This applies to all general supplies such as reagents, scissors, parafilm, etc.
Place any used weigh paper/boat directly in the garbage bins
If you accidentally spill reagents on the balance, use the brush to brush off to the side bench and sweep into the garbage bin. If unsure, consult with your instructor or TAs for proper clean-up procedures.
After using the pH probe, ensure you close the probe or the electrolyte will evaporate over time and damage the probe. Also, the probe MUST be rinsed with ddwater prior to storing in the storage bottle.
Pipetteman should be used properly to prevent liquids from entering the barrel. Also, they should never go beyond their limits.
P5000 ~ 100 - 500 on the dial (1000 - 5000 ul)
P1000 ~ 020 - 100 on the dial (200 - 1000 ul)
P200 ~ 050 - 200 on the dial (50 - 200 ul)
P100 ~ 020 - 100 on the dial (20 - 100 ul)
P20 ~ 050 - 200 on the dial (5.0 - 20.0 ul)
Rinse used glassware and place in designated bins for washing
Label with tape all the glassware and containers with solution. DO NOT write with black marker on the glassware!
You can fold in one end of the tape so the tape will be easy to remove afterwards. Unlabelled glassware will lead to serious accidents when spills occur and no one can identify the solutions
Keep the white tray clean – it is used ONLY for unused and clean glassware
Any items you have used should NOT return to the tray. Used items should instead be rinsed and placed in bins beside the sink.
Clean up your bench area after the lab.
The bench should appear the same way you see it when you come in, or cleaner. There should be less glassware and consumables on the white tray and those should be properly disposed of, or properly rinsed and placed in the bins by the sink
Dispose of supplies/samples/excess reagents properly
Blue recycling bin – uncontaminated paper/cardboard
Autoclave white bin – contaminated, microbiological wastes
Black garbage bin – regular garbage
Metal glass waste bin – glass wastes ONLY
Return all the equipment and supplies in the assigned cupboard.
This includes vortex, stirring heat plate, pipetteman, etc.
Lab Safety
Do NOT walk around the lab with chemicals on weigh paper/boat, this will easily cause spills
Bring the beaker or Erlenmeyer flask with you and transfer the solids immediately to glassware before heading back to your bench
Never leave unknown solids on weigh paper/boat unattended, this can cause injuries, burns and intoxication if others come in contacts with these solids accidentally
If you accidentally weigh extra reagents/solids, please consult with instructor or TAs for proper disposal method. Not all reagents can be thrown in the garbage bin directly.
Immediately close the reagent bottle after use and minimize exposure to air during weighing.
Some reagents are hygroscopic and some are easily oxidized – leaving the bottle open can deem the chemicals un-usable.
Never swap bottle caps between reagents – this can lead to explosion and fire.
Some reagents can have vigorous reaction with each other so simply swapping the caps with minor amounts of reagents in contact with the other can cause serious consequences.
Solvents and acids MUST be handled in the fume hood. Never take any of those bottles out to the bench.
Samples containing solvents should remain capped to minimize exposure, prior to removing from the fume hood.
Never discard any solvent in garbage bin or down the drain – this can cause injuries to janitor and damages to the pipes
Designated containers should be provided and if not, please prompt the instructor and TAs.
Do NOT leave glassware on chest freezer top, fridge top or any equipment top.
These are not space for you to work on. Bring your glassware back to your bench to complete the experimental procedures.
