Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
6. If you don't know how to use the lab equip-
ment, it's better to ask the expert to avoid
mistakes caused by hunches.
13.2
Laboratory Safety Measures
Safety measures can broadly be categorized into
two groups—
the human safety
and the
instru-
mental or laboratory safety
. Almost all labora-
tory equipments are sensitive and can become
dangerous if safety precautions are not taken
properly. Many equipments are something that
one can't just drag around and store anywhere
because most equipments have their conditions
and specifications in installing, use, and storing.
Most of the instruments achieve high levels of
performance due to carefully designed interface
between external connectors and internal
components. As a result, specific handling
precautions must be observed for device reliabil-
ity and optimum performance. An appropriate
safety precaution to use with a laboratory instru-
ment depends on the type of instrument and
analysis to be carried out. For example, if one is
going to use an instrument having furnace, then
one is required to be careful about fire,
overheating, burning, etc. On the other hand, if
the instrument uses compressed gas, one needs to
be aware of how to make and maintain tight
connections to the gas source and may need to
look at adequacy of ventilation. While using the
instrument, one should be careful about the fol-
lowing points, though these are not exhaustive:
1. The equipment should be placed away from
heat sources. Do not block airflow around
equipment. If equipment be operated at high
ambient temperatures, mount with a good
thermal connection to a large thermal mass.
2. Do not allow foreign material into the enclo-
sure. Do not allow contamination to be
introduced into the connectors.
3. If applicable, always use the provided AC
adaptor. Do not power the unit with a different
adaptor. Do not modify the power plug or wall
outlet to remove the third (ground) pin.
4. Do not drop or shake the equipment. Mini-
mize vibration and handle with care.
5. Make sure to read the instructions in the lab
equipment and do not do experiments on
your own.
13.2.1 Precautionary Measures
Given below are some of the precautionary
measures one should follow while using the
instruments:
1.
Autoclaves
, heat sterilizers, and pressure
cookers should be run only by experts or
professionals. In using a pressure cooker,
check the safety valve before pressure is
built up. The equipment should be turned off
and allowed to cool before the stopcock is
opened to equalize pressure.
2.
Incubators
may be useful components of a
biology laboratory; care should be taken to
keep incubators safe and well maintained.
Unwanted growth of organisms should be
restricted by regular cleaning.
3.
Microscope
: if it has a cover or case, always
put it in place when you aren't using the
device. Wet or dirty slides should never
be put on the stage, which should always be
kept dry. When cleaning your microscope,
unplug it first, if applicable, and then clean
the outside using a damp, soft cloth only.
Never use a dry cloth or paper towel to
wipe any optical surface as it could scratch
lens. Use an air blower or a camel hair brush
to whisk away dust. If there is dirt on the
eyepiece that can't be removed with air or
the brush, gently wipe it with a piece of clean
cotton.
4.
Chromatography
(a) Dissolving and developing solvents give
off toxic vapors. They must be stored in
closed containers and the room should
properly be ventilated.
(b) Solvents are highly flammable and must
not be used near an open flame.
(c) Avoid skin contact when spraying the
developing solvents.
(d) Use a fume hood when appropriate.
