Safe Working Procedures

Water Bath Sonication

Safe Working Procedure No: SWP-2015-058 Version: 1.0
Faculty: Science and Department/Office: CBMS/APAF
Engineering
Contact(s): Matthew Fitzhenry, Alamgir Khan

Location of Equipment Room 406, Building F7B.

Approvals, Training or Training is required prior to first time use.

Qualifications required: -Risk assessment for Water bath Sonicator is read and understood.
-Safe working procedure for Water bath Sonicator is read and understood.

Supervision Required Supervision is not required.

Warnings
(Insert symbol & wording)

Use hearing Inhalation risk; if Heat hazard if

protection. sonicating organic temperature
solvent without lid switch is on

Restrictions
(Insert symbol & wording)

Do not put Trained personnel Do not operate

fingers/hand in only to operate and if insufficient
the water while clean water is in the
sonicating tub

Personal Protective
Equipment
(Insert PPE symbol and
wording )

Safety glasses Lab coat Enclosed Hearing protection

shoes must be worn

Hardcopies of this document are considered Source: Manager, Health & Safety
uncontrolled. Please refer to (Area) for latest version. Created: August 2009
Revised: June 2010
Version No: 1
 Potential Hazards Hazard Possible Consequences Controls

Noise Long-term hearing loss, a Wear noise cancelling

significant risk headphones/ ear plugs
or go away after starting
sonicating.

Inhalation of organic solvents Respiratory issue/possible Sonicate containers with

lung damage. lids on.

Hot water Burns to skin Ensure the temperature

is switch is OFF.

Trip Hazard if water spill Personal injury Disconnect water line to

tap. Clean up spills if
water is splashed.

Environment Ensure there is sufficient amount of water in the bath tub prior to use. Do not sonicate if
the tub is dry or insufficient amount of water in the tub. Do not turn on temperature; add
some ice in the water for prolonged sonication. If sonicating organic solvent containing
sample/regent, put the lid on the container prior to sonicating.

Procedure 1. Ensure there is plenty of water in the bath tub prior to use.
(e.g. preparation, pre- 2. Put in container for sonication, or float sample tubes on rubber float. If using organic
operation checks, solvents, cover container or use lid.
process/method) 3. Use hearing protection if staying in the room when the sonicator is in operation.
Otherwise go away from the room after starting sonication.
4. Turn on the dial until you get the desired time. The bath will operate for this time, and
will count down until it stops.
5. Ensure the heat switch is NOT on. Do not use this function.
6. Make sure the water tap is off if you have used it to fill the bath tub.
7. Do not turn water tap on if connected to the bath (at the side, at bottom). Splashing will
occur if done so. Clean up water spill immediately, it is a trip hazard.

Emergency Procedures -Please advise Matthew Fitzhenry x6206 or Alamgir Khan x6204 if the bath sonicator is
not operating properly.
-If safe to do so disconnect from the main switch and seek advice from Alamgir Khan
(Operations Manager).

Clean Up & Waste Laboratory bench space should be cleared after use. All solvent waste should be placed
Disposal in the 10 L solvent waste bottles near LC instruments. All spills should be immediately
cleaned up and disposed of in laboratory bins.

Maintenance Service requested from vendor when required.

Date Approved 24/08/2015

Date of Commencement 06/07/2015
Date for Next Review 06/07/2017
Supporting Documentation Risk Assessment: APAF_RA_Sonication_BathFeb_2015
User manual for Water bath Sonicator.
Relevant Legislation, Guidelines AS2243:3,6,7 Safety in Laboratories
and Standards

Hardcopies of this document are considered Source: Manager, Health & Safety
uncontrolled. Please refer to (Area) for latest version. Created: August 2009
Revised: June 2010
Version No: 1