows:
• The NERC basement – This area is available for students and employees; from the main entry doors, go downstairs to the lower level and thru the door to the basement
• North Lawn Hall – Located inside classrooms 1010, 1011, 1014, 1015, and 1018. Please note: Classes may be in session. If instruction is occurring in these classrooms during a tornado watch, do not interrupt the class. You may seek shelter in any classroom not being used for instruction during a tornado watch. During a tornado warning, all the identified classrooms are available for refuge.
• John The Greek Assembly Hall – Located on Campus Drive East between the Recreation Center (Rec) and Bryce Lawn Apartments
• H. England Jr. Hall – Located on the basement level of the dormitory
• If leaving the building puts one at increased risk:
  • For students in SERC – Go to the Best Available Refuge Area (BARA) located on the first floor of SERC rooms 1013 and 1059 and get as low as possible at the bottom of the room
  • For students in Hardaway Hall – Go to the BARA located in the main 2nd floor hallway or, if there’s time, go to the first floor in the hallway outside rooms 132, 133, 139, and 140
  • For students in BOM #2 – Go to the BARA in Hardaway Hall located in the main 2nd floor hallway or, if there is sufficient time, go to the first floor in the hallway outside rooms 132, 133, 139, and 140