Electricity beyond doubt is very useful and essential for us; but if dealt with carelessly, it can prove to be very fatal. It is compulsory for a laboratory assistant to be sure of the colour code of electric wires. The person should be able to calculate the current for different electrical appliances. To prevent any hazard from electricity, one should follow a safe conduct i.e., proper use of adaptors, plugs and also the cable and flex routing. One should keep checking every plug, socket and lead in the laboratory from wire to wire. Earthing is also very important while dealing with electricity. It is essential to learn how a piece of equipment can be earthed and also to test the connections. ELCBs are in large use for this purpose. The lab assistant should be aware of other types of dangers occurring because of electricity.
We learnt how LPG can be used safely. Pressurised gas cylinders are widely used in all labs and many cylinders contain toxic or flammable gases. Proper precautions should be followed while handling and using these cylinders. The laboratory personnel should be aware of the colour code of the cylinders used which is specific for a particular gas. Knowledge of gas leak detection and handling and the emergency treatment in the event of an exposure is essential for every laboratory staff. Some simple procedures are made use of to detect the gas leakage like, use of ammonia for chlorine, lead acetate for hydrogen sulphide etc. The possible health hazards of different gases and the emergency treatment in case of an eventuality have been given in a tabular form. The use of goggles should be made as a precautionary measure in case of a possible implosion in evacuated glass apparatus.