How To: Clamp glassware to an apparatus in the chemistry lab

The Interactive Lab Primer (ILP) has been developed as part of the Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Fellowship Scheme, one of the themes of the Chemistry for Our Future program, and initiative which aims to secure a strong and sustainable future for the chemical sciences in higher education. The aim of the ILP is to address the diverse range of experience and skills students bring with them to a university by offering a resource to support their transition from school to the university chemistry laboratory. The ILP is quite simply a visual guide to common laboratory techniques.

This video tutorial will teach you how to clamp glassware to an apparatus in the chemistry lab. There are many different ways to assemble apparatus and it is important that you carefully follow the guidelines that might be in the practical script. This section illustrates the basic principles and good practice involved in putting together equipment. Jointed glassware makes the setting up of glassware convenient and easy but care must be taken to prevent damage of the joints. Clamping is one of the most common of operations in chemical practicals. Good practice when clamping is vital for proper setting up of apparatus as well as for safety. Plastic joint clips are used to hold jointed glassware together firmly when assembling apparatus. The correct assembly of jointed glassware is essential in any laboratory practical. Although the exact clamping arrangements may vary from laboratory to laboratory there are some general principles that need to be learned.

Always make yourself aware of the hazards associated with the chemicals involved in a practical before you even start. If you ever come across a chemical you do not know the hazard of you must assume that is very hazardous until you find otherwise.