Part 5: Setting up your workspace

Goal:  Prepare a clean and organized workspace to do arsenic analysis. If you do not have much laboratory experience, this is the place to start. You will need a basic laboratory setup, specific electrochemical hardware, and basic safety materials.

5.1 Basic laboratory setup

• Place the stirrer on a stable bench.
• Place the electrochemical cell on the stirrer platform.
• Position the clamp so it can hold electrodes and cables without pulling on the cell.
• Keep pipettes, tips, DI water, wipes, labels, and waste containers within reach.
• Keep acids and arsenic standards clearly labelled and away from general workspace clutter.

5.2 Safety setup

• Wear PPE before preparing acids or arsenic-containing solutions.
• Prepare acids in a fume hood where possible.
• Have a designated arsenic waste container ready before starting.
• Label all bottles with solution name, concentration, date, and initials.
• Do not eat, drink, or store food in the workspace.
• Have a designated space for rinsing containers with deionized water.
• Have a designated space for drying containers
• Have designated spaces for storing containers, chemicals, and hardware