From: "Nail, John" <jnail**At_Symbol_Here**OKCU.EDU>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Glassware injury lesson learned report?
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2015 17:00:59 +0000
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: D1BAD31D.ACAC%jnail**At_Symbol_Here**okcu.edu


Burets used in freshman labs typically have a glass barrel and a teflon
fitting with contains the stopcock and tip. While placing the barrel on
the fitting, a student managed to break the end of the glass barrel and
jab the broken barrel end into his hand. If I remember correctly, stitches
were required.

No information on if the glass barrel end was broken or cracked before the
incident occurred.

Whether it is assembling burets, placing squeeze bulbs on pipets or
inserting thermometers into thermometer adapters, I demonstrate the
technique while reminding students that if it doesn't go in easily,
immediately STOP as something is not right. In organic lab, when
requested, I will put the adapter on the thermometer for the student as
many students don't grasp the 'twist the adaptor onto the thermometer'
technique, even after being shown.

John Nail
Professor of Chemistry
Oklahoma City University


On 7/2/15 10:25 AM, "DCHAS-L Discussion List on behalf of Stuart, Ralph"
wrote:

>Does anyone have a relatively detailed favorite Lessons Learned report
>for a situation which involves significant cuts from broken glassware in
>a lab that doesn1t involve over-pressurization of the vessel? I1m doing a
>training next week for undergraduate students and I1d like to make the
>point that it1s not always the chemistry that creates the problem. The
>example I have in mind could involve hot glassware that breaks when
>someone tries to pick it up and drops it, but similar events would be
>helpful as well.
>
>Thanks for any assistance with this.
>
>- Ralph
>
>Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
>Chemical Hygiene Officer
>Keene State College
>
>ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu

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