• Question: what sort of dangers are there when you do your job

    Asked by cowsgomoo22 to Catherine, Charlotte, Colin, Becki, Rick on 20 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Charlotte Dalton

      Charlotte Dalton answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      Quite a lot actually! Most of the chemicals I use are flammable, some are toxic and we think some can cause cancer, that is why I do all my experiments in a fume cupboard so I don’t breathe anything in, and wear a lab coat, glasses and gloves

    • Photo: Rebecca Scott

      Rebecca Scott answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      In the lab I have to follow lots of safety protocols, such as mixing things in the fume cupboard and being extra careful around acids and things and wearing the correct clothing protection. Using the X-ray machine properly. But as long as I follow the rules properly the lab is pretty safe.

      In the field, it depends on the environment I am working in. For example, in the WWI trenches excavation we had live ammunition around us but no idea what condition it was in because it had been in the ground for 80 years. So we had unexploded bombs and gas grenades and no idea whether they would go off or not. So in that case we have bomb disposal experts working with us and we have to know which direction the wind is blowing so you can safely exit the trench in an emergency.

      You also have to be really careful if your trench is over 1m deep because of the risk of it collapsing on you. So you have a lot of things to be aware of.

    • Photo: Colin Swift

      Colin Swift answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      X-rays and radiation can be very dangerous. From increasing your risk of cancer to death. Lasers can burn and cause blindness. It is my job to ensure all are treated with respect and used correctly – and most importantly safely.

    • Photo: Catherine Fontinelle

      Catherine Fontinelle answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      All risks are vigorously checked and reduced but infection is probably the highest, followed by chemical

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