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.

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.

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/

According to Nate Kogler, Division Product Manager for the Bradley Corporation, the new technologies provide enhanced washdown coverage and improved cleanliness. For an eye-opening article describing  this next generation of products, read more.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

NSF-Flat-Surface Pocket Thermometer

As the Fourth of July holiday nears, many are planning picnics and barbeques as they await the evening fireworks. Grilled brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, fish, and chicken are typical fare for a summer feast. Yet, if meat is undercooked, it can lead to foodborne illness with symptoms including upset stomachs, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, cramps, dehydration, and more.       

To avoid ending the party before the light show begins, check the internal temperature of meat prior to serving it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends a temperature of at least 71 °C (160 °F) for ground beef and at least 63 °C (145 °F) for steaks and fish. Poultry requires even higher temperatures 74°C (165 °F). Temperatures should be measured in the thickest part of the meat.      

NSF-Flat-Surface Pocket ThermometerCole-Parmer offers several NSF-Approved Digital Pocket Thermometers ideal for checking food temperatures. The economical Basic Thermometer has a temperature range of -40 to 300 °F and features a data hold button to freeze readings. The Cole-Parmer® Thermometer has °F/°C switchable ranges and displays updates every second. The Taylor® Flat-Edged Dial Safe T-Guard Thermometer includes a microbial sleeve with an additive that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. The Flat-Surface Thermometer  is ideal for measuring temperatures on cooking grills, motors, or other flat surfaces. Many more options are also available online.    

Make it a safe holiday. As you grill out, keep the temperatures rising.

Oakton® Waterproof pHTestr™ 10

Proper water pH is arguably one of the most critical aspects of maintaining correct swimming pool chemistry. Many articles describe how to properly maintain your pool chemistry and pH levels, so this post won’t detail how to manage your pool chemistry. Instead, think of this as a public service reminder to consider the importance of pool pH and take steps to check your swimming pool’s levels. Add chemicals as appropriate.To determine your pH levels, get a pH testing device from a local pool supply store or hardware store. Cole-Parmer also offers an option for private pool owners or large public swimming pools. Check out our line of pH testing meters.  

Electrode sensors include a clog-resistant Kynar^® junction and a recessed, glass pH bulb to protect against breakage. The keypad clicks to confirm operation, and allows access to a variety of functions. Calibrate up to three pH points with the auto-buffer recognition at both USA and NIST standard buffers. Additional features include automatic temperature compensation (ATC), hold function, auto-off function, self-diagnostic error messages, and a three-segment battery-life indicator.    

pHydron Ultrafine pH Paper Strips

Another alternative for basic confirmations of pH, are pH indicators and pH paper strips from Cole-Parmer.

Let the pHun begin!    

We want to hear from you. Leave a comment and share how you plan to spend Memorial Day weekend. Are you headed to the beach or pool? Any plans for a cookout at the park? What is your ideal Memorial Day weekend activity? 

Is it better than hand washing? Does it create mutant strains of alcoholic germs? Might my retirement savings have actually increased had I invested in the makers of Purell last year?

In fact, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are tremendously effective in preventing the spread of the seasonal flu, H1N1, colds and other viral- and bacterial-based diseases; and sales are through the roof.

There are in fact few negative consequences about this hand-sanitizer mania sweeping the country, although the gels do have their limitations.

Wash or squirt?

Most respectable public health experts will tell you that hand washing with ordinary soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs from your hands. But “effective” is a questionable term. The recommendation calls for hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to create a full lather and to reach all crevices of your hands and wrists, as advocated on Sesame Street yet rarely put into practice.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill most types of bacteria, viruses and fungi in a few seconds. While rubbing your hands with sanitizer for 15 seconds is ideal, poor hand-sanitizer use still beats poor hand washing.

And people seem to use hand sanitizers often — so much so that, from a public health standpoint, although proper hand washing is technically superior than alcohol gels most of the time, hand-sanitizer mania will likely be a more effective means to reduce disease transmission. Studies have shown how hand sanitizers reduce gastrointestinal illnesses in households and curb absentee rates in schools and workplaces.

