Some Electrical and Radiation Hazards in the Laboratory
R. Stuart Mackay · 1959
The paper discusses electrical and radiation hazards present in laboratories.
Plain English Summary
The paper reviews electrical and radiation hazards in laboratories, including high-voltage shocks and X-ray generation from high-voltage equipment. Low-voltage hazards include severe burns from rings across battery terminals and high-voltage spikes when interrupting coil current. Radiofrequency radiation acts mainly through thermal effects, the eye is especially sensitive to cataracts, and a tolerance of 0.01 W/cm² is suggested.
Why This Matters
Gamma rays are described as quanta of radiant energy equivalent to X-rays of the same energy, while beta rays are electrons with limited range. Workers should monitor for X-rays around high-voltage devices and never apply high voltages to old radio tubes. After experiments, pinholes in lead shielding should be drilled out or the section removed, and any radioactive spillage should be blocked off and a specialist called.
Show BibTeX
@article{some_electrical_and_radiation_hazards_in_the_laboratory_g3792,
author = {R. Stuart Mackay},
title = {Some Electrical and Radiation Hazards in the Laboratory},
year = {1959},
}