General Glassware Handling Procedures
July 18, 2003
Broken glassware causes more laboratory accidents
than any other lab hazard. Because it is so fragile, glassware can easily
fracture if it is bumped, dropped or too much pressure is applied to it. Always respect this property of glass
components, and be prepared for any glass piece that you are working with to
break without warning.
- These interim
procedures are in effect for all field and laboratory operations involving
glassware use and handling until further advised.
- These
procedures must be posted in all CleanAir
laboratories, including temporary field laboratories. A copy must also be affixed to the
inside lid of all glassware shipping containers (e.g., impinger
cases, liner boxes).
- Wear approved
eye protection at all times.
- Inspect all
glassware prior to use. Do not use
cracked, chipped or damaged glassware.
- Never attempt
to force a piece of glass, serious injury may result.
- Use cut-resistant gloves whenever you are performing work
that requires pushing, twisting or pulling on glassware components. Examples of these operations include
insertion of impingers into transport case slots
and insertion of glass liners into probe sheaths.
All impinger and probe liner shipping
containers must be packed with a pair of these gloves.
- Use nitrile laboratory gloves for all other
laboratory glassware handling.
- When
inserting a piece of glass into a rubber stopper or gasket, lubricate the
glass first using water.
- Do not carry
more than one piece of glassware in your hands at a time. Try to leave one hand completely free
when carrying glassware.
- Maintain a
neat lab area. Place all glassware in the center of your work space, not
on the edge of the bench.
- All broken
glassware must be cleaned up immediately using a dustpan and sweep. Do not
pick up the glassware directly with your hands unless wearing
cut-resistant gloves. Place the
broken glassware in a rigid container designated and labeled for broken
glass.
- Rinse all
used glassware with water upon completion of the job prior to packing the
glassware for transport.