12 Resolutions for 2012: A Checklist for Lab and Process Professionals

January 3, 2012

The new year has begun. A fresh start. A clean slate. A whole new day. Get started right with this checklist, designed to jog your memory about those items that can be easy to forget.

1)    Take stock of your lab supplies. What are you missing? What needs to be replaced? What has expired?

2)    Check your equipment. It performs best when it is regularly maintained and recalibrated. Are any instruments due to be recalibrated?

3)    When was the last time you cleaned and spinned your pH electrodes? For a fast and easy demonstration, watch the video.

4)    Order or update your safety gloves. If you’re not sure what materials are compatible with the chemicals you work with, check the Safety Glove Chemical Compatibility Database.

5)    Have you signed up for the quarterly Cole-Parmer eNEWs? It is your source for technical articles, tech challenges, special promotions, and more. It’s free. Sign up here.

6)    The bandages and medications in your first aid kit were likely depleted throughout the year. Restock your kit.

7)    Make sure you’re in compliance. Call an Application Specialist to get answers to updated regulatory compliance issues.

8)    Look at the expiration date on your pH buffer solutions. Is it time to replace them?

9)    Are the hazards in your facility properly labeled? Choose signage that clearly advises employees.

10) Examine your water purification cartridges. Swap them out with new cartridges for purer water.

11) Still using glass thermometers containing mercury? Don’t jeopardize your health! Switch them with environmentally-safe, nonhazardous liquid-filled glass thermometers.

12) Scrutinize your pump tubing for any cracks or fissures. Order new or backup tubing to prevent production losses.

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Posted by bdumey

Get Your Objectives in Order

November 10, 2011
Cole-Parmer Compound Microscope

Cole-Parmer Compound Microscope 48923-20

Properly storing your microscope and keeping your microscope objectives clean are essential to extending the life of this valuable laboratory instrument.  Most microscopes purchased include a dust cover. Be sure to use it every time you store your microscope.

How to clean your optics:

Set up a tool kit with common cleaning items to keep near your microscopes. Clean your microscope objectives routinely, and be sure to wipe off excess immersion oil after each use.

Air Bulb or Air Puffer

Air puffer or squeeze bulb

Your cleaning tool kit should minimally contain an air puffer or squeeze bulb  to remove particles on the surface of the objectives.  Do not begin cleaning the surface of the objective if objects are present.  Small dust particles, dirt, or remaining specimens could be present and scratch the lens during wiping.

Camel Hair Brush

Camel Hair Brush

If particles remain on the objectives after using a puffer, a soft camel hair brush may be used.  Gently brush the objectives in a single motion.

When cleaning the lenses, avoid commercial facial tissue or Kimwipes® as these may contain silicone fillers that can damage the objective glass.

Use only lens paper on microscope objectives. To clean the objectives, place a sheet of lens paper over your objective.

Transfer Pipette

Transfer Pipette

Apply a small amount of cleaning solution directly to your lens paper with a plastic transfer pipette.  Draw your wetted lens paper across the objective in a single continuous motion. Do not wipe back and forth with the lens paper.

The process may be repeated multiple times with new lens paper and solution until the objective lens is free of smudges. A solution of 50% Methanol may be used as a final cleaning agent to remove any remaining residue.  Never rub the lens and do not let the lens paper with cleaning solution touch the objective twice.  Clean in single, continuous swipes across the objective glass.

Lab Optic Cleaning Kit

Lab Optic Cleaning Kit

Cole-Parmer offers a pre-built cleaning kit which contains an anti-static brush, probe, micro-fiber cleaning cloth, and a bottle of cleaning solution.

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As Summer Ends

September 22, 2011

September 23 marks the first day of Autumn. With summer in the United States winding down, we look forward to fall and switching on our furnaces.  Before it gets too cold, take the opportunity to perform preventive maintenance on your furnace or heating unit and contact your local HVAC service provider.  Keep in mind safety concerns when dealing with heating equipment.

