April LORRE Safety Issue

                                                                                        

                                                                                              4/4/2016

To All:

Centrifuge Safety

For those currently using centrifuges:

·       Please inspect the rotor prior to use

·       Check the rotor speed limits before setting up

·       Ensure your samples are balanced within the centrifuge

·       ***Record and sign the "High Speed Centrifuge and Rotor Record", as this will help us find the problem if there is a machine failure

Autoclave

When using the autoclave, please strictly follow the posted instructions. Every day, the first user must flush the generator. Turn the generator manual drain valve to "open" - the value is only fully open after a full turn! Please make sure that the valve is turned at least 360 degrees to be opened. The autoclave is an important piece of equipment, as it is used every day. It is the only autoclave in the building and other building researchers also use it. Please be sure to safely operate the autoclave.

Chemical Handling Standard Operating Procedures

Chemical handling SOPs are required for everyone. Oskar Kane, Julia Burchell, and Antonio Carlos Feritas dos Santos have helped keep the material safety data sheets (MSDS) and fill out hazardous material pick up requests form. We hope that everyone can take the initiative to do this, so that we may have a safe lab that follows the Guide to Chemical Hazards.

Safety should be a priority in any workplace. Thank you for your attention to this month's safety issue.

LORRE Safety Committee