The optics laboratory space is divided into separate work areas, and each work area has its own equipment. The equipment is expensive and delicate. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the equipment and to prevent its deterioration.
Take the general precautions listed below.
All optical surfaces are susceptible to damage. Some optical components have delicate optical coatings and others have plastic surfaces. Fingerprints and scratches are the most common sources of damage. They can irreversibly degrade the performance of an optical component. Never touch optical surfaces. Hold the components by their side.
Never drop optical components. Be careful and do not rush.
Do not lay components in places where they can be easily knocked down.
Always place an optical component in its mount after you have secured the mount onto the optical bench.
Care should also be exercised with opto-mechanical equipment, which may have delicate mechanical parts that can easily be damaged. Do not drop opto-mechanical components.
Do not force any part of an opto-mechanical component.
Do not over-tighten any screws. A controlled amount of torque is usually enough to secure a screw.
Always put all components back into their case or box when you are done with them.
When in doubt about the use of a particular component, always ask the laboratory instructor for help.