HVAC Inspection

Inspect and service furnaces and heating equipment

Schedule annual maintenance from a qualified technician to ensure your furnace is clean and in good operating condition (and not a source of harmful carbon monoxide levels.)  Be certain your home has a carbon monoxide detector installed, and that it runs on fresh batteries.

For those who are HVAC service providers, Cole-Parmer offers a large selection of products for maintenance and inspection.  Carbon monoxide meters are great products for detecting safe CO levels.  To check for suitable electrical connections of furnaces and heating equipment, Cole-Parmer offers a wide selection of Clamp Meters.

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Posted by Scott

A Woman of Achievement: Physicist Maria Goeppert-Mayer

September 8, 2011

With September as Women of Achievement month, Cole-Parmer spotlights the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Theoretical Physics (1963): Maria Goeppert-Mayer.

Prior to the age of 53, most of Mayer’s scientific work was performed as a volunteer. Her first paid position was a part-time appointment at Argonne National Laboratory in suburban Chicago. Her role as senior researcher led her to develop the nuclear shell model of atomic nuclei, the work for which she was awarded the Nobel Prize.

The German-born Mayer came from a family of academics. She attended the University of Göttingen, the center of physics at the time. One of Mayer’s professors was Max Born, whose other students included Oppenheimer, Fermi, and von Neumann. After completing her doctoral dissertation, Mayer produced ten papers and a textbook, but could not garner a paid position. At the time of her award-winning discovery, researcher J.H.D. Jensen of Germany also arrived at the same structural conclusions and the two collaborated on the book Elementary Theory of Nuclear Shell Structure. Jensen, along with theoretician Eugene Wigner, shared the Nobel Prize for Physics with Goeppert-Mayer.

Eventually, Goeppert-Mayer was appointed professor at the University of California at San Diego. She died in San Diego in 1972. Goeppert-Mayer’s legacy as a female Nobel Laureate in Physics was preceded by Marie Curie (1903).

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How Clean is your Water?

August 4, 2011
National Water Quality Month

August is National Water Quality Month

In August the only water you may be thinking about is the nearest pool. Yet, as National Water Quality Month, the reality is not all of our water supply is equal in quality.  Did you know that each year in the US, by July 1, your local water supplier should provide your household with a water quality report?  Your water quality report (or drinking water quality report) summarizes the sources from which your water originates (such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, etc) and contaminants detected, as well as includes compliance and educational information.

Because poor water quality not only impacts our personal health but also affects scientific research, Cole-Parmer offers effective water quality solutions.   As scientists and researchers, take a moment to consider the quality of water in your laboratory to ensure the integrity of your applications.  Consider a water purification system if your incoming water quality is poor.

As personal consumers, take a moment to learn about the quality of water in your community and in your household.  For more information regarding water quality, and tips on safe drinking water at home, visit the website for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):  http://water.epa.gov/

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Saluting Canada Day on July 1

June 30, 2011

It was once called Dominion Day but since 1982 July 1 is recognized as Canada Day. Fireworks, parties, concerts, parades, picnics, and fairs celebrate Canada’s birthday.

Cole- Parmer’s Canada office based in Montreal is hosting fellow United Kingdom colleague Lyssa Durham for the rest of the week as part of an office exchange program. Lyssa will be spending her first Canada Day in Montreal taking in the parade downtown.

“I’ve spent the last ten days here in Montreal. The office is fantastic and I’ve been getting to know the real Montreal, including their fine food and entertainment,” said Durham.

Another Canada office staff member will be spending the holiday camping in Mont-Tremblant. Cole-Parmer wishes all of our friends and colleagues north of the border a happy and celebratory Canada Day!

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Serial Dilutions

May 17, 2011

Serial dilutions are among the most commonly performed techniques in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and physics laboratories.  A serial dilution is essentially a stepwise dilution of a substance in a solution.  It is often used to reduce the concentration of microscopic organisms or cells in a sample or standard.

When using pH meters or ion meters to measure ion concentration in a solution, it may be beneficial to have multiple standard values to calibrate your ion selective electrode.  Typically, begin with a 1000 parts per million (ppm) standard and dilute this down to a smaller value such as 100 ppm and further to 10 ppm or even further if a lower concentration is required.

