Safe Use of lab

Equipment
Lec.3
BY:
Dr.Marwa Elkamel
Introduction
• The laboratory environment can be a hazardous place to work.
• Laboratory workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards including
chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards.
• Working safely with hazardous chemicals requires proper use of laboratory
equipment.
• Many of the accidents can be attributed to improper use or maintenance
of laboratory equipment
• The following sections provide safe work practices for some common types
of laboratory equipment.
SAFETY IN THE USE OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
• Laboratory equipment can be hazardous if they are not used and
maintained properly.
• Laboratory personnel must be trained on the proper use of laboratory
equipment prior to using the equipment.

• These general guidelines should be followed:

1. Review and follow instructions provided in the manufacturer’s
manuals.
2. The manuals and procedures should be located with the
equipment or in a location that is easily accessible to all
laboratory personnel.
3. Maintenance or repairs to any laboratory equipment should only
be performed by a qualified individual.
Glassware
• The primary hazards associated with glassware are cuts from
broken glassware, puncture wounds from attempting to force
thermometers or glass tubing into stoppers, and burns from
touching heated glassware.
1- Glassware
• Laboratory glassware should never be used for food or
beverages.
• Ensure that glassware is in good condition prior to use
(i.e. no cracks, scratches, chips).
• When using glass tubing, all cut ends should be fire
polished.
• Use a brush, not your hands, to pick up broken glass.
• Broken glass should be discarded in a separate container.
• Use the right size and type of glassware.
2- Personal Safety Techniques for Use with Electrical
Equipment
• Electrically equipment is used routinely for laboratory operations requiring
heating, cooling, agitation or mixing, and pumping
• When operating or servicing electrical equipment, follow basic safety
precautions as summarized below.

1. Before beginning any work, all personnel should be shown and trained in the
use of all electrical power sources and the location of emergency shutoff
switches.
2. Before qualified individuals service electrical equipment in any way,
disconnect the power source to avoid the danger of electric shock.
2- Personal Safety Techniques for Use with
Electrical Equipment
4. Electric shock is the major electrical hazard.
5. If improperly used, electrical equipment can ignite flammable or explosive
vapors.

6. Most of the risks can be minimized by regular proper maintenance and a

clear understanding of the correct use of the device

7. If a person is in contact with a live electrical conductor, disconnect the

power source before removing the person from the contact and
administering first aid
3- Stirring and Mixing Devices
• The stirring and mixing devices commonly found in laboratories
include stirring motors, magnetic stirrers, shakers, and rotary evaporators for
solvent removal.
• These devices are often used in laboratory chemical hoods, and they must be
operated such that they do not provide an ignition source for flammable vapors.
• In the event of an emergency, such devices can be turned on or off from
outside the laboratory chemical hood.
3- Stirring and Mixing Devices
• The hazards associated with this type of equipment can be minimized by:
1. Ensuring equipment has safety features.
2. Ensuring equipment is appropriate for the task being performed.
3. Ensuring equipment is in good condition prior to use, caps and bottles
before using.
4. Discard damaged items.
5. Do not leave the system unattended for long periods as there is an
electrical overload or blockage of the stirrer
 4- Heating Devices- Ovens
• Electrically heated ovens are commonly used in the laboratory to remove
water or other solvents from chemical samples and to dry laboratory
glassware.
• Never use laboratory ovens to prepare food.
• To avoid explosion, do not dry glassware that has been rinsed with an
organic solvent in an oven until it has been rinsed again with distilled water.
• Potentially explosive mixtures can be formed from volatile substances and
the air inside an oven.
• Do not use ovens to dry any chemical sample that has even moderate
volatility and might pose a hazard
• because of acute or chronic toxicity unless special precautions have been
taken to ensure continuous venting of the atmosphere inside the oven
5-Heating Devices- Hot Plates

• Laboratory hot plates are often used when solutions are to be heated
to 100 °C or higher
• Although almost all laboratory hot plates, pose an electrical spark hazard
arising from either the on/off switch located on the hot plate
• The controls for the stirrer and temperature control are not easily
differentiated. Care must be taken to distinguish their functions.
• A fire or explosion may occur if the temperature rather than the stirrer
speed is increased inadvertently
 Safe use of equipment’s
6-Autoclave
• Steam Sterilization uses a combination of the variables
time, temperature and pressure to eradicate biohazardous
organisms.
• An autoclave may take 15 minutes to reach peak
temperature and pressure, 20 minutes to run the
sterilization cycle, and another 15 minutes to reach
ambient conditions necessary for the autoclave to be
opened safely.
6- Autoclave
1. Wrap packages to allow for steam penetration; aluminum foil does
not allow steam penetration, and should not be used for wrapping.
2. Do not overload the chamber.
3. Avoid overpacking of autoclave bags.
4. Read the manufacturer’s operating manual and post proper work
procedures near the autoclave.
5. Never autoclave hazardous chemicals.
6. Use heat resistant gloves while taking off sterilized containers
6- Autoclave
7. Open the door slightly to allow escape of steam before unloading
8. Wear insulated gloves or mitts when unloading.
9. The indicator is placed in the area least likely to reach sterilizing conditions,
such as in the middle of the largest or densest package.
10. A subsequent color change in the chemical indicator, or no color change in
the biological indicator, indicates that the load has been exposed to the
required conditions for a sufficient length of time.
7-Centrifuges
1- A high-speed centrifuge is common in laboratories.
• They are essential for liquid and gas sample separation based on density.
• Improperly used or maintained centrifuges can present significant hazards to
users.

