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X. Earth Science
Earth/space science is an applied
science based on many concepts from chemistry and physics. Teachers should
become familiar with the precautions in these disciplines found in chapters
III through VII and XI. Because Earth/space science relies on remote sensing
for observations and data collections, teachers must also be knowledgeable
about the hazards inherent in the instruments used for these procedures. A. Mechanical Hazards in Earth Science 1. Disposal - Do not flush
sand, silt, clay, rocks, and other earth materials down the drain. These
materials are not soluble in water and may clog the drain. Dispose of them in
a trash can or other suitable receptacle. 2. Force Measuring
Devices - Students must be careful when projecting objects (steel
balls or marbles). The area should be clear of all obstacles. The devices are
used mainly to illustrate laws of motion. •See
Chapter IV.A, Eye Protection Concerns. 3. Sling Psychrometer - Care should be exercised in
using this device. Be sure thermometers are securely fastened. 4. Rocketry - Take special
care when launching a rocket. •See
Chapter XI.H, Rocketry. 5. Rocks and
Minerals --When using acids to test minerals,
wear protective safety goggles and flush the sample with water after testing.
Wear goggles and aprons when breaking up rock and mineral samples. When
breaking up rocks and minerals, place the specimens in a heavy canvas bag,
use the proper geologic hammer, and wear goggles. 6. Stream Tables - Be sure that
adequate receptacles are available to catch water flow and that all hoses and
tables are free of leaks. Use only electrical equipment designed for stream
tables to reduce the risk of electrical shock. 7. Wind Generating
Devices (Hair Blower, Electric Fan, etc.) - Take special care in
using wind generating devices. As these devices are often used with water,
they present a risk of electric shock. No one should disconnect, connect, or
operate these devices with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor. Devices
having metal housings should be grounded. B. Electrical Hazards in Earth Science Certain devices used in earth
science present electrical hazards. These include batteries, power and
extension cords, and various electrical equipment. •See Chapter XI.B,
Electrical Hazards. 1. Magnesium Ribbon Students
should not look directly at the flame when a magnesium ribbon is being
burned. The extreme brightness can damage the eyes. 2. Sun Radiation
from the sun poses an immediate danger to the eye. Do not view the sun
directly for any reason. The sun’s radiation will be concentrated and burn
the retina. This can cause partial or total blindness. Polaroid lenses,
welder’s goggles, sunglasses, smoked glass, fully exposed photographic film,
tinted glasses, and pinholes are not safe for viewing the sun or an eclipse
of the sun. Only by indirect methods can a solar eclipse be observed without
risking damage to the eye. You may project an image of the sun onto a piece
of paper after the image passes through a pinhole or telescope. Photographing
an eclipse of the sun requires numerous precautions. Do not observe the sun
through an unprotected camera viewfinder. Those interested in such
photography are referred to Kodak publication AM-10, Solar-Eclipse
Photography for the Amateur. The
following website offers more information on this topic: 3. Telescopes and Binoculars Eyepieces
of shared telescopes and binoculars should be cleaned periodically to reduce
the risk of the transmission of eye infections. Never observe the sun
directly through a telescope or binoculars. 4. Ultraviolet Lamps Special
glasses (such as those coated with an ultraviolet absorbing film) should be
used when examining mineral samples with an ultraviolet lamp. Only special
goggles clearly designated for the purpose of absorbing ultraviolet light
should be used. •See
Chapter XI.F.4, Radiation Hazards-Ultraviolet Radiation. Earth/space science students are
frequently involved in outdoor activities such as collecting, mapping, making
weather observations, hydrologic studies, and using optical equipment. •See Chapter VIII, Outdoor
Safety - Field Studies. |
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