Safety Instructions

General

• Eating or smoking in the lab rooms is prohibited

• Closed footwear (shoes or boots) must be worn during work, for protection

• Lead is poisonous: direct contact with the skin should be avoided. In case of contact with any exposed body part, the affected area should be rinsed with water.

Radioactive materials

• When not in use, the radioactive sources are to be held in a lead container in the radioactive sources closet, or in a temporary lead enclosure by the experimental system

• Avoid unnecessary stay near the radioactive sources cupboard or the sources themselves. Touching the sources with any body part is prohibited. Transport of sources inside the lab should be performed only with pincers and while holding them at arm's length.

• Wear a radiation badge when working with radioactive sources.

• The Geiger counter is used to measure the radiation level in the lab. The maximal allowed exposure is 1 rem per year, or 17 mili-rem per day.

High Voltage

• The photo-mulitpliers in the lab are connected to very high voltage (1000-2000 V). One should avoid touching the contact points or the cables.

• The electron 2D gas experimental system contains a superconducting magnet. Touching the contacts of the magnet during its operation is prohibited.

Lasers

A laser beam directed at the eye can cause irreversible damage, including blindness.

• Protective goggles should be worn at any time the laser is active.

• Looking at the laser beam is prohibited, including when it is transmitted  through an optical fiber. Take caution with reflected beams as well.

• Entering a room where a laser is operating is forbidden. Pay attention to the warning light above the door.

• Before operating a laser, remove any shiny or reflective objects from your hands (bracelets, watches, rings, etc.)

• Do not lower your head to the height of the laser beam. If a component of the experimental setup is dropped, first turn off the laser and only then pick it up.

Low temperature materials

Liquid nitrogen and helium are used in the lab for cooling . These materials are extremely cold and contact with exposed skin may cause serious burns. Notice that when exposed to open air, these liquids boil in their containers and may splash.

• Touching objects cooled with liquid nitrogen or helium is prohibited.

• Protective gloves must be worn when inserting or removing samples from the liquid helium container and when using the "heat gun".

Each experimental system has its special safety instructions. Students are allowed to begin working on a setup only after discussing these with the instructor. In case of doubt or question concerning the safety regulations, talk to the experiment instructor or the lab technical manager.