Lab and scientific equipment are very delicate, so it’s essential to care for your equipment. If you don’t maintain your lab equipment well, it could break or cause injuries. Here are some tips for taking care of your scientific equipment/lab equipment:
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Make sure it is operational (working) before you use it.
Once you have obtained your scientific equipment and are ready to use it, you will need to ensure it is operational. Before using any laboratory equipment, several steps should be taken to ensure safety and proper functioning. Make sure you read the instructions with your equipment and any additional information provided by the manufacturer or seller. When making sure your equipment is in good condition, check the following:
- That all connections are secure;
- That all switches/buttons/knobs work correctly;
- That no liquid has leaked inside (if applicable), and
- No cracks or other damage visible on the outside surface of anything that could give way under pressure (if applicable).
Don’t be afraid of your equipment; don’t get nervous around it.
- Don’t be afraid of your equipment. This can be difficult for some people, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be afraid of using or asking about your scientific instruments. You can ask someone else for help with the equipment if you need it—especially when working with new tools like an ultracentrifuge or spectrophotometer.
- Don’t get nervous about the equipment. Being confident around your lab equipment will also help others feel more comfortable in their work environment and encourage them to ask questions when they’re stuck on a project or need advice from another student on how best to use their resources in their labs (or classrooms).
Always have a supervisor present when using lab equipment.
When using lab equipment, it is essential to have a supervisor present. This is because your supervisor can help you with any questions or issues that may arise during the equipment used. The supervisor is also there to ensure that you are following proper procedures for using the equipment and not doing anything dangerous.
Check equipment for safety features, like safety caps and guards.
When working with scientific equipment/lab equipment, checking for safety features like safety caps and guards is essential. Safety caps are used to prevent spills and other accidents while the equipment is not in use. Safety guards are used to keep hands and fingers from moving parts during the use of the equipment.
Safety guards should permanently be installed on scientific instruments while they are turned on, but they can be removed when an instrument is not in use or when using it at low speeds (e.g., speed = 0). This will help prevent accidental injuries caused by unexpected movement of the equipment during the operation
Don’t wear loose clothing around lab equipment or scientific equipment.
If you wear loose clothing or jewellery in the lab, ensure that it does not get caught in moving parts or electrical equipment. Loose clothing can also get caught in chemical equipment, as well as centrifuges and microscopes.
Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying particles, chemical splashes, and fumes. Work gloves are important to prevent cuts and abrasions when handling sharp instruments, chemicals or other objects that could cause injury. A face shield is a must if you’re working with dangerous chemicals that can splash up into your face and when using hot materials such as soldering irons and Bunsen burners. Wearing a lab coat while doing experiments is also recommended because it helps reduce static electricity in the air, which could potentially ignite flammable vapours given off by some substances being worked with in the lab. Plus, wearing shoes specifically designed for lab use will help keep spills from travelling through the floorboards and onto other areas of your home (or office).