Do you do dangerous experiments often

Question: Do you do dangerous experiments often
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Asked by anon-290186 on 15 Mar 2021.
- Jessica Higgins answered on 15 Mar 2021:
  
  Most experiments could be dangerous if they are not performed correctly. We prepare risk assessments and follow lots of laboratory rules to ensure our experiments are not too dangerous. If there was a chance someone could get hurt we wouldn’t be allowed to do it.
- Martin McCoustra answered on 15 Mar 2021:
  
  Not very often but if you don’t appreciate the risks of what you do then all experiments can become dangerous to you and those around you.
- Atia Azad answered on 15 Mar 2021:
  
  Hi,
  
  The chemicals my group works with have to be handled and stored under a controlled atmosphere. These chemicals can catch fire in air. We have to be very careful to not start any fires and we fill out risk assessments (an online form about safety).
- Jesko Koehnke answered on 15 Mar 2021:
  
  Sometimes, but not very often. The most important thing is to be really thorough in thinking about possible risks and how to deal with them. Then most reasonable experiments can be done safely.
- Andrew Parrott answered on 23 Mar 2021:
  
  As others have highlight even the simplest experiment can be dangerous if the risks are not thought about before you do the experiment. Also have a plan for what to do if things do go wrong is very important, e.g. knowing what to do if you spill a chemical – important to know this before you spill it not after!
  
  But with careful planning you can do experiments which otherwise sound dangerous. E.g. I work with high power lasers a lot but with some simple precautions (making sure the laser does not point at you or anything reflective) then the experiment can be very safe.

Question: Do you do dangerous experiments often

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