Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Standard Operation Procedure

Title: Microwave Oven Lab: Department of Biological Sciences

Written by Approved by Issue date

Ref. No DBS/SOP/004 Rev. No Page: 001 2

Review date

Yan Tie
1. PURPOSE

A/P Sanjay Swarup

04 April, 2008

This SOP details the use and maintenance of the microwave oven for sample preparation in the department. 2. SCOPE This SOP is applicable to all research staff, research students and technical staff working in the department. 3. RESPONSIBILITY 3.1 3.2 It is the responsibility of the PI in conjunction with the laboratory supervisor to ensure that the procedures are done monthly by the appointed lab officers. It is the responsibility of the PI in conjunction with the laboratory I/C to ensure that all research and technical staff and graduate students using this procedure are adequately trained.

4.

PROCEDURES 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Power on Select auto reheat or auto cook sensor. Select heating time (mins) Press start

5.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5.1 Never attempt to heat flammable liquids or solids, hazardous substances or radioactive materials in any type of microwave, whether domestic or laboratory-grade. Never use a microwave oven in a laboratory for food preparation (or vice versa) Do not heat sealed containers in a microwave oven. Even a loosened cap or lid poses a significant risk since microwave oven can heat material so quickly

5.2

5.3

Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Standard Operation Procedure

Title: Microwave Oven Lab: Department of Biological Sciences
Written by Approved by Issue date

Ref. No DBS/SOP/004 Rev. No Page: 001 2

Review date

Yan Tie

A/P Sanjay Swarup

04 April, 2008

that the lid can seat upward against the threads and containers can explode either in the oven or shortly after removal. 5.4 No metal objects of any kind should be placed in a microwave oven. This includes aluminum foil and plastic coated magnetic stirrer bars. Microwave oven must be electrically grounded and connected using proper rated three pin cord and plug. Defects in equipment or difficulties in operation with microwave oven should be reported promptly to the laboratory officers or PI. Users have to avoid overheating liquids in a microwave oven. It is possible to raise water to a temperature greater than the boiling point; when this occurs, any disturbance to the liquid can trigger violent boiling that could result in severe burns.

5.5

5.6 5.7