Annual Refresher Training

Preliminary Procedure in Glassware Washing Contaminated items. Return glassware that contains chemicals or contamination to the researcher for proper disposal Broken glassware. Dispose of any chipped or cracked items in a proper disposal container Removing labels. When scraping labels, always brace the bottle against the sink so you have good control and the bottle doesn’t slip Presoak glassware. Items presoacked with EDTA sulfonate-based detergent to aid in cleaining and eliminate any need for acid cleaning

Using Glassware Washing Machine Check filters and drain. Always check the filters and drains before loading the washing machine. Loading glassware. Load large and bulky glassware on the end of the rack that will go to the back of the machine. Place a tray or basket on top of tubes and other small items to keep them from flying around during washing.

Using Glassware Washing Machine, continue Operating the machine. Check to assure that the wash cycle is programmed correctly before you start the machine. When the wash is finished, allow some time to pass before open the washer. Wait for the steam to clear before removing the hot items. Empty trapped water and make sure all items are secure before sliding out the tray.

Acid Washing Precautions Protect yourself. Wear lab coat, long sleeved acid-resistant gloves, heavy-duty apron, goggles, full face shield, and closed toe shoes with rubber soles. Work carefully to prevent splashing acid. Never pour water into acid

Acid Washing Precautions, continue Contain acid. Cary and store acid in a secondary acid-resistant container or bottle carrier. Do not use or store acid near bleach or other incompatible chemicals. And keep acid containers covered when not in use Adopt the buddy system. Always have another person stay nearby when you are using acid.

Using Autoclaves The hazards of heat, steam, and pressure are combined in one piece of equipment, the autoclave. Loading the autoclave. Be sure to clean the drain strainer before loading the autoclave and follow the loading instructions carefully – it does make a difference.

Using the autoclaves, continue Using loading racks. Trays and individual glassware pieces need to be placed on a shelf or rack. Never place glassware directly on the bottom or floor of the autoclave Starting the sterilization cycle. Make sure the door of the autoclave is fully closed and the correct cycle has been selected before starting the sterilization cycle.

Using the autoclaves, continue Unloading the autoclave. Protect yourself from steam and heat by wearing heat-resistant gloves. Slightly crack open the door. Wait full five minutes if the autoclave load contains just glassware, and no less than 10 minutes when you are autoclaving liquids Remove the load and let glassware stay on the racks for 15 minutes before handling the individual pieces

Autoclaving Liquids Loosen caps. Before loading containers of liquids into the autoclave, the caps must be loosened to avoid having the bottles shatter Guard against spills. Use a tray with a solid botton and walls to contain the bottles. Add a quarter to a half-inch of water to the bottles will heat more evenly

Autoclaving Liquids, continue Unload with extreme caution. When removing bottles that contain liquids from the autoclave, always wear rubber apron in addition to your standard protective equipment. Be alert for a bottle still bubbling, it could explode easily if touched.

Scalding Injury scenario A co-worker has just had his arm splashed with scalding water Help your co-worker to immediately get his arm submerged into cold water Call for emergency assistance Keep arm submerged until emergency help arrives Report incident to supervisor

In Conclusion “Well, in terms of good science glassware washing is very important. There have been instances in my experience where experiments didn’t work because the glassware was not washed properly. If you carry through a solvent, an agent, or a chemical from one experiment to the next you can not expect your experiment to work properly.” Jeffery Friedman. M.D., Ph.D

All Done! Make sure you fill out the quiz, sign it, and drop it off in my mailbox for record keeping. Remember: This is an annual requirement. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

Questions Contact: Kathie Moh