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Glassware

Glassware items are utilized throughout the laboratory industry. Pipettes, burettes, graduated cylinders and volumetric flasks are used for measuring volume. Beakers, flasks and test tubes for laboratory tests, and thermometers to measure temperature, all can be made out of glass. When mishandled, these items can result in workplace injuries. When substitution of non-glass laboratory products such as polymethylpentene (PMP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC) and PTFE resin is not possible, special glassware handling provisions should be implemented.

Glassware Selection

Borosilicate glass products such as Pyrex or Kimax brand should be selected specifically for applications where temperatures can rapidly change. Extreme temperature changes can cause shattering of glassware.

Insure that the glassware is designed for its intended use. Extreme temperature or vacuum applications require specifically designed products. Vacuum system devices should be have heavy walls to avoid breakage from high vacuum applications.

Extreme caution should be used when working with glassware at extreme temperatures. Personal protective equipment such as insulated gloves and hot pads should be readily available for handling heated glassware.

Cleaning Glassware

It is important to keep glassware clean. Glassware should be cleaned with laboratory designed detergents (an example would be the Tergajet or Solujet labware cleaning agents, or the Nalgene L900 cleaner). The glassware should be cleaned as soon as possible to decrease the amount of buildup which makes the cleaning more difficult. If using brushes to clean the glassware, be careful to avoid damaging the surface of the glass product.

After washing the glassware, be sure to rinse the glassware thoroughly to prevent contamination. It is not advised to towel dry glassware, instead allow glassware to air dry. Inspect the surface of all glassware to ensure it is free from any defects or particulate matter. Any glassware with chips, cracks or scratches should be removed from service and disposed of properly.

Glassware that is jammed together or “frozen” should be carefully released by someone wearing appropriate protective equipment such as cut-resistant gloves and goggles to prevent injuries. Two examples of frozen glassware are nested glassware that is jammed together and irremovable stoppers.

Thermometers

When glass thermometers can not be substituted with temperature probes or resistance thermometers, it is suggested that they be alcohol filled instead of mercury filled. If mercury thermometers are used it is suggested that the thermometer be PTFE resin coated.

Thermometer Protocol

• Do not use a thermometer as a stirring rod.
• Never “shake down” a thermometer.
• Use caution when inserting or removing a thermometer from a rubber stopper.
• Make sure you have selected the appropriate measuring range for your thermometer. Overheating can cause breakage.

Disposal

Defective glassware should be disposed of properly. Broken glassware should not be discarded with the regular trash. A separate container designed and labeled “Deposit Glass Here” similar to Lab Safety Supply part numbers 17-728SR and 17-729SR can be used. Do not attempt to pick up broken glass without using cut-resistant gloves and or a dust pan and broom.

For suggestions on selection of cut-protective gloves when handling glassware in your laboratory contact our Safety TECHline™ Technical Support toll-free: 800-356-2501 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, Monday - Friday). Or e-mail our Technical Support Staff at techsvc@labsafety.com anytime!

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Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.