Chapter 16
Chemical Laboratory Microwave Safety
H. M. "Skip" Kingston, Peter J. Walter Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA 15282-1503
W. Gary Engelhart Milestone MLS, 7289 Garden Road #219, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Patrick J. Parsons Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, and Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12201-0509
Abstract
The unsafe conditions and practices that may occur in the chemical laboratory related to operation of microwave systems are evaluated. A detailed discussion of relevant equipment standards, safety-code requirements, and general safety guidelines relating to laboratory microwave systems is presented.Laboratory safety considerations are extensively discussed including chemical hazards that have been identified in the literature. Case studies are presented for specific types of accidents that have previously occurred to assist in preventing repetition of similar incidents. A mechanism for periodic updating of safety information, including the capability for microwave system users to input their own contributions and for others to access this information, is provided.