Annual Refresher Training

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Annual Refresher Training
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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 doesnt slip
• Presoak glassware. Items presoacked with EDTA
  sulfonate-based detergent to aid in cleaining and
  eliminate any need for acid cleaning

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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In Conclusion

• Well, in terms of good science glassware washing
  is very important. There have been instances in
  my experience where experiments didnt 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

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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

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Questions
Contact Kathie Moh
255-8849 kcm25_at_cornell.edu