This helpful video illustrates a stepwise dilution of a 1000 ppm standard down to 1 ppm.  This procedure is quite common, however overlooking steps in the process, using poor technique, or lacking organization can lead to errors.  It is especially critical to stay organized.

We would love to hear from you.  Tell us your stories of mishaps when performing a serial dilution, or share tips to stay organized when performing this technique.

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Posted by Scott

How Scientific Equipment Delivers an Education―Literally

April 28, 2011

What happens to excess or obsolete equipment that sits too long on inventory shelves? For Cole-Parmer, it is converted into college scholarships for students in need.

“At least twice a year, we gather our outdated respirators, refrigerators, and balances, among many other technologies, and ship them to Educational Assistance Ltd. (EAL),” explained Maureen Ranieri, Supply Chain Operations Manager. “EAL is a nonprofit organization that works with colleges across the country to convert this equipment into student scholarships.”

Specifically, EAL places inventory donations from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with accredited US colleges and universities within their network. “We create an online shopping forum for these schools to pick and choose the items they need,” said John Saban, Development Director, EAL. “Each item is assigned a monetary value. Schools within the program commit to placing the value of the items they choose into a scholarship for students who need assistance. We conduct periodic audits to confirm that the monies are funneled into these scholarships.”

Began by a businessman who benefited from a GI Bill when he was a student, the EAL program has provided more than 10,000 scholarships since its inception in 1982. Current EAL Executive Director Claudia Freed was one of the first scholarship recipients through the program.

“Generally, we network with small to mid-size colleges that have limited budgets for equipment and supplies,” said Saban. Elmhurst College, Lee University, Judson College, and Robert Morris University are just some of the schools within their network.

EAL receives inventory donations of not only scientific equipment, but also computers, welding and maintenance supplies, power and hand tools, and commodities from a range of companies.

“Those items we cannot place are sold in the secondary market, typically in Europe, Asia, or South America,” said Saban. “We appreciate all donations and everything is utilized.”

 Ranieri added: “Our most recent shipment to EAL included 37 items for a total value of $93,000.”

Yet, the real value may be found in the futures of the graduating students who were able to complete their degrees because of the assistance they received.

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Measure fluoride concentration in tap water

March 31, 2011

Are you concerned about fluoride in your tap water?  Some people believe fluoride in drinking water is harmful, others believe it is safe and actually beneficial in maintaining dental hygiene.

Either way, you can test your fluoride level with the pocket fluoride tester from Extech, available through Cole-Parmer.  The Extech fluoride pocket tester is handheld  and easy to use. Anyone can use it to measure the concentration of fluoride in household tap water.

The Extech Waterproof FL700 Pocket Fluoride Tester is IP57-rated and designed for quick and accurate measurement of fluoride ions in drinking water and other aqueous samples.   Also, here’s a helpful video to illustrate how to calibrate the pocket fluoride tester and how to perform a quick test of fluoride ions in your water sample.

Let us know what you think.  Do you believe fluoride in tap water is harmful, or beneficial in reducing cavities?

Extech Waterproof FL700 Pocket Fluoride tester

Extech Waterproof FL700 Pocket Fluoride tester

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Posted by Scott

Shield Your Eyes! How to Protect Your Sight

January 20, 2011

With a nod to January as National Eye Care month, we are devoting today’s blog to solutions that protect your eyes. If you are at risk of accidental exposure to corrosive or caustic materials, you may need to have an eyewash station nearby. Several options are available. Here are a few of our favorites:

Fend-all Personal Eyewash Wall Stations

Emergency eyewash stations hold one or two bottles of flushing solution and affix easily to any wall with peel-off self-adhesive backing or mounting screws (included). Eyewash bottles have smaller openings to provide extended flow. Sealed solution bottles have a 36-month shelf life. Expiration date is printed on each bottle.

