Someone stole an argon cylinder today

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    Argon Cylinder
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theft of an argon cylinder from a storage area on campus. Participants explore the circumstances surrounding the incident, potential security measures, and safety implications related to unattended gas cylinders. The conversation touches on issues of responsibility, security protocols, and the risks associated with gas cylinder storage.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Safety-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses regret for leaving the cylinder unattended and questions the likelihood of someone stealing it.
  • Several participants inquire about the presence of security cameras and who has access to the area where the cylinder was stored.
  • There are suggestions to check with campus security regarding the theft and to ensure that the area is monitored properly.
  • Some participants speculate that the cylinder could have been taken by safety personnel due to it being unsecured, highlighting the dangers of unattended gas cylinders.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety implications of leaving a gas cylinder unattended, with references to potential hazards if it tips over.
  • Participants discuss the need for better security measures, including the possibility of changing the lock on the storage cage to prevent future incidents.
  • One participant humorously suggests that if someone is welding poorly, they might be the thief, indicating a light-hearted approach to the situation.
  • Another participant notes that while argon cylinders are not very expensive, their disappearance poses significant health and safety concerns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of security and safety regarding gas cylinder storage, but there is no consensus on the exact circumstances of the theft or the appropriate measures to prevent future incidents. Multiple competing views remain regarding responsibility and the potential actions of safety personnel.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the security measures in place, the responsibilities of individuals regarding gas cylinder storage, and the specific protocols for handling such incidents. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about safety practices and the behavior of individuals on campus.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals involved in laboratory safety, campus security, and those responsible for managing hazardous materials in academic settings.

  • #31
Reassuring message, for sure. thanks twigg :)

(I’m chronically clumsy and I just had to pick a work environment that is as fragile as it is expensive lol. Self-awareness is a good step towards safety though. Currently have a lock in hand:cool:)
 
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  • #32
ProfuselyQuarky said:
I’m chronically clumsy and I just had to pick a work environment that is as fragile as it is expensive lol
You're in great company here :oldbiggrin:

Ever start up a pulsed YAG laser (~10J in ~10ns) without the water cooling? Contrary to myth, YAG crystals do not have a distinct aroma when they burn. It's the rubber hoses for the cooling water that smell, right before they burst from heat strain and flood the laser enclosure (also home to high voltage, sensitive flash lamps, and enough light to cook a whole chicken in milliseconds). Good times! o0)

There was a machinist who told me once that the force required to break a tap off in a part goes inversely proportional to the cost of the part. I think he was on to something
 
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  • #33
ProfuselyQuarky said:
Currently have a lock in hand
The other guy probably thought -" what luck , I don't have to try opening that stupid lock."
You probably did him a favour - in return, he could have at least left a note to save you the anxiety.

All's well that ends well.
This was a great posting - I really enjoyed the great mystery.
Agatha Christie would be envious.
And as it turns out it wasn't the butler after all!
 
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  • #34
I'm glad the story has a relatively happy ending! I was imagining the kind of angst, panic and guilt I would be suffering if this had been me. Didn't post at the time because I thought that probably wasn't what you needed to hear at the time.

Your experience has highlighted an issue with the lock that could have had led to a different lapse with far more serious consequences so, as it is, you've maybe even done them a favour.
 
  • #35
Twigg said:
"why would I fire you? I just paid fifty grand to train you."
Similar story - an office mate came in practically in tears because he'd flooded the lab. It was an optics experiment in a dark room with flowing water, and a pipe had slipped off a tap and in the darkness he hadn't noticed for a while. We checked with him that he'd turned all the taps off and calmed him down as best we could. He went off to see his prof, who apparently more or less laughed it off. He'd been a laser physicist in the 80s when dye lasers were cutting edge and was completely used to being up to his elbows in mildly carcinogenic dye because good physicists aren't always good plumbers...
 
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  • #36
Twigg said:
Boss says, "why would I fire you? I just paid fifty grand to train you."
Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.
 
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