Final answer:
A routine startup check in a biology lab involves ensuring stir plates function, verifying the presence and accuracy of graduated cylinders, calibrating pH meters, inventorying pipets, inspecting protective gear, and reviewing safety procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conducting a routine startup check is a critical step to ensure a smooth and safe operation in a biology laboratory. When preparing for your first day of lab work, here are six essential items you should check as part of your routine startup:
- Ensure that six stir plates are functioning correctly. This preparation step is crucial for experiments that require consistent mixing.
- Verify that you have six 100 ml graduated cylinders. Accurate measurement is the cornerstone of reproducible results in scientific experiments.
- Check that six pH meters of the same kind are available and calibrated. This ensures that pH measurements across different experiments are consistent and comparable.
- Inventory supplies like a small box of plastic Pasteur pipets. These are commonly used for transferring small volumes of liquids.
- Inspect personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats to prioritize safety from the start.
- Review emergency procedures and location of safety equipment, including eyewash stations and fire extinguishers, for accident preparedness.
Being thorough in your checks will contribute to a successful and risk-free experience in the laboratory setting, allowing you to focus on the scientific work at hand.