Working in a laboratory requires training and attentiveness at all times
Glass stoppers can refer to rubber stoppers used to plug up the opening of pipes, test tubes and flasks. The term can also refer to stoppers made of glass that connect bends in laboratory glass piping or seal openings to prevent liquids from spilling out of flasks and tubes. In both instances careful handling and hand movements are needed to safely and effectively remove glass stoppers. Only those under supervision in the lab or with experience working with chemicals in a lab should attempt to handle and remove stoppers.
Instructions
1. Allow the glass tube or flask to cool down if it has been heated before proceeding.
2. Grasp the section of the tube or flask nearest the stopper firmly in one hand.
3. Grasp the top of the stopper with your other hand and ensure you have a good grip on both the glassware and the stopper.
4. Pull the stopper away from the flask or tube while turning the stopper back and forth in a subtle twisting motion. While doing this ensure that the opening is not facing you or anyone else in the lab as pressure can build in the glassware causing liquids to burst out or the stopper to shoot out of the opening.
5. Continue to slowly pull the stopper while gently twisting until the stopper is removed. Carefully place the glassware in a holder or if it has a flat bottom on a lab counter. Place the stopper carefully on a flat surface with the inside end of the stopper (that was in the opening) facing upwards to prevent contamination.
Tags: opening facing, that opening, that opening facing, tube flask
