Kelley:Thermocycler

Description: Thermocyclers are used to carry out polymerase chain reactions (PCR reactions) or to incubate experimental samples at elevated temperatures.

Potential Safety Issues: Thermal hazard from elevated temperatures. Chemical and biological exposure hazard from sample container caps bursting or failing due to internal pressure buildup during heating.

Startup Procedure:

   Turn on the thermocycler and set up the desired thermal cycling program.
   Allow the thermocycler cover to heat up to equilibrium.
   Place the experimental samples to be PCRed into the thermocycler.
   Start the thermocycling program. 

Shutdown Procedure:

   Ensure that the thermocycling program is complete.
   Remove the experimental samples from the thermocycler.
   Allow the thermocycler to cool down. 

In the Event of a Power Failure: Put on a pair of insulating gloves and remove all samples from the thermocycler.

Monitoring Required: Thermocyclers are inspected weekly by the student safety coordinator for cleanliness.