General laboratory stuff
If you break something, let a technician know.
Equipment
Only move small items of equipment between labs if there isn’t one in the lab you are working in. If you remove something, then note it on the “Equipment move” sheet on the notice boards in the labs. Return all items when you have finished with them.
KEEP EQUIPMENT TURNED OFF WHEN NOT IN USE TO SAVE ENERGY
Balances
Balances are the very important pieces of lab equipment so please treat them with respect. If a balance is not working properly then any experiments using samples weighed out using it will be flawed and your results incorrect.
Please clean balances and balance benches after use. Please ask for training on how to do this. Do not switch balances off at the wall.
Stores
The equipment in the stores is available to all but you must sign out what you take from general consumables. If you need more specialised items please ask a technician as they may be able to help, failing that they may need to be ordered. The equipment in stores can be borrowed for as long as it is needed but please return after use.
Standard chemicals
Cohen will supply the following chemicals:
- Hydrochloric acid
- Nitric acid
- Hydrofluoric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Methanol
- Ethanol
- Acetone
- Isopropanol
If a chemical is nearly finished, let a technician know so that replacements can be ordered in good time. If you need any other chemicals for your experiments this should be bought separately (unless we have stocks in the lab from previous experiments).?
Gas Cylinders
You must be trained by staff before you can use compressed gases. Gas cylinders can be very dangerous and have the potential to explode if handled incorrectly. Do not attempt to use them without this training.
Risk and COSHH assessments for the handling and movement of non-toxic gas cylinders and fitting and use of regulators in Cohen laboratories have been written. They do not cover the specific aspects of your experimental work and this must be considered in your own risk/COSHH assessments.
Written by Andy Connelly (2/9/2016)
Last updated by Andy Connelly (12/10/2016)