Safety and Infrastructure Week
Monday, October 9th through Friday, October 13th was Safety and Infrastructure Week in the Department of Physics. Sessions took place twice a day in the Physics Research Building Atrium North End. Topics ranged from laser safety to arctic perils, and were always interactive, informative, and fun. We encourage you to read through the synopses of the week's events and stay tuned for more goings on in the Department of Physics this semester.
Thank you to our Physics Safety & Infrastructure Committee for organizing these sessions throughout the week!
S&I Week Events by Date
Visit with EHS Reps
10:00- 11:00 am
To kick-off the week, representatives from the OSU Environmental Health and Safety group (EHS) were present at our S&I table. Students, staff, and faculty stopped by to say hello, meet our reps, build their networks, and to ask questions.
Scarlet Laser Safety
11:00 am- 12:00 pm
Our second event Monday was a chat with staff from the SCARLET Laser Facility about special safety programs the group has in place for this unique facility and the many challenges associated with working with high power lasers.
Visit with Senior Grad Students
10:00- 11:00 am
This session was focused on newer GRA students or GTAs moving to labs soon. They heard from their senior GRA colleagues about their lab safety experiences. Students stopped by to say hello, build their network, and learn from the practical and first-hand knowledge of others.
Fire Extinguishers 101
11:30 am- 12:00 pm
Participants met reps from the OSU Fire Shop and learned about types of fire extinguishers and their proper use. They also got to try out the fire extinguisher discharge simulator.
Visit with Engine Rep- Ryan Wester
10:00- 11:00 am
This session focused on power infrastructure on Campus and the work that Engie and the University are doing in a long-term partnership arrangement on sustainability and energy conservation strategies. Participants stopped by to say hello, build their network, and learn about the biggest energy consumers on campus like PRB and how much the overall energy consumption has been reduced in recent years.
Physics Has Stuff
11:00 am- 12:00 pm
The Department has a substantial inventory and investment in various material handling and general operational equipment. Some of these tools were custom-engineered and fabricated in-house. Folks got to see how safety showers are tested, how large optical tables are moved, and other specialty items used by the Department and shared with others across the University.
Arctic Safety- Dr. Kaeli Hughes
10:00- 11:00 am
We heard from one of the Department’s newest faculty members, Dr. Kaeli Hughes about the many unique challenges related to working safely in arctic regions. Participants stopped by to say hello, build their network, and learn about polar bear safety training and much more.
Power and Compressed Gas Safety
11:00 am- 12:00 pm
We discussed electrical power safety and compressed gas safety with technical staff. We learned about the power that kills. Participants saw a demonstration of proper high-pressure gas cylinder handling techniques and a video of what happens when a cylinder fails and releases its contents.
Pallet Jack Rodeo
10:00- 11:00 am
We tried our hand at pallet jack rodeo. Participants learned tips and tricks about proper use of pallet jacks and movement of heavy objects using these common but very useful tools. We also saw some of the specialty pallet jacks the Department has available for use.
Physics Safety Program Structure
11:00 am- 12:00 pm
Folks stopped by and learned how all the various safety program elements fit together and interact. They heard what is planned for future efforts to further mature various program elements.
Photos from S&I Week
Pallet Jack Rodeo
