• Question: Is your job dangerous sometimes?

    Asked by duty521waws on 19 Dec 2024. This question was also asked by neck521waws.
    • Photo: Stephen Raggett-Batchen

      Stephen Raggett-Batchen answered on 19 Dec 2024:

      It can be. If we get it wrong the bridge may not work and cause problems. But also when being built we need to design something that isn’t putting people at risk when they are building it. We need to design for user safety, but also for the team that build it to make sure it is safe to build.

    • Photo: Caroline Roche

      Caroline Roche answered on 20 Dec 2024:

      Sometimes. Alot of my work uses electrical signals so there’s always a risk of electrocution.
      plus most of the areas my control systems are installed in are considered hazardous; radiation, nuclear contamination, dangers from remote handling machines, chemicals etc.
      But health and safety is a priority, so risk assessments are carried out to reduce and remove as many risks as possible. Most common response is that only the people who need to be in the area go into the area, I try not to be one of those people and stay in the control room with my laptop.

Comments

  • Photo: Carly Bingham

    Carly Bingham commented on :

    Sometimes! Young children don’t always like having the tests that I do so they let me know in the only way they know how – by biting!

  • Photo: charlotteslade

    charlotteslade commented on :

    Sometimes it can be – but not in the way most people think! 🔬

    Working with scientific instruments means I’m always handling delicate equipment and potentially sensitive materials. We have super strict safety protocols for everything – from radiation protection when working with X-ray equipment to careful handling of materials during experiments.

    The most ‘dangerous’ part of my job is probably liquid nitrogen. One wrong move and you could freeze something instantly! Or when we’re testing new prototypes and something might unexpectedly go BOOM (which is why we wear safety glasses and have lots of protective gear).

    But here’s the thing – we’re trained professionals. Every potential risk is carefully managed. It’s like being a scientific detective, where understanding and controlling the environment is part of the excitement. We’re not taking wild risks, we’re solving puzzles while keeping everyone safe.

    Plus, my First Aid and Radiation Protection qualifications mean I’m always prepared to handle whatever might come up. Safety isn’t just a checklist – it’s how we do our job. 😄