Table of Contents s224

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Document type: SOP

Document code: TB 07-05 BALANCE USE AND MAINTENANCE

Confidentiality: none

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE...... 2 2. SCOPE...... 2 3. RESPONSIBILITIES...... 2 4. CROSS-REFERENCES...... 2 5. PROCEDURES...... 2 5.1. General Safety...... 2 5.2. Operation...... 2 5.3. Calibration...... 3 5.4. Cleaning and Maintenance & Service...... 3 6. REFERENCES...... 4 7. CHANGE HISTORY...... 4

This SOP template has been developed by FIND for adaption and use in TB laboratories Release date: ddMMMyy Page 1 of 4 0c7cb21a92504dc147385a7d9b975b14.doc

1. PURPOSE

This procedure describes the use, calibration and maintenance of the ______balance in the ______TB Laboratory. Optimal operation of the balance is achieved through regular calibration and proper maintenance.

2. SCOPE

This SOP covers all procedures requiring the use of a balance for accurate weight measurement in the ______TB Laboratory.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff members working in the ______TB Laboratory are responsible for the implementation of this operating procedure. All users of this procedure who do not understand it or are unable to carry it out as described are responsible for seeking advice from their supervisor.

4. CROSS-REFERENCES

See: Document Matrix_TB 01-01_V1.0.doc Location:

Refer to SOPs listed under General Procedures (TB 02), Specimen Handling (TB 03) and test-specific SOPs.

5. PROCEDURES

5.1. General Safety

 Verify that the AC adapter input voltage matches the local ACA power supply.  Use the balance only in dry locations.  Do not operate the balance in hostile environments.  Do not drop loads on the platform.  Do not place the balance upside down on the platform or platform mounting cone.  Service should always be performed by authorized personnel.

5.2. Operation

 Prior to use, the balance should be checked for spilled substances and to ensure that the balance is level, on a stable surface, and free from drafts or air currents. Spilled solids should be brushed away.  The pan of balance should be checked to ensure that it is properly seated on the pan mechanism.

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 Turn on the balance. Press the tare button and wait until a stable zero point reading is obtained. Re-press the tare button if necessary.  First weigh 100 gm weight. If weight is within 100 g +/- 0.02 g, proceed with experiment. If weight displayed is outside that limit, first attempt to recalibrate balance according to Section 5.3.  Place the object to be weighed on the pan, in the center area.  Allow the reading to stabilize and record the weight.  If a container or weighing paper is to be used, press the tare button and wait until a stable zero point reading is obtained. Add the substance to be weighed, allow the reading to stabilize, and record the weight. o Do not use regular paper for weighing. Use glassine paper or weighing boats or tare an appropriate container. o Do not weigh containers containing a magnetic stir bar. The magnetic field generated may cause unpredictable effects on the electronic balance. o Samples that are extremely hygroscopic or lose water rapidly must be weighed in a closed container.  Volatile liquids must be weighed in a closed container or with a trapping solvent.  Allow samples/containers to reach room temperature before weighing. Hot samples will generate an upward convection of warm air that will cause an inaccurate reading.  Fingerprints may cause an inaccurate value. Make sure hands are clean and dry and do not contribute to weighing.  Be sure to use a clean and dry spatula or other transfer device to avoid contamination of the article to be weighed.  Check that the balance and surrounding area are clean after use.  If an error message is received in lieu of the tare value, check the troubleshooting guide in the balance instruction manual and notify the Head of ______TB Laboratory, and record in the failure events logbook. Contact the service representative if the error can not be resolved.

5.3. Calibration

At the start of each week and each time the balance is physically moved, check the balance using three weights: 100 mg, 1 g, and 100g. This should be performed and results recorded:

Use: Balance Calibration_form.doc Location:

If actual weight displayed is outside recommended limits, an attempt should be made to recalibrate the balance.

5.4. Cleaning and Maintenance & Service

Clean the balance according to Laboratory Cleaning and Maintenance procedure.

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See: Laboratory Cleaning and Maintenance_TB 02-05_V1.0.doc Location:

Record cleaning in the Laboratory Cleaning and Maintenance Logbook.

Use: Laboratory Cleaning and Maintenance Logbook_form.xls Location:

 In the event of the water bath becoming damaged or failing to function, complete an Equipment Failure Report and the service representatives must be called out.  An Equipment Failure Notice must be placed on the equipment indicating that work is prohibited.

Use: Equipment Failure Notice_sign.doc Equipment Failure Report_form.doc Location:

Weights and balance should be recertified annually.

Records of the service must be kept in the Equipment Maintenance File

Use: Equipment Maintenance File_form.doc Location:

6. REFERENCES

Balance User’s Manual.

7. CHANGE HISTORY

New version # Old version # No. of Description of changes Source of / date / date changes change request