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Use of Ovens and Furnaces in Lab Areas

1 Minute 4 Safety

Potential Hazards

Prevention Measures / Controls

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Burns

  • Use oven mitts or thermal mitts
  • Open hot ovens with care, stand to one side and allow for cool down period

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Fires

  • Regularly check oven calibration to ensure temperature readout is correct
  • Do not store combustible materials on top, under, behind, or next to ovens
  • Ensure proper temperature settings and equipment high temperature shut-off
  • Equipment should remain clean and free of chemical spills and residue

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Cracked containers

  • Do not heat closed containers unless using specifically authorized equipment with a pressure relief device

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Over heating

  • Avoid using plastic in ovens, due to risk of melting
  • When heating hazardous chemicals, ensure attendance or over-temperature protection

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Electrical shock

  • Only use ovens and furnaces that are NRTL listed
  • Check cords for issues: worn, frayed, or damaged must be taken out of service

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Here are some safety tips and reminders for staff who use ovens and furnaces in lab areas

View Lessons Learned: Two Lab Fires Highlight Importance Of Evaluating All Failure Modes

Do not modify the oven/furnace� in any way!

Inspect before use! The furnace on the right was defective but not tagged out of service, � and was used with an unapproved pressure reactor.