• Question: Can the work you do have risks???

    Asked by xsarahx to Adam on 12 Nov 2012.
    • Photo: Adam Paige

      Adam Paige answered on 12 Nov 2012:

      It can do. I use chemicals which are sometimes toxic, or acidic, or that may be able to cause cancer. Various electrical and mechanical equipment. Liquid nitrogen – which is about -180oC and so extremely cold. I have also used some types of radioactivity in my work.

      However, I do not do anything that should harm me or others if handled properly. Before starting a new type of experiment we have to consider the risks and fill out a risk assessment that explains how we will carry out the experiment, what protection we require, where the work will be done and how, how will waste be safely disposed of, etc. So we think about the risks and make sure that we plan the experiment so the chance of these risks are as small as possible.

      I have never felt frightened by these risks though, because I know I have thought about them and planned my work carefully.

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