Electrical, Mechanical, and Drone Safety
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If a student is uncertain whether a project falls under this section, he or she consult their teacher or Regional Safety Chair before beginning an investigation.
Why Are These Rules Necessary?
Many science and engineering projects involve electrical devices, mechanical systems, robotics, drones, motors, batteries, tools, or moving equipment. When properly designed and operated, these technologies are valuable tools for scientific investigation. However, improper use can result in electrical shock, burns, fires, cuts, crushing injuries, entanglement, or damage to people and property.
These rules help students safely design, construct, test, and operate electrical and mechanical systems while developing the engineering practices used by professional scientists and engineers.
Does a Project Involve These Hazards?
These rules apply if ANY project involves:
- electrical circuits or electronic components;
- batteries, capacitors, or electrical power supplies;
- motors, generators, actuators, or solenoids;
- robots or automated systems;
- drones or other remotely operated vehicles;
- mechanical devices with moving parts;
- power tools or hand tools used to construct a project;
- compressed springs, pneumatic or hydraulic systems; or
- any equipment capable of producing electrical, mechanical, thermal, or kinetic hazards.
Before Beginning a Project, Students Must:
- Read these IJAS Electrical, Mechanical, and Drone Safety with the sponsor or teacher.
- High school students must also read and follow all applicable ISEF Safety Rules.
- All sponsors must discuss proper use of AI in research with all of their students.
- Write the procedure for the experiment following all IJAS and ISEF (high school) safety rules. High School Students will use this in their ISEF Research Plan form 1A.
- Complete a background research paper. High School Students will use this in their ISEF Research Plan form 1A.
- Learn how all electrical and mechanical components will operate before beginning construction or testing.
- Identify the electrical, mechanical, thermal, fire, and other hazards associated with all equipment and components that will be used.
- Ensure that all equipment and components are appropriate for their intended use.
- Develop procedures for safe operation, testing, emergency shutdown, and battery charging, when applicable.
- Inspect all equipment and components for damage before use.
- Complete the required safety sheet and any required endorsement forms.
- Obtain all required approvals before construction or testing begins.
- Keep all completed safety sheets, endorsement forms, approvals, and other required safety documents with the project records.
General Safety Requirements
Students must:
- work under appropriate adult supervision when using electrical or mechanical equipment;
- wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses whenever there is a risk of flying debris, electrical failure, or eye injury;
- keep work areas clean, organized, and free of unnecessary hazards;
- secure long hair, loose clothing, jewelry, and other items that could become entangled in moving equipment;
- use equipment only for its intended purpose and according to the manufacturer’s instructions;
- disconnect power before servicing or modifying equipment whenever practical;
- immediately disconnect power if equipment malfunctions or becomes unsafe; and
- immediately report damaged equipment, injuries, or unsafe conditions to the supervising adult.
Students may not:
- intentionally bypass, disable, or remove safety guards or protective devices;
- operate equipment with damaged electrical cords, plugs, batteries, wiring, or mechanical components;
- operate machinery without appropriate supervision;
- construct or operate equipment that presents an unreasonable risk of injury to themselves or others; or
- intentionally create unnecessary electrical or mechanical hazards.
Electrical Safety
When working with electrical systems, students must:
- use electrical components within their rated voltage, current, and power limits;
- inspect wires, connectors, batteries, and power supplies before each use;
- disconnect power before modifying electrical circuits whenever practical;
- properly insulate exposed electrical conductors to prevent accidental contact or short circuits;
- keep electrical equipment away from water or other liquids unless specifically designed for such use;
- use only batteries, chargers, and power supplies recommended for the equipment;
- safely charge, store, and transport rechargeable batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions; and
- immediately discontinue use of any electrical component that overheats, emits smoke, swells, leaks, or shows signs of damage.
Students may not:
- use damaged lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries;
- puncture, crush, disassemble, or modify batteries or their safety features;
- intentionally short-circuit batteries or electrical power sources;
- incorporate line voltage (120/240 VAC) into any student-built or student-modified electrical circuit unless the work is conducted in an approved laboratory under the direct supervision of a qualified adult; or
- expose themselves or others to energized electrical conductors unnecessarily.
Line voltage (120/240 VAC) refers to the electrical power supplied by standard household wall outlets. Commercially manufactured equipment and power supplies may be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mechanical Safety
Projects involving mechanical systems must:
- securely mount or stabilize equipment during operation;
- keep hands, clothing, hair, and other objects away from moving parts;
- use guards or protective barriers whenever rotating, cutting, pinch, or projectile hazards are present;
- ensure that moving parts have completely stopped before making adjustments or repairs;
- safely contain springs, flywheels, pressure vessels, or other devices that store mechanical energy;
- operate equipment only within the manufacturer’s intended operating limits; and
- ensure that emergency shutdown procedures are readily available whenever equipment is operating.
Students may not:
- remove required machine guards during operation;
- operate equipment that is unstable or improperly secured;
- intentionally create uncontrolled mechanical hazards; or
- operate equipment that could reasonably endanger participants, spectators, or property.
Drone Safety
Projects involving drones or other remotely operated aircraft must:
- comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
- operate drones only under appropriate adult supervision;
- conduct flights only in locations where operation is permitted;
- inspect the aircraft before each flight;
- maintain a safe distance from people, buildings, vehicles, and power lines;
- keep the aircraft within the operator’s visual line of sight;
- immediately land the drone if unsafe conditions develop; and
- respect the privacy of others when collecting photographs, video, or other data.
Students may not:
- fly drones over people or moving vehicles;
- operate drones indoors unless the location has been evaluated and approved for safe flight;
- fly in restricted airspace without required authorization; or
- operate drones in a reckless or unsafe manner.
Documentation
Students must describe in their Safety Sheet:
- the electrical, mechanical, or drone-related hazards associated with the project;
- the procedures used to minimize those hazards;
- the personal protective equipment (PPE) used during construction and testing;
- any operating procedures, testing protocols, or emergency shutdown procedures; and
- any required supervision, approvals, or specialized training.
Special Rules for Work Done at a Certified Laboratory
If research is conducted at a certified laboratory or research facility, high school students must complete the Regulated Institution form-2C . Middle school students must include a letter from the laboratory director or supervising scientist along with the safety sheet and any appropriate endorsement form. The letter must verify that:
- the research was conducted under appropriate adult supervision;
- the student followed all required laboratory safety procedures;
- the laboratory is certified or otherwise authorized to conduct the research;
- the supervising scientist’s name, title, and contact information are provided; and
- the work described in the project was completed at that facility;
- approval from the institution’s IRB and/or SRC.