2011 September

Ultrasonic Cleaners: 1st Line Defense Against Infection in Tattoo Studios

Here is another civic body specifying regulatory requirements that controls and manages the operation of tattoo parlors. This time from the town of Walpole, MA. As with other regulatory guidelines for tattoo studios, this one also places an emphasis on cleaning the tattoo gear in a multi-stage process that involves ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing with Read More

Pramit S September 30th, 2011

Quality Standardization in Labs of Waste Water Treatment Facilities

Waste Water Treatment Facilities need to control the quality of processes followed in their labs. This quality assurance guidelines template is a great place to start for those looking to implement QA oversight. The document defines various processes that form part of the QA process from lab water and reagent quality to instrument calibration and Read More

Pramit S September 30th, 2011

11 Things Never to Do When Handling Vaccines

When it comes to vaccine storage and handling everyone will have their horror stories. From the outright lame to serious mistakes that have far reaching consequences. Here are 11 of the most frequent ways people screw up with vaccines. Of these we’d like to highlight a couple that are highly significant: a) Temperature logs being Read More

Pramit S September 30th, 2011

Moisture Balance Useful in Ensuring Optimal Grain Storage

There are three critical factors when it comes to grain storage: moisture content, moisture movement, and respiration. This is discussed at length in this manual on the storage and handling of grains. For long term storage the moisture content in grains should be brought down to the level of 10-12%, the moisture movement should reach Read More

Pramit S September 30th, 2011

Food Storage in Lab Refrigerators is a Big No!

Here is something that we’ve blogged about before which is a big ‘no-no’! Food and laboratory refrigerators do not mix well. In fact, they do not mix at all. Food should never be stored in the lab refrigerator and further there should be a strict policy of not allowing food consumption in the lab. This picture Read More

Pramit S September 30th, 2011

Cleaning Trumpets The Easy Way

Cleaning trumpets in an ultrasonic cleaner is about as easy as it gets. Just pop the trumpet into the cleaning tank. Then, submerge it in sufficient solvent and run the cleaner for 10 to 15 minutes. That should keep your trumpet squeaky clean and sounding brilliant. The video of course makes the entire thing looking Read More

Pramit S September 30th, 2011

Two Types of Flammable Storage Refrigerators

Flammable storage refrigerators are used for a very special reason: they do not have any exposed ignition sources. In this note they classify these refrigerators into two commercial types: one used for storage of flammable substances, the other, an explosion proof refrigerator. The primary difference between these two lies in the location of ignition sources. Read More

Pramit S September 28th, 2011

Ultrasonic Cleaning Helps Reduce Hazardous Wastes in Universities

Hazardous waste management is a problem that universities also face. In many universities, a major source of environmentally damaging waste come from chemicals. In some instances the problem is so severe that, like Tennessee State University, they need a formal Hazardous Waste Reduction Plan. The university identified two major sources of hazardous wastes: chemicals and paints. Read More

Pramit S September 28th, 2011

Lab Freezer Helps Researchers Test Farm workers for Pesticide Exposure

Farmworkers are a migrant population at a higher health risk due to their potential exposure to pesticides. This study tried to establish a correlation between greater exposure to psychological demands, physical exertion, and hazardous working conditions to DAP urinary pesticide metabolites which is a biomarker for exposure to pesticides. Nearly 300 farm workers were involved Read More

Pramit S September 28th, 2011

Weighing & Measuring – A Critical Function for Most Businesses

Weighing and Measuring is a critical function in most businesses. In many instances when the weight or measure impacts a consumer or public service, the business should take extra precautions in ensuring its accuracy. This is not only from the reputation point of view but also from a regulatory stand point. Take for example the Read More