Things to Consider When Inspecting Laboratory Glassware

1. Things to Consider When Inspecting Laboratory Glassware ======================================================== Laboratories use various equipment and tools made from different materials to conduct experiments and research effectively. One such category of equipment is laboratory glassware. While they are extremely helpful in several applications, these equipment are vulnerable to wear and tear. Thus, inspecting them frequently is crucial to avoid any potential injury or complication in the future. Let us see how you can ensure whether the glassware is damaged or not. Check Whether the Equipment Has Been Dropped or Knocked A lot of glassware, especially equipment made from borosilicate 3.3 glass, might not display any signs of breakage even if it is knocked or dropped. Even though the glassware may appear functional or okay, it might develop some weak points that can affect operations or lead to incidents. Therefore, all laboratory equipment suppliers recommend identifying even the slightest weak spots, like tiny cracks. In case of such findings, disposing of the equipment is the best option. Appropriate Heating Most laboratory glassware is designed to go through the heating process. However, if heated inappropriately, it can put pressure on the glass, increasing the chances of accidents in the future. theclinivex.com

2. In general, all glass equipment should be cooled after it is heated. The cooling process is crucial to prevent thermal shock. Moreover, heat must be evenly distributed throughout the equipment to avoid hot spots, which can lead to weakness. Thus, it becomes essential to inspect glassware to ensure that there are no problems with heating. If there are red flags, you must dispose of the equipment. Incorrect Autoclave Laboratory glassware, especially those that will be reused, is put through the autoclave cycle. Although almost all glass equipment designed for laboratory use is capable of enduring this process, it should still be carried out carefully to prevent any damage. Extreme pressure can either cause the process to fail explosively or damage the glass equipment, which can again lead to problems in the future. Exposure to Conditions Lab glassware suppliers generally do not recommend using laboratory glassware in a vacuum or under pressure. Vacuum presence or pressure greater than 1 bar can stress the equipment. Please remember that glass equipment showing any signs of damage should not be exposed to unsuitable conditions. Moreover, equipment with appropriate wall thickness or geometry should be used when working with negative or positive pressure. Inspecting the Laboratory Glassware It is very important to inspect all laboratory glassware regularly. However, your safety is in your hands, so make sure to wear adequate protection, including PPE, lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses. Conduct the inspection with a white and black backdrop and enough lighting to provide much-needed contrast, ensuring sufficient visibility to identify flaws. The illumination intensity should at least be 1000 lux. Moreover, the levels of light must be uniform. It is best to avoid using light flickers and glares wherever possible since it can cause damage that may go unnoticed. Another important thing to remember when checking glassware is to look for bubbles, scratches, cracks, and chips. Please note that a mark on any uniform glassware surface might indicate a breaking point, particularly when placed through the autoclave cycle or heated. theclinivex.com

3. Disposing of the Glassware Inspections are often done to check for potential signs of damage and analyze the equipment’s condition for further use. In case of any signs or damages, the equipment should be immediately disposed of. But safe disposal is a must. Therefore, put the damaged glassware equipment in a labeled puncture-resistant box. This ensures that everyone handling the damaged equipment will be careful and cautious. Use appropriate PPE when handling shattered or broken glassware equipment. Remember to ensure that broken glassware is free of biological and chemical hazards before disposal. If not, you must clean the item carefully with the help of PPE. Conclusion The quality and condition of lab glass supply will directly influence the outcome of your experiment or research. Thus, inspecting them regularly is crucial for the best results. Moreover, periodic inspections also reduce the chances of potential damages, incidents, or complications that damaged glassware can lead to in the near future. Source: https://medium.com/@theclinivex/things-to-consider-when-inspecting- laboratory-glassware-3fbb85101435 theclinivex.com