 

Portable Eyewash                                              

Goes anywhere to provide onsite emergency relief for eyes and face. Yellow, reinforced thermoplastic drench hose (8-ft) is designed to supply supplemental water to face and body. Stainless steel tank features tire filler valve and 0-100 psi air gauge. Pressure relief valve prevents accidental over-pressurization.

Bradley® On-Site Portable Gravity-Fed Eyewash

The highly visible Bradley On-Site transparent polycarbonate yellow tank lets you view when it’s time to refill or clean. Refillable—mix one 8 oz. bottle of water preservative with seven gallons of potable water to prevent growth in tank for up to six months. Solution can be tested monthly or when protocol dictates. The removable tank is inverted onto pedestal, piercing a liner. Water flow is activated when arm is pulled down.

 

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“Baby, it’s Cold Outside”

December 23, 2010

If you live in the Eastern or Midwestern United States, there’s no need to guess how cold it is outside this winter ―the new H-B Instrument Enviro-Safe® Nonhazardous Glass Thermometers available from Cole-Parmer will confirm that. 

H-B Instrument Enviro-Safe® Thermometer

H-B Instrument Enviro-Safe® Thermometer

Cole-Parmer is proud to present these new Earth-friendly “green” thermometers certified as 100% nontoxic, nonhazardous, and biodegradable.  These accurate and safe thermometers offer the same accuracy as mercury thermometers without the hazards.  They are ideal for use in laboratories, universities, food/beverage, environmental, wastewater, and many other general-purpose applications where the presence of mercury or other hazardous liquids is not desired. 

 All Enviro-Safe glass thermometers contain an environmentally friendly non-mercury liquid that is 100% certified as nontoxic, nonhazardous, and fully biodegradable. In case of breakage, the liquid can be cleaned up easily with soap and water.  These thermometers also have recyclable packaging, an antiroll fitting, individual serial numbers, and a statement of accuracy.

So, what’s so bad about mercury thermometers, anyway?

Mercury thermometers are harmful to both the environment and your personal health.  In fact, Mercury is toxic to humans and wildlife.  If a mercury thermometer breaks and is not properly disposed of, tiny droplets of mercury can evaporate within the environment over time.  When mercury vapor enters the bloodstream through inhalation, brain damage, spinal cord, kidney, and liver damage may occur in time.

Additionally, improperly disposing of mercury from thermometers can contaminate lakes and streams.  Mercury may accumulate in the bodies of fish and other wildlife and, through natural processes, converts this mercury into methyl mercury, which is harmful to humans when consumed.

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Posted by Scott

The Flu? Not You! Ways to Protect Yourself

December 2, 2010
Antiseptic Hand Cleanser

Antiseptic Hand Cleanser

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity is picking up. In most years, flu activity peaks in January or February but can vary from year to year.  With the winter months approaching, you can take precautions to protect yourself from the virus.

Hand sanitizers can kill bacteria and viruses within 15 seconds of contact. Keep our 64-oz Antiseptic Hand Cleanser nearby, even when soap and water aren’t available. It meets OSHA standards and contains aloe vera to prevent drying. Another option is the Bacdown® Gel No-Rinse Skin Sanitizer. This nondrying antiseptic skin cleanser includes gentle emollients to smooth and moisten skin. The Bacdown Gel reduces bacteria count on hands prior to gloving or entering aseptic environments.

Disposable respirators can provide a barrier from fluid penetration and the transfer of microorganisms. Our ONE-Fit™ Healthcare N95 Particulate Respirators provide 99.9% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) and offer 99.5% Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE), and 99.9% Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE). They are designed for healthcare settings, such as emergency rooms and intensive care units and meet CDC guidelines for M Tuberculosis.

In addition to using safety products such as these, cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues, keep work surfaces (including telephones and computers) clean, and avoid using coworkers’ phones and computers to help prevent the spread of viruses.

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A Message of Thanks (and Special Offer)

November 24, 2010

As the United States celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday, Cole-Parmer wishes to thank you, our customers, for your business and support throughout the year. In this challenging economic climate, we are grateful for each and every order you place. We look forward to continuing to serve you with excellence―from providing unique products to exceptional service to technical support.

