1. Safety Slide - Vacuum
Reduced pressure used in: Hi-Vac drying, vacuum filtration, vacuum distillation, etc.
Weak points can cause implosion hazard
Always wear: safety goggles, gloves, lab coat, close-toed shoes to prevent injury or contamination if an implosion occurs.
Things to check:
Tubing is rated for pressure/heat that will be used (thick-walled tubing for vacuum). Tubing should be in good condition (no cracks or holes)
Glassware is free of cracks or defects (star cracks most common). Glassware should not be thin and should be approved for strong vacuum.
Wrap vacuum glassware in electrical tape or plastic to prevent injury if implosion occurs
Never carry or move something large that is under vacuum (e.g. an evacuated dessicator)