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Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical & Computer Engineering Laboratory Safety Guidelines

[Revised: March 14, 2025]

Introduction

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) laboratories are critical for hands-on learning, complementing theoretical knowledge with practical skills. However, these environments contain potential hazards. Therefore, all students, staff, and faculty must prioritize safety and adhere to these guidelines. Strict compliance is essential to minimize risks of injury and equipment damage. Violations or conduct that disrupts the safe and authorized use of ECE facilities will result in the suspension of laboratory privileges.

General Safety Principles

  • Proactive Awareness: Maintain constant awareness of potential hazards.
  • Collective Responsibility: Safety is a shared responsibility requiring full cooperation.
  • Knowledge & Preparation: Understand experimental procedures and potential hazards before starting.

Safety Regulations

  1. Safety Instructions: Follow all safety instructions meticulously.
  2. Safety Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the location and use of:
    • Fire extinguishers
    • First aid kits
    • Emergency showers
    • Eye wash stations
    • Emergency exits (refer to posted floor plans near staircases).
  3. Experiment Familiarity: Understand experimental procedures and potential hazards before starting.

First Aid & Emergency Procedures

  • Minor Injuries: Use first aid kits located in each lab and the EE288 Technician Office. Report all injuries, regardless of severity, to your instructor and/or Department Technician.
  • Medical Emergencies: Call 911 immediately.

Emergency Response Procedures

Fires:

  • Discovery:
    • Shout for assistance.
    • Activate the nearest fire alarm.
    • Attempt to extinguish small fires with available equipment.
    • For uncontrolled fires, close doors and windows to isolate the fire during evacuation (do not lock doors).
    • Warn others and evacuate using designated exits. Assist those needing help.
    • Provide information to fire personnel.
  • Alarm:
    • Secure equipment and power off.
    • Close doors (do not lock).
    • Evacuate using designated exits.
    • Do not use elevators.
    • Do not re-enter until authorized by Police or Fire Department.
  • Earthquakes:
    • Indoors:Take immediate action upon ground shaking.
    • Stay inside, move away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects.
    • Seek cover under a table, desk, or in a strong doorway.
    • In halls or stairways, move to an interior wall, kneel, and protect your head and neck.
    • Do not use elevators.
  • Evacuation:
    • Exit quickly and move away from building and to designated assembly area.
    • Assemble away from gas, sewer, and power lines.

Wheeled Transportation Devices

  • Per University policy, e-scooters, skateboards, bicycles, and other motorized/non-motorized wheeled devices are prohibited inside buildings (except for medical/ADA approved devices).
  • Use designated outdoor racks for parking.
  • These devices create tripping hazards and impede evacuation.

Laboratory Operating Guidelines

  1. Food & Drink: Prohibited in laboratories. Allowed in the ECE Study Hall (EE284).
  2. Door Policy: Lab doors must remain fully open when occupied.
  3. Labeling: All containers must be labeled with their contents.
  4. Tampering: Do not tamper with alarm systems, wires, or network cables.
  5. Experiment Preparation: Understand procedures and hazards before starting.
  6. Authorized Experiments: Perform only approved experiments and understand the procedures. Report any unexpected or dangerous situations immediately.
  7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection.Appropriate attire is required. No shorts, halter tops, sandals, oropen-toed shoes.
  8. Confine loose clothing and long hair.
  9. Minimum Occupancy: At least two people must be present when working with live circuits (greater than 50V) or chemical processing.
  10. Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times.
  11. Equipment Verification: Verify equipment and circuit connections with the instructor before starting.
  12. Equipment Reporting: Report damaged or missing equipment to the instructor and Department Technician via the online ECE Lab Issue Report.
  13. Equipment Location: Do not remove equipment from lab stations without permission.
  14. Component Return: Return all electronic components to their designated storage trays.
  15. Cable Management: Return leads and cables to wall racks and leave oscilloscope probes with oscilloscopes.
  16. Cleanliness: Tidy benches and equipment after each session. Dispose of garbage properly. Do not write on equipment or benches.
  17. Questions: Consult the instructor and Department Technician for questions.

Electrical Hazards

  • Low-voltage currents can be dangerous.
  • Voltage as low as 24V AC can be lethal.
  • Report even minor electrical shocks.
  • Never use wires as supports or pull on live wires.
  • Report and do not use damaged equipment (frayed wires, cracked insulation, damaged plugs, missing ground prongs).
  • Report loose receptacles.
  • Avoid pulling plugs by the cord or rolling equipment over cords.
  • Use grounded (3-wire) equipment and understand its proper use.
  • Report overheating or smoke immediately. Power off the equipment.
  • Power off all equipment after use.
  • Only qualified ECE personnel should maintain electrical equipment.

Acknowledgement & Training

  • Each semester, students must read these guidelines and pass the Safety Quiz before laboratory access is granted.
  • [Click Here for Safety Quiz]
    • Note: You must be logged into your @mail.fresnostate.edu account to access the quiz.