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Laboratory Rooms – How to Clean

17 September 2018

SIC Laboratory Equipment Repair

 

Cleaning a laboratory is a challenging job.  It is vital for ensuring the safety of other lab users, the integrity of scientific experiments and the economic well-being of the lab. Certain expectations are the same for all labs.  You may have to meet additional requirements or be prohibited from cleaning up toxic and dangerous substances, so follow the standard for your institution.

 

1)      Tidy the Lab

a.       Before you clean up spills or disinfect equipment, tidy up the lab to make sure that there is a clear path to the door and to emergency stations.

b.      A few seconds can make a big difference when there's a fire or dangerous chemical reaction, so something as mundane as pushing in chairs and removing debris from the floor can be a matter of life and death.

c.       Put laboratory supplies in their storage areas, making sure to clean them first if they've been used.

 

2)      Safety Equipment

a.       Before you begin cleaning, ensure that the lab has an eye wash station and safety shower, or that you know how to quickly access these emergency stations.

b.      If you're cleaning up items that are dangerous when they come into contact with skin, you may need a body suit, boots and thick rubber gloves for protection.


In most cases proper cleanup procedures depend on the chemicals and substances with which you're working

c.       Wear a mask when you're around chemicals that pose respiratory dangers

a.       Use goggles to protect your eyes.

b.      A paper towel is fine to clean up water but will quickly be eaten through by chemicals, so check the chemical guide for each product in the lab.

 

3)      Remove Safety Hazards

a.       When you're cleaning up after students or novices, check for hidden safety hazards.

b.      Look for paper hanging over a burner or a bacterial culture left on the floor.

c.       If you or lab users have worked with pathogens, disinfect all surfaces and any equipment that came into contact with the pathogens.

d.      Replace materials that are damaged or missing.

 

4)      Clean Lab Equipment

a.       Thoroughly clean equipment, such as glassware and burners, before you put it away.

b.      Use only chemicals that are marked as safe for the equipment you're using and disinfect any areas that have been exposed to potential pathogens.

c.       Never use flammable cleaning products on burners

d.      Be sure to check the label of each cleaning product you use to ensure that it's safe.

e.      Avoid putting away wet equipment, particularly glassware. Instead, dry it by hand or leave it out to air-dry first.

 

As a leader in Scientific Equipment Repair and Medical Equipment Calibrations, Scientific Instrument Center works with many corporations, universities, and hospitals providing the highest level of laboratory services. Whether we are providing biosafety cabinet calibration or medical equipment calibration, we keep your equipment performing to industry codes and regulations. Feel free to contact us at (614) 771-4700