The balance is placed in a suitable location with sufficiently low levels of vibration and air current. It must have a constant electrical supply. The balance and the surrounding work area have to be kept neat and tidy. It is good practice to use a camel's hair brush or its equivalent to dust the balance pan before any weighing so as to remove any materials that may have been left by the previous operator. [Note—Individuals must clean up debris, dispose of any spilled materials or paper, and remove the vessels and apparatus used in making the measurements. ] When a balance is moved, it must be allowed to adjust to the temperature of its new environment and be recalibrated.

If necessary, turn on the power, and allow the balance to equilibrate for at least 1 hour before proceeding with the calibration. (Microbalances may require up to 24 hours to reach equilibrium.) If the balance power has gone off and then has come back on, as in a power outage, certain types of balance may display a message indicating that the balance must be calibrated before a weighing is made. If the operator touches the balance bar, the message may be cleared and the balance may display zeros; however, the balance will not give the correct weighing until it has been calibrated. Electronic analytical balances have an internal calibration system based on an applied load. The calibration applies for the current ambient temperature.

Select the appropriate balance for the quantity and accuracy needed. Each balance has a load limit, which should not be exceeded. Each balance manufacturer supplies the maximum loading condition, and this limit varies with the type of balance. The operator should know this limit so that the balance will not be damaged. [Note—Electronic balances operate on a “load cell” principle that produces an electrical output proportional to the movement of the strain gauge and is linear over the range. ]

The proper receiver for the material must be selected. The receiver's weight plus the weight to be measured must not exceed the maximum load for the balance; the size and shape of the receiver should permit it to fit into the space and on the balance pan without interfering with any operation. It is important that the receiver be clean and dry. Common receivers are weighing bottles, weighing funnels, flasks, and weighing paper. The correct receiver depends upon the quantity and type of material (liquid, solid, or powder) to be weighed. All other things being equal, a vessel of low mass should be chosen when small amounts of material are to be weighed. It is recommended that gloves, forceps, or another type of gripping device be used when handling receivers, because oils from the hands will add weight.

The weighing funnel is often the most satisfactory receiver, because it can function as both a weighing dish and a transfer funnel, allowing easy transfer to volumetric flasks. Weighing funnels come in various sizes; the size suitable for the operation should be selected.

Weighing paper may be used for solids. Paper receivers must be handled by hand, and great care must be used to prevent spills.

Weighing is usually done by difference. The following methods are acceptable for good analytical results.

The operator must be familiar with precautions described in the Material Safety Data Sheet for the substance before weighing it. Hazardous materials must be handled in an enclosure having appropriate air filtration. Many substances are extremely toxic, are possibly allergenic, and may be liquids or finely divided particles. A mask that covers the nose and mouth should be used to prevent any inhalation of chemical dust. Gloves should be used to prevent any contact with the skin. [Note—The use of gloves is good practice for handling any chemical. If it is necessary to handle the container being weighed, the operator should put on gloves, not only for self-protection but also to prevent moisture and oils from being deposited on the weighed container. ] During a weighing, the operator may be exposed to high concentrations of the pure substance; therefore, the operator must carefully consider these possibilities at all times.

Weighings are made on many different types of materials, such as large solids, finely divided powders, and liquids (viscous or nonviscous, volatile or nonvolatile). Each type of material requires its own special handling.

Solids come in two forms: large chunks, with or without powdery surface, and finely divided powders or small crystals. If large chunks with a powdery surface are to be weighed, at least a piece of weighing paper must be placed on the balance pan to protect it from damage. Large nonreactive chunks that have no powdery surface may be placed directly on the pan (for example, a coated tablet). [Note—Solid pieces must be handled with forceps, never by hand. ]

Liquids may be volatile or nonvolatile and viscous or nonviscous. Each type requires special attention.

Many chemicals, such as salts, are corrosive, and materials of this nature should not be spilled on the balance pan or inside the balance housing. Extreme care is essential when materials of this nature are being weighed.