precaution while using microscope

When you are finished with your scope assignment, rotate thenosepieceso that its on thelow power objective, roll thenosepieceso that its all the way down to thestage, then replace the dust cover. Proper microscope use is crucial for scientists of any age. A laboratory or classroom can be a complicated place, and knowing microscope safety is important. A microscope may seem like a mundane instrument, but improper handling can cause serious problems. Everyone in the lab or at home should know the basics of microscope safety.

Clean all slides, materials, and work area when youre done. Please, be careful with the slides and cover slips. They are made of glass and if broken, you will get cut and you will bleed. When storing the microscope, place the objective lenses on the lowest setting. Use the coarse adjustment to put the nosepiece on its lowest setting. Make sure the light is shut off. These steps of microscope use will keep the unit in good working order as well as make it ready for the next user.

Never touch thelenseswith your fingers. Your body produces an oil that smudges the glass. This oil can even etch the glass if left on too long. Use onlyLENS PAPERto clean the glass. Most educational labs want the microscopes to be covered and put back into the storage cabinet. Check with the head of the laboratory to verify if this microscope safety procedure is required. Some laboratories leave the microscopes out so it is best to double check.

When you pick up the microscope and walk with it, grab thearmwith one hand and place your other hand on the bottom of thebase. Be sure to clean and disinfect the eyepiece! The eyes, nose, and mouth spread germs and bacteria very easily, and its realistic someone could catch an infection from a dirty eyepiece. So wipe it down well with a soft cloth and disinfectant glass cleaner after every use.

Becausemicroscopescost several hundred dollars it is very important to make them last for a long time. Microscope safety isnt complicated. Often it requires the user to think ahead and be courteous to others. Clean, carefully handled microscopes will last a long time and provide many educational opportunities for years to come. Learning proper microscope use will keep you safe, and the lab or classroom running smoothly!

Glass knives, razor blades and scalpel knives are still sharp after being used. Discard only in containers provided for that purpose, or well sealed, and labeled cardboard boxes, so cleaning personnel will no be injured. Some microscopes may have mercury lamps. Mercury is a dangerous substance and it is important to follow your manual for microscope use closely. If there is a mercury lamp explosion, the lab often needs to be evacuated and sealed until the proper department can clean up the mess.

Most vacuum evaporators do not have a safety switch to turn off power before opening the bell jar. Follow the instructions on the equipment. Never observe metal evaporation without goggles. The intense brightness can burn your retina.

Most embedding resins may cause dermatitis. 1 When preparing the mixtures and during embedding procedures, ALWAYS use disposable gloves. 2 Cover working areas with paper towel or diapers and wipe spills immediately with alcohol. 3 Do not use alcohol to remove resins from your skin, it increases penetration. Use soap & water. 4 Get medical attention for any suspicious skin rash. 5 Harden all waste resin before disposal, wrap discarded containers, beakers, vials, pipettes, etc. carefully. 6 Never pour any plastic containing solutions (e.g., propylene oxide epon mixture) down the drain. They will harden. 7 Store in fume hood, until disposal, all hardened waste: RESINS, RESIN MIXTURE AND FILM MAKING SOLUTIONS (A coffee can or large bottle can be used).

EVERYTHING on a microscope is unbelievably expensive, so be careful. Hold a microscope firmly by the stand, only. Never grab it by the eyepiece holder, for example. Hold the plug (not the cable) when unplugging the illuminator. Since bulbs are expensive, and have a limited life, turn the illuminator off when not in use. If used constantly on full power the bulb will overheat and blow (or gently melt the inside of the housing). This is not a good idea! Always make sure the stage and lenses are clean before putting the microscope away. NEVER use anything but good quality lens tissue on any optical surface, with appropriate lens cleaner or distilled water; organic solvents may separate or damage the lens elements or coatings. Cover the instrument with a dust jacket when not in use. Focus smoothly; dont try to speed through the focusing process or force anything. If it isnt working DONT try to fix it unless you really know what you are doing. Make a note of the symptoms and ask someone who knows.

An obvious yet important rule of microscope safety is to carry the unit properly. Always carry the microscope with both hands. One hand should support the bottom, and the other should have a firm grip on the arm. Be sure to carry it high enough so that it does not bump against anything.