ERI Safety Videos Videos for Safety Meetings 2961 LABORATORY SAFETY SERIES: Safe Handling Of Glassware Leader s Guide Marcom Group Ltd.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM Structure and Organization Information in this program is presented in a definite order, so that employees will see the relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections in this program include: Inspecting glassware before use. "Compatibility" factors. Effects of extreme temperatures and pressures. Matching glassware to the situation. Using personal protective equipment. Storage and handling. Washing and cleanup. Working with glass tubing. Assembling apparatus. Each of the sections gives an overview of important information in one topic area, providing employees with the basis for understanding how to use and maintain laboratory glassware safely. Background Glassware is a marvelous accomplishment. It can be shaped to accommodate any number of uses in our laboratories. However, because it is so fragile, if it bumped or dropped...or if too much pressure is applied...it is easily broken and can often cause injuries in the process. Some glassware accidents don't require much more than a band-aid. Others can result in a lot of blood and the need for a doctor's "needlework". The threat of contamination from the materials in the broken container can also be a serious consideration. Because of its potential to cause injuries and create hazardous situations, laboratory employees need to know the proper procedures for working safely with the glassware they use...as well as how to maintain it. Objectives To help employees use and maintain laboratory glassware safely, this education and training program is designed to present basic information on glassware, how it should be used and how to work with it safely. Upon completion of the program, employees should: Know how to check the glassware that they use to spot flaws, damage or other potential problems. Be able to match the appropriate type and grade of glassware to the jobs they are doing. Understand how to properly handle various types of glassware. Be able to select the appropriate personal protective equipment for working with glassware.
Know how to safely make basic modifications to glass tubing. Be able to safely set up apparatus using tubing and other glassware. Know how to take the necessary safety precautions for using glassware in hazardous situations. Be able to clean laboratory glassware properly and safely. Understand how to properly store glassware when it is not being used. Reviewing the Program As with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through the entire program at least once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with company policy and directives. An "Outline of Major Program Points" section is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for general reference. As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct your session. The use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall program presentation..
PROGRAM OUTLINE Glassware is a marvelous accomplishment. It is: Designed efficiently. Shaped "by science, for science". But glassware is fragile and can break or shatter under a number of conditions: If it is bumped. If it is dropped. If too much pressure is applied. If temperatures change too drastically. Any of these problems can cause accidents. Some accidents are minor. Others can result in serious injuries. Contamination can also be a problem. How do we protect ourselves from glassware accidents? Learn about our equipment. Inspect it before use. Follow proper procedures. Glassware is everywhere. Beakers. Flasks. Bottles and jars. Tubing. And more. Each type of glassware is made for a specific purpose. They should be used only for that purpose. "Makeshift" apparatus is unstable and can lead to accidents. You should always determine the compatibility of glassware with the chemicals you are using. Especially acids and alkalies. Many chemicals react with glass. Only certain grades of glassware can stand up to lab environments. Labware can often be heated to extreme temperatures. Inferior/flawed material can shatter or crack. Certain operations require specifically designed glassware: Vacuum operations. Gas-producing reactions. Before working with glassware, always inspect it for flaws. Glass should be pulled from service if defects are present. Discard or send defective glassware to a glass blower for repair. Proper handling of glassware is also important. Never carry a flask by its neck. Never carry a beaker by its side. Always use two hands carrying any glassware (position one hand under the glass for support). Gloves should be worn whenever glassware is handled. Cut-resistant gloves are best. Wear lab gloves underneath to keep out liquids.
