How to Handle Volatile and Hazardous Liquids with a Pipette?

Working with volatile and hazardous liquids in a laboratory needs to be done with precision, safety, and proper equipment to prevent contamination, spillage, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

The liquids in an experiment need to be handled when transferred from one device to another. It is risky as well as affects the overall experimenting time and processes.

There are various places such as in a medical factory plant, or an industrial facility, where the person will be asked to learn the process of fluid transferring.

In this blog we discussed guidelines on best practice **liquid handling** using pipettes and other liquid handling devices for ensuring efficiency as well as safety.

Having Knowledge of the Dangers of Hazardous Liquids

Flammable and dangerous liquids comprise acids, bases, solvents, and biological samples that may harm individuals if not handled properly. Risks posed by these chemicals are:

• Inhalation Risks: Certain volatile liquids evaporate rapidly and release toxic vapours.
• Skin Contact: Toxic and corrosive chemicals can result in burns, irritation, or allergic reactions.
• Cross-Contamination: Handling may contaminate samples, causing inaccurate test results.
• Fire and Explosion Hazards: Flammable liquids are prone to ignition if improperly handled.

Selection of Suitable Liquid Handling Equipment

The selection of suitable equipment for handling dangerous liquids reduces risk and enhances accuracy. The most important equipment are:

• Micropipette

Micropipettes are typically applied to accurate liquid transfer in tiny amounts. Filter tips should always be employed during handling dangerous liquids with the **micropipette** to avoid aerosols reaching the pipette’s internal mechanism.

Best Practices:

• Use disposable tips to avoid cross-contamination.
• Calibrate often for precision.
• Avoid over-pipetting to reduce exposure.
• Bottle Top Dispenser

A bottle-top dispenser is best suited to dispense hazardous liquids directly from reagent bottles. This minimises exposure to fumes and spillage.

Best Practices:

• Select dispensers with a recirculation valve to avoid dripping.
• Use models for corrosive liquids.
• Use proper PPE when dispensing.
• Acid Dispenser

An acid dispenser is designed particularly for the safe handling of corrosive acids and bases. Dispensers may come equipped with chemical-resistant materials that guarantee durability and reliability.

Best Practices:

• Always test compatibility with the acid being handled.
• Work in a well-ventilated space to minimise fume accumulation.
• Cleaned thoroughly after every use to prevent corrosion.
• Electronic Pipette Filling Instrument

An electronic pipette filler instrument fills liquids electronically, eliminating liquid aspiration and dispensing, which reduces manual manipulation of volatile liquids.

Best Practices:

• Set the speed controls to the viscosity of the liquid.
• Charging these liquid handling devices with a full charge before use is important.
• Use in combination with safety cabinets where highly toxic chemicals are handled.

Safety Precautions in Handling Hazardous Liquids

Irrespective of the instrument used, some safety procedures are essential to be followed all the time:

1. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles constantly when working with hazardous liquids. For volatile chemicals, wear a respirator or use a fume hood to reduce inhalation hazards.

2. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

Including volatile liquids in the laboratory can emit fumes that are toxic to inhale. Work at all times in a fume hood or well-ventilated area to let these vapours evaporate. This could also prevent you from suffocation which may result in several respiratory problems.

3. Do Not Pipette by Mouth

Mouth pipetting is entirely forbidden since it can cause ingestion of harmful chemicals. A mechanical or **electronic pipette pump** can always be used. They can also play a significant role in streamlining experiments and reducing the chances of liquid loss.

4. Dispose Waste Correctly

Carcinogenic liquid waste has to be disposed of following rules. Always use proper containers and do not pour chemicals into drains except for specific instructions while working in the laboratory. This will prevent your direct contact with the liquid waste and also reduce the risk of getting affected.

5. Label Correctly and Store Liquids Properly

Dispose of liquid hazardous wastes in mislabelled, chemically resistant containers. Separate incompatible products from one another to prevent dangerous interactions. Experimenting in the laboratory will keep the process smooth when you have the labelled containers in front of you.

Dealing with Emergencies

In the laboratory, when you are being careful, then also at time accidents may occur. Various steps can be used to prevent accidents. Here are the ways how to deal with an emergency:

• Spills

There can be a moment when a solution gets spilt in the laboratory. You can work on containing spills instantly with absorbent material. Immediately, neutralise acids and bases before cleanup, or else they can affect the laboratory atmosphere and also affect your experiment processes.

• Exposure

Gloves and other PPE kit instruments are required while working in a laboratory. But there can be an instance when the solutions can contact with your skin. You should wash instantly for a minimum of 15 minutes. Call the medical help if necessary.

• Inhalation

If you have inhaled the harmful and hazardous solutions in the laboratory. Evacuate to fresh air at once and get medical attention. This can prevent your health getting deteriorating, which would also keep you healthy throughout the experiment processes.

• Fire

Apply a suitable fire extinguishing agent (e.g., CO2 for flammable organic solvents, dry powder for burnable metals).

In case of fire, while experimenting, this can be a hazardous issue. First, apply a suitable fire extinguishing agent (e.g., CO2 for flammable organic solvents, dry powder for burnable metals). This would play a significant role in reducing the burning sensation and also reduce the further fire effects.

Conclusion

Proper equipment, safety procedures, and expertise in correct techniques are needed to handle volatile and dangerous liquids using the pipette. Liquid handling devices such as a **bottle top dispenser**, micropipette, acid dispenser, and electronic pipette filling devices provide accuracy and reduce hazards.

Safety procedures and best practices allow you to have a safe working environment while producing accurate results in your liquid handling process. If you are looking for safe and suitable experiment instruments, without further ado, you can connect with Microlit to get your preferred instruments.