THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE - DISCIPLINE OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY Page: 1 of 5 1. Risk Assessment: This Risk Assessment is to be used as a general guide and as such, cannot accommodate all the varying factors that may be encountered when using this equipment. Therefore, personnel are requested to conduct their own Risk Assessment before using this equipment to include any extra hazards introduced by the task performed. Operation of TASK PERFORMED HAZARDS 1. RSI 2. Exposure to biohazards and hazardous substances RISK ASSESSMENT 1. The risk of developing muscle strain that leads to RSI is present whenever pipettes are used, however, risk of injury increases as the period of use increases. Risk of injury is also increased if the pipettes are used incorrectly. 2. The risk of exposure to biohazards and hazardous substances while using a pipette is present whenever these substances are being handled. RISK CONTROL 1. See Safety Precautions (point 4.1) in this GEP. 2. Draw and dispense volumes slowly and with care to avoid splashing. Ensure that biohazards and hazardous substances are only pipetted in appropriate environments such as in biohazard hoods or fume cupboards. Always wear gloves (and safety glasses where necessary) when pipetting any substance. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet when using unfamiliar chemicals. 2. Calibration: N/A NAME (signed) DATE WRITTEN BY CHECKED BY Distributed To: GEP Master File / GEP Lab File
Page: 2 of 5 3. Monitoring: N/A 4. General Operation: 4.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - excessive pipette use can lead to RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Therefore the following guidelines should be noted: 4.1.1 Wrists should be held in a straight, neutral position - it may be necessary to incline the sample holders or solution flasks, rather than the wrists. 4.1.2 The workload should be shared between right and left hands. 4.1.3 Elbows should be held as close as possible to the users' side. 4.1.4 Reaching may be reduced by using shorter pipettes, shallower waste containers for used tips and shallower solution containers. 4.1.5 Items should be positioned on the bench and as close as possible to the worker to minimise twisting of the neck and torso. 4.1.6 The chair should provide adequate lower back and thigh support. 4.1.7 Regular breaks should be taken - even very short breaks help. 4.1.8 Work processes should be evaluated to spread pipetting throughout the day. 4.1.9 Pipetting should be rotated among several staff. 4.1.10 Pipetting tasks should be automated wherever possible. 4.2 Never use the pipette aid in an atmosphere where there is a danger of explosion (i.e. with flammables). 4.3 Pipette aids must not be used with any fume producing chemicals that are incompatible with PVDF, polypropylene, EPDM, PF (phenol-form mass), PTFE and silicone. 4.4 Only use original spare parts and chargers as supplied by the manufacturer. Replace expired batteries only with brands approved for use by the manufacturer. 4.5 To attach a pipette, hold the pipette as near to the top end as possible and carefully insert it into the pipette aid until it fits tightly. Once attached, keep the pipette vertical at all times (tip downward).
Page: 3 of 5 4.6 Immerse the pipette into the liquid. Slowly press the upper button. Fill the pipette so that the liquid level is slightly above the desired volume mark. Do not let any liquid enter the instrument. This will impair the performance of the pipette aid and it will then require the non-return valve to be cleaned and the membrane filter may need to be replaced. 4.7 Depress the lower button slowly to release enough liquid so that the meniscus reaches the required volume mark. NB Depressing the lower button to the first noticeable stop will release the liquid in the pipette by gravity. Depressing the button further than this will engage the motor and the liquid will be forced out. The harder the buttons are pressed the quicker the pipette will be filled or emptied. 4.8 Store the pipette aid in the wall mount provided. This should be positioned so that the charger will reach a power point. 4.9 Refer to individual manufacturer instructions for details on charging. 5. Cleaning: External 5.1 Frequency: Occasionally. 5.2 Method: Wipe the outside casing with a damp cloth. Cleaning: Internal 5.3 Frequency: When required. 5.4 Method If liquid has been sucked up into the pipette aid, internal investigation and cleaning will be required. Wear gloves and safety glasses when attempting to dismantle and clean the pipette aid in order to protect from chemical or microbial contamination. Refer to the manufacturer instructions for internal cleaning. Record all internal cleaning/maintenance details on the Maintenance Record Sheet. 6. Maintenance: See Cleaning
Page: 4 of 5 7. Instruction Manual: 7.1 See specific ERN for availability 8. Repairs: 8.1 Check ERN for Service Company and warranty details 8.2 Contact the University Workshop for advice and repairs 9. Illustrations: 9.1 Maintenance Record Sheet 10. Change History: 10.1 Issue Number: 1st Issue Date Issued: 10.2 Issue Number: Date Issued: Reason for Change:
Page: 5 of 5 ILLUSTRATION 9.1 MAINTENANCE RECORD SHEET ERN# DATE MAINTENANCE SIGNED