Use insulated gloves with extreme temperatures. Compromises must sometimes be made when a fine sense of touch is required. Never heat or cool glassware unless it is designed for those processes. Round-bottom flasks are best for boiling liquids. Never set hot glass on a cold bench top. Scratches in glass can grow to cracks later on. So don't use glass/metal stirring rods. Avoid any physical stresses to glassware. Where necessary, stabilize it. Use clamps and platforms to relieve pressure. Ground-glass joints are crafted for a perfect fit. Because of this they sometimes stick. Never force a joint free (the glass can shatter). Lubricate surfaces or use a Teflon sleeve. A heat gun can gently loosen the joints. Cutting and bending tubing can also cause problems. Make sure you are wearing gloves and safety glasses. Several specific steps should be followed to cut tubing: Position a triangular file where the cut is to be. Score the tube with your a single, light stroke. Grip the tube with your fingers on either side of the score mark (with the score facing away from your body). Gently pull the ends of the tube toward you. The glass should snap at the score mark. Remember to fire-polish the tube's ends. Removes sharp edges. Keeps cracks from appearing. Bending tubing has its own procedures: Heat it in a flame until the glass turns red. Pull the ends toward you to form desired angle. Setting up apparatus can involve pushing glass tubes through a cork or stopper. This should be approached with caution. Determine that holes are the correct size for the tubing. Lubricate the hole and tube (with water or glycerin). Hold the tubing with a towel. Position the tube close to the insertion point. Gently twist the tube into the stopper. Using proper techniques when stirring materials is also important. Make sure that electrodes, tubing, etc. are placed high enough to avoid the stir bar. Avoid contact with any portion of the apparatus. Some glassware can present unusual safety risks. Make sure you have had the necessary training before working with specialized equipment. Vacuum operations can severely test glassware. Container walls must be able to withstand pressure differences. Containers can implode if they are not strong enough. Round-bottomed or thick-walled flasks should always be used.
Glassware that is showing repairs should be avoided. It is more apt to break through thermal shock. Checking for flaws before use is very important. Often, protective measures should also be taken. Place all vacuum apparatus behind a blast shield. Always wear appropriate protective equipment (goggles, gloves and even a face shield). Cover flasks, dewers and desiccators with tape or mesh, or use PVC coated containers. Using containers made of other materials can also prevent accidents. Alternatives include: Metal. Plastic. Teflon. Make sure the containers you select are appropriate for the task. More glassware accidents occur during clean-up than any other activity. Keep glassware clear of the sides of sinks. Never use worn out cleaning brushes (they can scratch the glass). Avoid cleaning with "aqua-regia", "chromic acid" or other caustics. Be careful when drying glassware. Place small articles on towels or in lined baskets. Large containers should be hung on pegs. It is also important to know how to store glassware properly. Keep it well away from shelf edges. Don't let instruments roll around in drawers (use drawer pads). Place glassware well back in hoods or on benches. Know proper procedures in case of a mishap. If something is falling, let it drop. Use common sense when doing cleanup. Wear leather or other cut-resistant gloves. Never pick up fragments with your fingers use a dustpan and broom instead. Dispose of glass pieces in "glass-only" receptacles. Also be aware of any spilled substances. Look for: The substance itself. Contaminated broken glassware Spilled materials may have to be disposed of as a hazardous/biological waste. The situation could conceivably require evacuation. Know the location of eye washes and safety showers. Make sure you can use them effectively.
QUIZ LABORATORY SAFETY SERIES: Safe Handling Of Glassware Name: Date: 1. Which of the following are commonly used types of laboratory glassware? Tubing. Pipettes. Funnels. All of the above. 2. True or... Acids often react with glass, resulting in damage and contamination? True 3. True or... Alkalies never react with glass, so you don't have to worry about damage or contamination? True 4. Which of the following can be done to prevent ground glass joints from sticking? Lubricate the ends before joining. Use a teflon sleeve at the joints. Both of the above. 5. True or... "Fire polishing" the ends of a piece of cut tubing removes sharp edges and prevents cracks? True 6. Which of the following types of flasks are considered to be most suitable for vacuum operations? Round-bottomed. Thick-walled. Both of the above.
QUIZ LABORATORY SAFETY SERIES: Safe Handling Of Glassware PRESENTER'S COPY...WITH ANSWERS 1. Which of the following are commonly used types of laboratory glassware? Tubing. Pipettes. Funnels. X All of the above. 2. True or... Acids often react with glass, resulting in damage and contamination? X True 3. True or... Alkalies never react with glass, so you don't have to worry about damage or contamination? True X 4. Which of the following can be done to prevent ground glass joints from sticking? Lubricate the end before joining. Use a teflon sleeve at the joints. X Both of the above. 5. True or... "Fire polishing" the ends of a piece of cut tubing removes sharp edges and prevents cracks? X True 6. Which of the following types of flasks are considered to be most suitable for vacuum operations? Round-bottomed. Thick-walled. X Both of the above.