Making sure that information about your Inert glovebox is stored in a databook will help you to guarantee maximum uptime of the Inert glovebox. Are you working with hazardous chemicals or with materials that need to be manipulated in a hermetically closed container? You might want to make sure to note down the following information.

First things first, when you work with a glovebox you need to know who owns the responsibility of the device. Not only because gloveboxes are valuable, but also because you want to avoid dangerous situations. So, write down the name and contact information of the lab manager or any other person that will take responsibility. 

With our preventative maintenance program, our onsite technicians will do everything they can to maximize the glovebox’s uptime. To make their service is as efficient and effective as possible it helps to inform them on the users history of the glovebox. 

Note the following events in the inert glovebox databook and inform the technician before maintenance.

1. 1. The condition of the gloves and the glove seals
2. 2. Pressure differential gauge readings
3. 3. PPM levels of the gasses inside the Glovebox
4. 4. Condition and configuration of other systems installed on the box (e.g. valves and readings on pressure and flow gauges fall within acceptable ranges).
5. 5. Condition of box and fittings (e.g. rust or other conditions).
6. 6. Compressed gas cylinder: record date changed, tank serial number (if available) and pressure reading
7. 7. Errors or warnings on the PLC-screen
8. 8. The name of the person that worked on the glovebox
9. 9. Replacements of other parts on the glovebox

Would you like to know how you should use a glovebox safely? Or do you want to know how a routine inspection of the glovebox should be conducted? Download our ebook Maximizing your inert glovebox’s uptime completely free or contact us with any questions you might have.

Using an Inert Glovebox is common practice in 3D-printing, space exploration, automotive, food, pharmaceutical, medical, liquified natural gas and academic industries. In these disruptive, high paced worlds where bottlenecks in the R&D department or production can lead to severe financial consequences realizing maximal uptime of your device while keeping your staff save is top priority. Follow these steps and make sure your glovebox is delivering the results you want to realize.

Gloveboxes can be used in a multitude of industries, and integrated with virtually any OEM tool, equipment and technology. Integration flexibility allows you to create an inert environment within your laboratory or cleanroom for handling of air-sensitive materials. You’ll find our gloveboxes around the world in many industries, from 3D printing factories to R&D laboratories. Within those industries, laboratories could operate a glovebox in combination with dangerous compounds such as radioactive materials, toxic gasses or infectious disease agents. Therefore safe usage of the glovebox deserves a high place on your list of priorities.

By following these steps, dangerous situations can be avoided:

1. 1. Individuals must be trained in the use of an Inert glovebox prior to using it

What seems like an open door can often be overlooked. Make sure only trained personnel operate the glovebox. Furthermore it should be clear who’s responsible for the glovebox. This could be for instance the senior lab manager. His or her name and contact information should be written down in a databook but can also be printed on a sticker on the glovebox itself. 

1. 2. Visually inspect the Inert glovebox for leakage 

When using your glovebox make sure to check it before use. Visually inspect the gloves for holes or rips in them. Also, inspect the window. Pay attention to the parts of the glovebox where the window is connected to the other parts of the box. To find out how to prevent leakage of your glovebox you can read our blog ‘’Five leakage preventing practices while working with your Inert glovebox.’’ 

1. 3. Document these steps in the databook

While working with a glovebox it is important to keep track of a few points of interest. This is done in the databook, to find more information about what you’ll find, and document, in the databook read our blog ‘What is the databook and how should you use it when working with a glovebox?’ For now, it is important to understand that these three steps should at the very least be documented for safe usage of the glovebox: 

1. Who worked with the glovebox
2. Errors and warnings on the PLC screen
3. Parts that were changed on the glovebox during maintenance

1. 4. Ventilate the lab

Ventilation of the laboratory is important and should be checked monthly. Exhaust lines of the glovebox and vacuum pump should be connected to the exhaust ventilation system. 

1. 5. Use personal protective equipment (PPE)

All personal protective equipment (ppe) needed for the hazardous material (e.g. protective eyewear, gloves and a lab coat) must be worn when using the glovebox. 

1. 6. Monitor the gas consumption

A high gas consumption in steady condition might indicate a leak on the gas lines or even on the glovebox itself. Once a leakage is suspected, halt your work immediately until the problem is clear and a solution is available. Contact the lab manager or person that’s responsible for the glovebox, his or her name should and contact information can be found in the databook or on the glovebox itself. 

Safety should always be top priority while working with an Inert glovebox. Preventing issues is always better than to solve them in order to maximize your glovebox’s output. So do read our blogs on how maintenance should be done, or what spare parts you should keep close.

Would you like to know everything about your glovebox? And do you want to know when your glovebox might need to be replaced? Download our ebook Maximizing your inert glovebox’s uptime completely free or contact us with any questions you might have.