Glassware

1. When using glassware in the lab, it is important to use it properly to ensure that you avoid spills or breakages.

2. Always inspect the glassware before using it to ensure that it doesn’t have any cracks.

3. Be sure to clean your glassware at the end of the lab thoroughly. Be careful when cleaning the glassware. Most cuts occur when students are cleaning their glassware.

4. When assembling a glassware setup for a reaction, be sure to clamp the glassware properly. Do not use too many clamps because too many makes the setup inflexible and do not use too few clamps will usually result in a demonstration of gravity. Also use a Keck clamp wherever you have two pieces of glassware connected by a glass joint.

5. Be sure to grease all joints properly when instructed to do so.

6. Be sure when using the thermometer adapter that it is inserted properly.

7. If you are using a rubber-septa, be sure that it is inserted properly.

8. If you break any glassware, let your TA know immediately. Then clean up the mess if it is small enough for you to handle it. Be sure to be careful not to cut yourself and place the broken glass into the proper container.

9. Be sure to use the correct size of container when getting a chemical. If you need 50 mL, do not use the 50 mL beaker (use a larger one to avoid spills).