Safety Guidelines

Hazard summary (Section 6)

  • Thermal: Process temperatures exceed 1700 °C. Maintain radiant shields, use IR-rated PPE, and keep combustible materials clear of the hot zone.

  • Gas: Oxygen is evolved during electrolysis. Provide positive venting away from personnel. The process is HF-free; off-gas is primarily O₂/Ar/SiO captured by cold traps.

  • Electrical: 120 V mains at high current. Use bonded grounds, GFCI protection, and an emergency stop that drops heater power. Ensure the UPS/inverter is sized for continuous draw.

  • Optical: Bright hot surfaces and potential arc light demand UV/IR eye protection when inspecting.

  • Mechanical: Guard moving hardware such as the auger, interlock access panels, and post hot-work signage in the lab.

Personal protective equipment

Always stage the following before build or operation work:

  • Face shield and IR/UV-rated eye protection when observing the hot zone.

  • Heat-rated gloves (TIG-grade) and insulated aprons for handling hot components.

  • Respiratory protection when servicing the argon loop, cold traps, or handling fine powders.

  • Closed-toe, non-slip footwear and flame-resistant clothing.

Administrative controls

  • Develop lockout/tagout procedures covering heaters, pumps, and control power.

  • Keep a current bill of materials, wiring diagrams, and emergency contacts posted near the workstation.

  • Train all personnel on emergency stop location, oxygen vent routing, and spill response.

  • Maintain clear walkways and segregate gas cylinders or power gear from general traffic areas.

Startup checklist

  1. Inspect liners, electrodes, and insulation for cracks or contamination.

  2. Verify argon flow, oxygen vent routing, and that the cold-trap coolant loop is primed.

  3. Test interlocks and emergency stops prior to heating.

  4. Confirm PPE availability and that observers understand stay-out zones.

Shutdown checklist

  1. Ramp heaters down under control; avoid opening the hot zone until temperatures fall below 200 °C.

  2. Keep ventilation running until oxygen evolution ceases and cold traps have warmed to safe handling temperature.

  3. Lock out power sources before performing maintenance.

  4. Dispose of or recycle collected condensates per local regulations.