Safety in Electrical laboratories

There many possible dangers in electrical laboratories. They can be categorised in three forms, and these are;
1) electrical-which involves shock and burns
2) mechanical$ chemical- which involves rotating machines, batteries, Polaroid film,capacitors and preparation of circuits
3)radiation and heat-which involves intense light from arcs and burns
It's not usual to have the same high standards of protection i laboratories as at home or in public places or even in industries, and so responsibility lies with each one of us to prevent any accidents.We must both recognise possible dangers, and then act in a responsible manner.Electrical shock may occur with voltages of say 60v upwards; the degree of shock depends on factors such as the source impedance and the person's skin resistance, but clearly no risks should be taken. One must realize that high voltages may temporarily occur in circuits where current in an inductor is interrupted, one could be killed with a 12v battery and a large inductor. Electrical burns are usually associated with high currents, especially from an arc when a circuit is broken; such burns can be very serious.
The following rules must therefore be observed, for your own safety and of the equipment
*do not switch on any circuit until you or somebody have checked the circuit, you know the starting and stopping point.
*do not touch any circuit unless you are sure that everything is switched off, and all capacitors are discharged.
*only switch off by using proper switches
*take care of rotating shafts, and avoid loose clothing particularly neck-ties
*never go near electrical apparatus with wet or damp hands.
*do not crowd around the accident area.
*you must never work alone.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!