Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

When handling glassware, check for cracks and chips before washing, autoclaving or using it.
Dispose of chipped and broken glassware immediately in an approved collection unit. DO NOT
put broken glassware in the regular trash. Handle glassware with care – avoid impacts, scratches
or intense heating of glassware. Make sure you use the appropriate labware for the procedures
and chemicals. Use care when inserting glass tubing into stoppers: use glass tubing that has been
fire-polished, lubricate the glass, and protect your hands with heavy gloves.
If your department/building has a glass washing service there are certain protocols that must be
followed before sending the glassware to be washed. It is the responsibility of the lab to empty
and rinse all glassware before it leaves the lab. Although the contents may not be hazardous, the
washroom support staff cannot be certain of the appropriate PPE to wear, disposal regulations or
possible incompatibilities with items received from other researchers. Be aware that labeling for
lab personnel is not sufficient for areas outside the lab as per the OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard. It is the responsibility of the glassware washing staff to reject or return glassware that
is not acceptable due to breakage or containing chemicals. For this reason, glassware should be
labeled with the name of the person who is responsible for it.
22.14 General Equipment Set Up
The following recommended laboratory techniques for general equipment set up was taken from
the American Chemical Society’s booklet – Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories.
22.14.1 Glassware and Plasticware
• Borosilicate glassware (i.e. Pyrex) is recommended for all lab glassware, except for
special experiments using UV or other light sources. Soft glass should only be used for
things such as reagent bottles, measuring equipment, stirring rods and tubing.
• Any glass equipment being evacuated, such as suction flasks, should be specially
designed with heavy walls. Dewar flasks and large vacuum vessels should be taped or
guarded in case of flying glass from an implosion. Household thermos bottles have thin
walls and are not acceptable substitutes for lab Dewar flasks.
• Glass containers containing hazardous chemicals should be transported in rubber bottle
carriers or buckets to protect them from breakage and contain any spills or leaks. It is
recommended to transport plastic containers this way as well since they also can break or
leak.
22.14.2 Preparation of Glass Tubing and Stoppers
• To cut glass tubing:
• Hold the tube against a firm support and make one firm quick stroke with a sharp
triangular file or glass cutter to score the glass long enough to extend
approximately one third around the circumference.
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