When handling microscopes in a laboratory, students must follow a established safety procedures to protect themselves, maintain the instrument’s condition, and maintain experimental integrity. Microscopes are precision optical devices that require gentle use, and negligent operation can lead to malfunction, erroneous data, or even serious harm. The primary requirement is always to be formally taught from a instructor before engaging with the instrument. Never attempt to operate https://telescope.ir/microscope/student-microscope/ without knowing how it works. Always carry the microscope with two hands—one hand under the base and the other on the arm. This provides balance and decreases likelihood of impact, which could damage internal lenses or moving parts. Place the microscope on a non-slip table far from overhangs, chemicals, or busy walkways to minimize risk of collision. Avoid placing the microscope where it can be easily nudged where it could be struck by passing objects. Before turning on the light source, make sure the power cord is secure and not frayed. Do not touch the bulb with bare fingers, as oils from the skin can cause the bulb to fail prematurely. If the bulb needs replacing, use gloves or a clean cloth and reference the equipment guide. Always deactivate and unplug the microscope when it is idle to conserve energy and reduce the risk of electrical hazards. When preparing slides, use only uncontaminated slide materials. Handle them by the border to maintain optical clarity. Never apply excessive pressure, as this can cause the glass to shatter and cut your skin. If a slide breaks, notify your instructor immediately and do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Use the correct equipment, such as a glass disposal kit, or comply with safety guidelines for glass waste management. Always begin observing with the lowest magnification objective lens. This prevents accidental contact, which can compromise lens integrity and sample quality. Once focused at low power, you can gradually switch to higher magnifications using the fine adjustment knob. Never use the primary focus wheel when using 40x or 100x lenses, as this can cause irreversible damage to the lens or slide. Keep the stage and lenses clean. Use only lens paper or a soft, lint-free cloth to polish the surfaces. Never use regular paper towels, as these can leave lint residues. If you need to clean the lenses, use solution on a tissue, not directly, never on the glass surface. Avoid using industrial cleaners unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid using makeup or lotions in the work zone. Chemicals or food particles can degrade optical quality or your skin, which may then smear the optics. Clean your hands prior to and following use, especially if you have been working with tissue samples or chemicals. After use, lower the stage, rotate the nosepiece to the lowest power objective, and discard the glass slide. Use the protective case if available, and store it in the proper location. Always flag irregularities, faulty mechanisms, or odd noises to your teacher immediately. By following these safety best practices, students not only prevent harm to others but also maintain equipment functionality. Proper handling of the device fosters a culture of care, precision, and scientific integrity that transfers to future studies and into career paths in science.