Thermo Scientific MaxQ™ and Forma ShakerIn a spirit of gratitude, we extend a special promotion to you. Order a qualifying Thermo Scientific MaxQ™ or Forma Shaker from Cole-Parmer and receive 10% off the suggested list price! Plus, we’ll give you a Shake Weight® absolutely free. This offer is good through December 31, 2010.

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

November 18, 2010

In recognition of America Recycles day on Monday, November 15, Cole-Parmer encourages everyone to go green!

Cole-Parmer is rolling out new plans daily to provide environmentally friendly solutions for our customers. We have taken many steps to upgrade our warehouse with eco-friendly materials to reduce waste and conserve energy. Below are some of the improvements we put in place to help reduce our carbon footprint:

  • Eco-friendly Shipping Materials— Biodegradable SUPER 8® loosefill packing peanuts made from all
    Biodegradable SUPER 8® loosefill packing peanuts

    Biodegradable SUPER 8® loosefill packing peanuts

    recycled materials—read more about our “green” packing peanuts (PDF)

  • Eco-friendly Packaging— 100% recycled packaging paper, plastic pallets and pallet runners, edge protectors, and more.
  • Recycling—All qualifying packaging materials shipped
    into our warehouse are reused or recycled
  • Reduced Energy Consumption—Cole-Parmer has installed
    high-efficiency fluorescent lighting throughout our warehouse

Keep it growing! Recycle and reuse the packing materials—cardboard, paper tape, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc.—you receive in shipments. Together, doing this simple activity, we can work to create a cleaner and safer planet.

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Posted by Cole-Parmer

Protect Yourself from Arc Flashes

September 30, 2010

Whenever there is sufficient voltage in an electrical system and a path to ground, an electric arc or arc flash can occur.  Arc flashes can be quite dangerous and may cause extensive damage to electrical components, fires, or personal injury.  A typical arc flash may be insignificant, yet some can produce severe explosions and cause injury to those nearby .

It is extremely important when working with electrical equipment to take appropriate precautionary measures such as de-energizing electrical equipment and, of course, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).  Arc Flash PPE materials are tested for their arc rating, which indicates the maximum incident energy resistance of that material.  Arc rating is typically expressed as small calories of heat energy per square centimeter (cal/cm2).  Tests to determine arc rating are available in ASTM F1506-10 Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards.

While PPE is important, the downside is that it provides protection after an arc flash incident has already occurred, and therefore should be viewed as the last line of protection. Reducing the frequency and severity of incidents should be the first option and can be achieved through a complete arc flash hazard assessment, along with implementing technology such as high resistance grounding (proven to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents).

In addition to appropriate PPE, consider working outside the hazard zone.  One product offered by Cole-Parmer that allows taking readings outside the hazard area is the Fluke 233 Remote Display Multimeter.

Fluke 233 Remote Display Multimeter

Fluke 233 Remote Display Multimeter

The 233 is a rugged digital multimeter (DMM) that can be used just like any other DMM in the field. Yet, it also offers the ability to safely take readings while energizing and de-energizing equipment. How many times have you had to place a meter in a precarious— and possibly unsafe position—in order to observe the readout? The wireless technology greatly reduces these risks.

A common practice in the electrical field is for someone to hold the meter as the technician reaches inside the control panel or switchgear to place the test leads for the measurement. This “meter reader” then is exposed to virtually the same shock and arc-flash hazards as the individual placing the test leads. With the 233’s detachable head, this “meter reader” can now stand safely outside of the Flash Protection Boundary while recording readings. Another issue― the inconvenience of taking readings while dressed out for Hazard Risk CAT III or CAT IV―also finds a remedy By enabling the person observing the meter reading to stand outside of the boundaries stated above, protective clothing requirements can most likely be reduced to a lower Hazard Risk Category..

Cole-Parmer cares about safety and offers a wide selection of safety apparel and electrical equipment to provide protection against arc flashes.

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