Safety Practices and Hazards
16
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Remember always that the combination of a flame and flammable solvents can
present a serious hazard. All relevant safety practices governing the use of
flammable solvents must be strictly followed.
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion:
When initially selecting an organic solvent, choose a solvent having the
highest flash point consistent with your analytical requirements.
Never use a solvent having a specific gravity lower than 0.75.
Never leave uncovered containers of flammable solvent standing near the
burner. When aspirating such solvents, always use a covered container and
feed the capillary tubing through a 2-mm diameter hole in the cover. Always
use the smallest volume of solvent consistent with your analytical
requirements.
Always use solvent-resistant tubing such as nitrile rubber for the drainage
system and the vapor vent. Lead the drainage tube to a suitable wide-necked
waste vessel (as described in the next paragraph). The standard plastic
laboratory tubing supplied with your instrument is not suitable for draining
organic solvents or venting organic vapors. If organic or toxic solutions are
being used in the spray chamber, vent tubing must be connected to the vapor
vent on the liquid trap, run parallel to the drain tubing, and led to an active
exhaust system. Do NOT lead the vapor tubing to the waste vessel. If you are
not using toxic or hazardous liquids in the spray chamber, leave the vapor vent
uncovered.
Use small, wide-necked waste vessels and empty them frequently—do not
accumulate large volumes of flammable solvent. Do not use glass waste
vessels—use vessels made of a material that will not shatter in the event of a
flashback. Metal vessels will corrode and it is difficult to determine the level of
liquid in them. Ensure that your waste vessel is below the instrument and
located in an open, well-ventilated position where you can see it. Never locate
the vessel in a confined space.
When your analytical program has been completed, or at the end of the
working day, always empty and rinse the waste vessel.
When your analytical program has been completed, or at the end of the
working day, always empty, clean, and refill the liquid trap.
Do not mix nitric or perchloric acid residues with organic solvent residues.
Keep the burner slot, spray chamber, and liquid trap clean.
Always use the internal igniter to light the flame as the flame will not operate
unless all the safety interlocks are satisfied. Do not attempt to bypass these
safety interlocks.
Summary of Contents for 240 Series AA
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