Trash the sink?

Alas, you can’t rely solely on alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol can kill bacteria but not necessarily clean your hands. That is, it does not remove dirt, which includes organic material such as blood or feces. Soap and water must be the first choice in restrooms.

Also, there are a few key germs that alcohol doesn’t kill well, such as the norovirus or E. coli, which is why soap and water is best during cooking, too.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are best precisely where you see them the most, in hallways, offices and other public areas. They can rid your hands of germs you just picked up before you inadvertently shove them into your body via your nose, mouth or eyes.

Alcohol kills bacteria usually by dissolving its cellular membrane. It’s a serious killer, like fire or bleach, and germs don’t develop resistance to it. Also, the alcohol evaporates quickly after killing the first layer or so of germs on your skin. This means that, although benevolent bacteria are killed, enough remain on lower levels or elsewhere up the arm to re-colonize. Fast evaporation, coupled with moisturizers, also means this won’t dry out your skin.

Anti-bacterial soap, ironically, is largely considered the worse thing you can use to kill germs. This is because antibacterial agents kill many but not all bacteria and then linger on the skin to enable the remaining bad bacteria to develop a resistance.

Watch out for the cheap stuff

To be effective, alcohol-based hand sanitizers must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Some cheaper brands contain less and are no better than water. Worse, they offer false protection.

Sixty percent pure alcohol can pack a punch if ingested. Fortunately, as reported in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine in 2006, even hospital workers using hand sanitizers all day long do not absorb discernable levels of alcohol into their blood.

There is a small risk that a child could drink or lick an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. That’s something parents and teachers need to monitor. Only a few reports of poisonings have been reported. Even alcoholics will have a rough time abusing this because the gels taste rather bad. I prefer not to reveal how I know.

View our complete selection of:

Hand Sanitizers (http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/product_index.asp?cls=56777&referred_id=5618)

Hand Soaps (http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/product_index.asp?cls=56778&referred_id=5618)

Article compliments of Christopher Wanjek, LiveScience’s Bad Medicine Columnist.  Fighting the Flu: Do Hand Sanitizers Work?   Posted: 27 October 2009 09:49 am ET.  http://www.livescience.com/health/091027-hand-sanitizers.html

Approximately 30 million American employees are exposed to excessive workplace noise, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Workers run the risk of hearing loss if they are exposed to an average of more than 85 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour workday. OSHA takes excessive noise seriously, and its regulation CFR 1910.95 requires employers in noisy workplaces to:

• Reorganize equipment, facilities, and/or tasks to reduce noise levels.
• Monitor individual and work area noise levels and report high levels to employees.
• Test employee hearing, with annual follow-ups.
• Provide hearing protection where needed.
• Provide training in the selection, proper fit, and use of hearing protection

Workers should be aware that there are many other sources of loud noise that can cause permanent hearing loss as well. iPods and cell phones are often used at dangerously high volumes and of course, rock concerts are off the charts in terms of loud noise. Holding annual hearing protection training is a good opportunity for employers to remind their workers about the risks associated with recreational noise.

Louise Vallee, vice president, Chubb & Son, spoke at Safety 2009, this year’s American Society of Safety Engineers conference. “Baby Boomers have attended rock concerts and engaged in noisy recreational activities for nearly 50 years,” she said. Recent studies indicate that close to 40 million baby boomers are experiencing some degree of hearing loss—twice as many as expected. Vallee added that corporate executives must be educated about recreational hearing loss issues, which further support the need for hearing conservation programs for the workplace.

In addition, The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has petitioned OSHA to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise. A letter from the group cited the fact that nearly 22 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise on a daily basis and that occupational hearing loss continues to plague diverse industries.

Citing research from NIOSH and other sources, the association claims that American workers face a considerable risk of noise-induced hearing loss from working long term under the present limits.

