[Histonet] Microwave Devices and Proposed Guidelines

[Bartlett, Jeanine]

We have a commercial (for laboratory use) microwave in our main lab.  Recently we set up a small, research lab for prion work.  I needed a microwave for antigen retrieval but did not have space (or money) for a commercial microwave.  Our safety department approved our use of a small, litchen microwave (we got it for less than $100.00 from Target) for this purpose.  
 
Jeanine Bartlett
CDC, Atlanta

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Sandy Cheasty 
	Sent: Fri 12/10/2004 2:58 PM 
	To: 'histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu' 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [Histonet] Microwave Devices and Proposed Guidelines
	
	

	I know there are thousands of histology labs that use commercial microwaves
	safely and have used them safely for years.
	
	Does everyone:
	-violate OSHA? 
	-lie to their lab managers?
	
	There must be some way of continuing to use commercial microwave ovens for
	special stains without being subversive. Don't get me wrong, I usually enjoy
	being subversive.
	
	Can someone please give me a justification for using a commercial microwave
	or tell me where I can get an OSHA approved one for less than $1000?
	
	Thanks again,
	Elvis
	
	-----Original Message-----
	From: Willis, Donna [mailto:DonnaWillis <@t> texashealth.org]
	Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 7:08 AM
	To: Sandy Cheasty; histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu
	Subject: RE: [Histonet] NCCLS Microwave Device Use Proposed Guideline
	
	It is against OSHA guideline (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2))to use a commercial
	microwave (exp. Wal-Mart).  The warranty of commercial units state that the
	instrument is not to be used for anything except its original use, food
	preparation.  The OSHA guideline would include any equipment in the lab.  If
	someone gets injured the lab would be at fault not the manufacture.
	
	Donna Willis
	Histology Lab Manager
	Harris Methodist Fort Worth,Tx
	
	-----Original Message-----
	From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
	[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Sandy
	Cheasty
	Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 7:40 AM
	To: histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu
	Subject: [Histonet] NCCLS Microwave Device Use Proposed Guideline
	
	
	I have the GP28-P guideline and read it but am unsure about its
	recommendations or limitations in using a microwave for special stains only.
	
	
	Is there any consensus among histology labs as to its interpretation? Is it
	still OK to use a commercial microwave from Wal-Mart without special exhaust
	system as long as you don't microwave formaldehyde, osmium tetroxide, lead
	acetate etc. (Paragraph 4.4) and do annual leakage tests?
	
	Thanks!
	Elvis
	
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