CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Fabrication with Borosilicate Glass

Due to low expansion of glass and easy workability, this glass can be shaped, formed, joined into complicated apparatus. It can be done even by an analyst in his own laboratory. He can keep on changing till he gets what he needs. In case where annealing in a controlled oven is difficult he can do so by flame annealing which is also great advantage.

Optical Properties

Laboratory glassware made from Borosilicate Glass shows no noticeable absorption in the visible region of the spectrum. It appear consquently clear and colourless.

When treated with proper care Glacier laboratory apparatus will give a long and satisfactory service. The following prepared notes are to assist users in obtaining the maximum life and performance from their apparatus. Our sales department will be happy to advise on any aspect concerning the safe use of our products.

PACKING

Trained staff under the supervision of very technically experienced supervisors does all the packing. During the packing process every product is checked personally by the supervisors in all parameters then only the packing staff packs the material. It is also kept in mind Using Cotton Gloves that not even a finger touch sign is left on the product while packing. As the Glassware is a fragile item all the packing is done in White Die-Cut Boxes as per international Standards to avoid breakage. After Packing labels of every item is pasted on the box for ready reference. Material is again checked after packing to minimize the breakage chances. We don’t use wooden material like wooden box, Wood wool and cheap packing material as it is unhygienic and is banned in few of the countries also. After packing a box is covered with a plastic film to protect the box from atmospheric change.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. Use tongs to asbestos gloves to remove all glassware from heat. Hot glass can cause severs burns.
2. Protective gloves, safety shoes, aprons, and goggles should be worn as safety chemical accidents, spilling or splattering.
3. Always flush the outside of acid bottle with water before opening. Do not put the stopper on the counter top where someone else may come in contact with acid residue.
4. Special care is needed when dealing with mercury. Even a small amount of mercury in the bottom of a drawer can poison the room atmosphere. Mercury toxicity is cumulative and the element’s ability to amalgamate with a number of metals is well known. After an accident involving mercury, the area should be cleaned carefully until there are no globules remaining.
   All mercury containers should be kept well-stoppered.
5. Never drink from a beaker. A beaker left specifically for drinking is a menace to the laboratory. Do not taste chemicals for identification. Smell chemicals only when necessary and by waiting a small amount of vapour towards the nose.
6. Avoid pipeting by mouth, particularly when using concentrated acids, alkalis or potentially biohazardous materials. Use mechanical means such as a rubber bulb or an automatic dispenser.
7. Never fill receptacle with material other than that called for by the label. Label all containers before filling. Throw away contents of unlabelled containers.
8. To avoid breakage when clamping glassware, do not permit glass-to-metal contact and do not use excessive force to tighten the clamps.
9. Do not look down into a test tube being heated or containing chemicals and do not point its open end at another person. A reaction might cause the contents to be ejected, resulting in injury.
10. Spattering from acids, caustic materials and strong oxidizing solutions on the skin or clothing should be washed off immediately with large quantities of water.
11. When working with chlorine, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and other very toxic substances, always use a protective mask or perform these experiments under a fume hood on a well ventilated area.
12. In working with volatile materials, remember that heat causes expansion and confinement of expansion results in explosion. Remember also that danger exists even though external heat is not applied.
13. Perchloric acid is especially dangerous because it explodes on contact with organic materials. Do not use perchloric acid around wooden benches or tables. Keep perchloric acid, wear protective clothing.
14. When using hot plates and other electrical equipments, ensure the wire and plugs are in good condition. Never handle electrical connection with damp hands.

CLEANING

Successful experimental results can only be achieved by using a clean apparatus. In all instances laboratory glassware must be physically clean, in nearly all cases it must be chemically clean and in specific cases it must be bacteriologically clean or sterile. There must be no trace of grease and the safest criteria of cleanliness is the uniform wetting of the glass surface by distilled water-this being of the utmost importance for glassware used for volumetric methods. Any prevention of uniform wetting of the surface will introduce errors such as distortion of the meniscus and accuracy of volume. Our Glass Cleaning Liquid Blue Line & Green Line can also be used for the same.