If workplace monitoring determines that employees need to wear hearing protection, such as earmuffs, earplugs, canal caps, or a combination thereof, employers should enforce the use of the proper personal protective equipment. Also, they should help their employees to get a good fit to provide the most protection.

The hearing protection training should include instructions to take these preventive measures:

• Keep ear protectors clean; wash them regularly according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting earplugs.
• Inspect your ear protectors before putting them on. If they’re loose or cracked, report it.
• Workers also need to recognize the symptoms of hearing damage. Tell your workers to let you know immediately if they experience the following symptoms:
• Noise or ringing in ears
• Trouble hearing people when they speak
• Trouble hearing certain high or soft sounds
• Needing a higher volume on the TV or radio—high enough that other people complain

Article compliments of Safety.blr.com. 

View Cole-Parmer’s complete line of hearing protection equipment:  http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/product_index.asp?cls=7514&referred_id=5618

This year, it’s especially important to have clear information on what you can do to prepare for the flu season. With this in mind, we are happy to share a new feature for the U.S. which allows you to more easily find locations near you for getting both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine. After expanding Google Flu Trends to a total of 20 countries and 38 languages, allowing more people to see near real-time estimates of flu activity, we began brainstorming with the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services (HHS), their flu.gov collaborators and the American Lung Association on the flu shot finder and other ways Google can be helpful to people this flu season.

You can check out the flu shot finder at www.google.com/flushot. The same tool will also be available shortly on www.flu.gov and the American Lung Association websites. It’s important to note that this project is just beginning and we have not yet received information about flu shot clinics for many locations. In addition, many locations that are shown are currently out of stock. We launched this service now in order to help disseminate information about locations where vaccines are available, and also to make more vaccine providers aware of the project so that they can contribute.

Especially given slower than expected vaccine production, we think it’s important to bring together flu shot information in a coherent manner. We’ve been working with HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health agencies to gather information on flu vaccine locations across the country, particularly for the H1N1 flu vaccine (both the nasal-spray vaccine and the shot). At the moment we have data for locations of flu vaccine directly from 20 states and counting. We are also continuing to add information from chain pharmacies and other providers in all 50 states; today, you’ll find results from chains such as Walgreens, CVS and PDX participants, such as Kmart, Duane Reade, WinnDixie and Giant Eagle.

Of course you should still call flu vaccine providers ahead of time to find out more about availability and eligibility for the two vaccines.

We hope to continue providing you with relevant information to help keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Posted by Roni Zeiger, M.D., Product Manager and Jennifer Haroon, Product Marketing Manager.    11/10/2009 09:15:00 AM

Re-posted via courtesy of Google:  http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/finding-flu-vaccine-information-in-one.html

Chemical Compatibility Database

When you are working with potentially hazardous chemicals, chemical compatibility is a crucial part of product selection, especially when selecting tubing, pumps, fittings, flowmeters, and other products. Using this database, you can be assured the materials that your products are made from will not be negatively affected by chemicals in the fluids or gases.

Our interactive online Chemical Compatibility Database is a smart, simple, and quick resource for finding the safest materials for your application. With its straightforward, easy-to-use interface, you’ll find definitive answers for all your chemical compatibility needs. It’s no wonder that this database is one of the most utilized tools on the Cole-Parmer Web site!

To see if your materials interact with the chemicals you wish to use, simply select your material and chemical used. If you have multiple materials or chemicals, you can select “All” to view a complete list of chemical effects. Click Submit to determine the compatibility level.

You can also refine your search by using the Compatibility Level option to see which materials have “A-Excellent” compatibility with a certain chemical.

For your safety, Cole-Parmer generally recommends those materials which have an “A-Excellent” compatibility with the selected chemical. You should never use a material with a chemical that has “D-Severe” compatibility.

Don’t forget to bookmark the Chemical Compatibility Database—this simple and important tool is guaranteed to help keep your workspace safe!

Chemical Compatibility Database