Handling Static Electricity in the Histology Laboratory

 

Sources of static electricity in the laboratory include:

(1) sectioning on the microtome (as the knife cuts through the paraffin block)

(2) from movement of barrier coats

(3) walking on carpet

 

Static electicity increases:when the humidity of the air is low. especially during the winter.

 

The static electicity may be manifested as:

(1) electric shocks

(2) sections flying away from the microtome

(3) sections flying away from a glass slide

 

Prevention:

(1) If the air is dry, then humidify the room.

(2) Ground metal equipment.

(3) Use anti-static spray.