More often than not, when we think of a hot plate, we probably think of something that is used for heating some sort of food item, especially when there does not appear to be any other type of heating source. This is a common use for one, but they are also used quite often in high school and college laboratories.
No matter where a one might be used, it is still very important to know how to use one correctly to avoid injury to oneself and to others. It is especially important that students are instructed on how to correctly use a hot plate.
One of the first things anyone should learn when using one of these for a lab water bath is to make sure that the container that is being used is heat tolerant and made from heat treated glassware. Also make sure the item is free from any cracks. Another important thing to remember is that the area that the items sit to be heated on should be bigger than the object itself.
Something else that is very important for anyone who happens to be using one is that it should never be used with any type of chemical that might be hazardous in a way in which there might be an explosion or fire.
A tip that is helpful, and something many may not be aware of, is that there are special rocks that are made uniquely for water baths. These items are sometimes used in the water bath to help speed up the boiling process.
Never lose track or concentration on what you are doing when boiling items, it becomes dangerous when a liquid is allowed to boil down. This can cause cracks in the glassware even the hazard of them shattering.
The objects placed on the surface of one should never be heated above medium high, this even includes common water. Also, any liquids that are known to have a low point of boiling should never be boiled on a high setting.
Another thing that should be noted here, is that it is never wise to use aluminum foil or any type of metal pan on the surface of one. Not only can this cause possible electric shock, but it can also lead to damaging the hot plate itself.
When removing objects from a hot plate it is wise to use tongs or rubber coated, heat resistant gripping devices. This will ensure that the student or whomever will not burn themselves in the process. This same caution should be used when pouring hot liquids.
One of the most important things that should be remembered is that as soon as the use of it is no longer needed, it should be turned off immediately. It takes a long time for it to cool off and looks the same whether it's on or off, so it's important that everyone is aware that the hot plate was used recently.
No matter where a one might be used, it is still very important to know how to use one correctly to avoid injury to oneself and to others. It is especially important that students are instructed on how to correctly use a hot plate.
One of the first things anyone should learn when using one of these for a lab water bath is to make sure that the container that is being used is heat tolerant and made from heat treated glassware. Also make sure the item is free from any cracks. Another important thing to remember is that the area that the items sit to be heated on should be bigger than the object itself.
Something else that is very important for anyone who happens to be using one is that it should never be used with any type of chemical that might be hazardous in a way in which there might be an explosion or fire.
A tip that is helpful, and something many may not be aware of, is that there are special rocks that are made uniquely for water baths. These items are sometimes used in the water bath to help speed up the boiling process.
Never lose track or concentration on what you are doing when boiling items, it becomes dangerous when a liquid is allowed to boil down. This can cause cracks in the glassware even the hazard of them shattering.
The objects placed on the surface of one should never be heated above medium high, this even includes common water. Also, any liquids that are known to have a low point of boiling should never be boiled on a high setting.
Another thing that should be noted here, is that it is never wise to use aluminum foil or any type of metal pan on the surface of one. Not only can this cause possible electric shock, but it can also lead to damaging the hot plate itself.
When removing objects from a hot plate it is wise to use tongs or rubber coated, heat resistant gripping devices. This will ensure that the student or whomever will not burn themselves in the process. This same caution should be used when pouring hot liquids.
One of the most important things that should be remembered is that as soon as the use of it is no longer needed, it should be turned off immediately. It takes a long time for it to cool off and looks the same whether it's on or off, so it's important that everyone is aware that the hot plate was used recently.
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