4.4 Laboratory equipment
Electricity
- Do not connect too many multiway sockets to a single electrical socket. Make sure that all multiway sockets are securely fastened. Never leave contacts or multiway sockets on the floor. Additionally, avoid placing them inside, in front of, or under a fume hood, as this poses a fire risk.
- Do not wind too many cables on the same coil. Overloading the cable can lead to overheating and increase the risk of fire.
- Prevent wires from stretching across the floor, as they can create a tripping hazard.
Regularly inspect the condition of wiring, plugs, cords, and related equipment. If you notice frayed or worn wiring, replace it to maintain safety.
Ovens and drying chambers
Ovens and drying chambers must not be used for flammable or hazardous substances due to the risk of explosion and emission of hazardous gas.
Hotplates
- Electric hotplates should always be placed securely on a fireproof base.
- There should be a free space of at least 50 cm in height above the hotplate.
- Always connect electrical hotplates to the power supply using a safety timer.
- Water and oil baths should be metallic and equipped with overheating protection.
- Make sure that the temperature of an oil bath is at least 20°C below the flash point of the oil being used.
- It is strongly recommended to replace oil baths with heating blocks.
Vacuum glass equipment
All glass equipment that is used under vacuum should be designed for it, made from special durable glass and assembled with the greatest care. When working with vacuum equipment, protective goggles should be worn. Remember that Dewar and Thermos bottles are vacuum vessels.
Central vacuum system
Be aware that using the central vacuum system always generates condensate from liquids and collects particles or molecules from your solids in the central waste collector. Never use the central vacuum line for poisonous chemicals. Do not connect the central vacuum line to the rotary evaporator. Doing so can lead to a significant buildup of solvent in the vacuum line central receptacle.
Note! Always use a safety flask when applying vacuum to liquids or solids.
Cold water hoses
Always fasten cold-water hoses with a gear clamp. For low pressure, use a PVC hose or similar. For high pressure, use a reinforced hose.
For more information see section 9.2 Plan of action for water outage.
HPLC equipment
Ventilated cabinets are recommended for keeping solvent bottles.
If ventilated cabinets are unavailable, the solvent bottle should be sealed with a special stopper to prevent solvent vapor leakage. The stopper allows airflow into the bottle.
Waste bottles not kept inside a ventilated cabinet should be sealed with a special stopper. The exhaust filter prevents solvent vapor from escaping.
