Van Der Graaf

[birdie]

If you have access to RiskAssess,they have done an assessment on the Van Der Graaff.

[Graham Kemp]

If you have access to RiskAssess,they have done an assessment on the Van Der Graaff.

The system provides the following information for staff to assess the risk.

Van de Graaff generator
Potential hazards
Electric shock is generally harmless since current is so small; might cause injury to impaired individuals or individuals with heart problem or heart pacemaker.
Standard handling procedures
If using mains power, check for electrical safety (test and tag) at regular intervals, if used in laboratory or other hazardous environment.

Oddly enough, disassembly by year 12 students is not assessed.


However,

We have students' parent working in the school at the moment and she asked me the other day about the safety of the Van Der Graaf for her daughter, who has had heart surgery in the past and still suffers some heart problems. When she took her daughter to sci tech in Perth they wouldn't allow her anywhere near their machine apparently. I couldn't find anything on the safety side of using this machine and when I spoke to my HOLA he couldn't help me either. Any thoughts from anyone.

Do not allow.
Van de Graaff generators and heart problems do not mix well.
:(
Even without, never allow a spark to discharge near the head or heart.