Vacuum systems include those activities involving mechanical vacuum pumps, building vacuum systems, water aspirators, or steam aspirators. 

Work with vacuum systems poses a substantial danger of injury to the operator from flying glass shrapnel released during an implosion. Other hazards may include: 

  • The toxicity of the chemicals in the vacuum system 
  • Fire following breakage of a flask containing flammable solvents 
  • Toxicity from the mercury in manometers and gauges 
  • Over- or under-pressurization arising with thermal conductivity gauges 
  • Electric shock with hot cathode ionization systems. 

Operational Practices