Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/13/2011 - 03:50
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Adaptations of Marine Worms in Antarctica

Mr. League, Hey, It's Mr. Crandell. We just finished up our lab safety lessons and were curious of a few things: 1. What kind of protection does your scuba suit offer? How thick is it? We noticed a person with their skin exposed? How come it doesn't freeze? 2. How deep are the holes you climb down? Who do you tell if you have problems? 3. What are some similar lab safety procedures you use that we do in 8th grade?

Stay warm Mr Crandell

Tue, 09/13/2011 - 12:51

Michael League

Hey Mr. Crandell,Glad to hear that you're learning about lab safety. Here are a few
answers to your students' questions.
1. We wear a lot of layers when we go diving. The under layers are all
about warmth. The outer layer is called a drysuit and just like the
name says, it's about keeping us dry. Basically, we are sealed inside
the drysuit by gloves, water-tight zippers, and rubber seals in the neck
and wrists. As your clever students noticed, the only part that is ever
exposed to the water is around our mouth. It goes numb almost
instantly. (But you did just remind me that I need to go put on more
chapstick.)
2. The holes can vary. We don't actually climb down, it's more of a
graceful fall from the bottom of the dive hut to the water. Some sites,
the drop is quite small (1-2 feet). Other times, the drop is a bit
farther - our new hole is about a 5-6 foot drop to the water. We do
have to climb out and for that we use a ladder.
If we go in and have a problem (equipment malfunction), there are always
dive tenders (people who help the divers) in the dive hut. They can
switch out equipment or pass equipment down. In an emergency, they can
also help get a diver out of the water.
3. Similar to what you do in 8th grade, we have the same basic lab
safety equipment. Perhaps you read our journal on it? If not, [click
here.](http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/adaptations-of-marine-worms-in-anta...)
We have an eye-wash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and
fire blanket. We always wear safety goggles and lab coats. Just like in
8th grade, if we spill something in the lab, there is a proper method
for cleaning it up and that usually involves notifying someone (like the
teacher, in your case). We have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),
just like you do. In fact, there are a lot of similarities between our
lab in Antarctica and your 8th grade classroom!
Hope all is well in Selbyville! Keep up the good work.
Mike