• 2- Failed mechanical parts can result in release of flying objects, hazardous

chemicals and biohazardous aerosols.
 7-Centrifuges
• The high-speed spins generated by
centrifuges can create large amounts of
aerosol if a spill, leak or tube breakage
occurs.
• If used improperly, centrifuges can pose
safety risks because of the high centrifugal
forces.
• Improper sample imbalance can result in
damaged equipment, ruined samples,
serious injury.
• Leaked liquids may cause burns or skin
irritation and released aerosols can be
harmful if inhaled.
7- Centrifuge
3- To avoid contaminating your centrifuge:
• Use unbreakable tubes whenever possible.
• Avoid filling tubes to the rim.
• Follow manufactures recommendations for tube and rotor maximum safe
operation speeds.
4. Aerosol-free (sealed) centrifuge buckets or rotors are required for all
centrifuging of infectious specimens and bacteria.
5. Buckets should be kept clean and free of broken glass and plastic,
6. Use caps or stoppers on centrifuge tubes.
7. Ensure that the centrifuge is properly balanced.
7- Centrifuge
• During operation:
• Never exceed the rotor’s maximum run
speed.
• Keep the centrifuge lid closed during
operation.
• Do not open the lid until the rotor has
come to a complete stop.
• If a spill occurs, use appropriate
decontamination and clean-up procedures
7- Centrifuge
To ensure safe operation before operation :
• Do not overfill tubes or containers.
• Make sure that tubes or containers are properly balanced in the
rotor.
• Only check O-rings on the rotor if you are properly trained.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and
operation.
• According to guidance issued by OSHA , the majority of all
centrifuge accidents result from user error.
8- Analytical Balance
• MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT LAB TEMPERATURE
• Keep your balance as far away as possible from any doors, windows, and air vents, as
drafts, direct sunlight, and other sudden temperature fluctuations can all cause a
significant misreading
• CHOOSE A STABLE AND LEVEL SURFACE FOR YOUR BALANCE
• MAKE SURE YOUR BALANCE IS CLEAN BEFORE WEIGHING
• ALWAYS HANDLE YOUR WEIGHTS AND SAMPLES WITH CARE
• DON’T FORGET TO SHUT THE DRAFT SHIELD DOOR
The purpose of the draft shield is to isolate the
weighing pan from the rest of the lab environment
8-Analytical Balance
• Take the following precautions:
• Always wear gloves: Even the oils on your fingertips can cause errors
in your readings.
• Use tongs or tweezers: Avoiding all contact with the samples is
typically the best option.
• Don’t lean on the table: You might not even think about it, but this
can risk unwanted vibration.
• Properly store your weights: When not in use, keep your calibration
weights upright inside a closed container.
 9- Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards
• Laboratory equipment that can produce hazardous
amounts of electromagnetic radiation include ultraviolet
lamps, heat lamps, lasers, microwave and radio-frequency
sources, and X-ray and electron-beam sources.

• Visible, Ultraviolet, and Infrared Laser Light Sources

• Wear appropriately rated safety glasses, chemical splash
goggles, and face shields for eye protection.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves to protect arms and
hands from exposure.
• When lasers or deep UV light sources are in use, lights or
highly visible signage should be posted outside the room.
 9- X-Rays, Electron Beams, and
Sealed Sources

• X-rays and electron beams (E-beams) are used in a variety of

laboratory applications
• Train personnel operating or working in these types of equipment
appropriately to minimize the risk of exposing themselves and others in
the laboratory to harmful ionizing radiation.
• The beam from a low-energy X-ray machine can cause cell destruction
as well as genetic damage.
 10- X-Rays, Electron Beams, and
Sealed Sources

• keep aware of the location of the beam,

• and know how to work safely around the beam when
aligning it in preparation for conducting an experiment.
• Users are required to wear a monitoring badge to
measure any accumulated exposure.
At the End of Your Lab Time…
1) How should you handle glassware when carrying it?
Two hands, very carefully, no running

2)What should you do if you don't know how to use a piece of

equipment?
Ask for help before touching

3)What should you be cautious about when heating substances?

Exposed hair or clothing or hands, do not put any substances in
unless instructions say so
Handling Equipment
• Keep your work area clean and clutter-free.
• Be aware of your potential impact on others.
• Notify lab supervisor of malfunctioning equipment.
• If you do not know how to use an instrument or equipment, then do
not touch it.
• Do not use laboratory equipment without first receiving instruction in
its use.
• Keep balances clean and dry, always use weigh paper/boats.
• Never leave heat sources unattended. Be careful when using hot
plates or burners. Note that there is often no visible flame, glow or
sign that objects are hot.
Practical
• How to Use a Centrifuge
Nc state undergraduate organic chemistry
• How to safely use analytical balance?
• https://youtu.be/mmgiehwrK54?si=CconDD1FQ4_i-YW4
• https://youtu.be/0UymyTJATLc?si=smF7z3GlN0z-pEWY
• Lab Safety Training : Using Autoclaves
• https://youtu.be/tMf5nRXj-Es?si=SAIBKQYNRNxmVmda

• How to use a stirrer hot plate? Michael morgan

• https://youtu.be/E1bFq5YLzGs?si=bJTgJ90DTYm4d76Y