Standard Operating Procedure- SOP

Athena Esoterix

Safe Manipulation ID Code:

Ap 2

Topic & Purpose: Review Period:

Explains the “rules" for laboratory safe 1 year
operation

Location: Distribution:

Version number: Annex:

V 1.0 None

Written by:
Elizabeth Forrester
06-24-2020

Name(s), Date(s) and Signature(s) of the Author(s)

Reviewed by:
Dawn Richards
06-25-2020
Name(s), Date(s) and Signature(s)

Authorized by:

Name, Date and Signature

Replaces the version:

Not applicable (1st version)

Changes to the last authorized version:

Not applicable (1st version)
Institution: Version: 1.0 Date: Number of pages: Name of ID Code: Ap 2
Athena Esoterix 06-24-2020 5 procedure:
Safe Manipulation QM chapter: 4
Procedure

Safe Manipulation Procedure

Application.........................................................................................................2
Objective............................................................................................................2
Definitions..........................................................................................................2
References.........................................................................................................2
Responsibilities..................................................................................................2
Operating mode.................................................................................................2
Related documents............................................................................................5

Application
This procedure ensures safety of laboratory staff.

Objective
This procedure summarizes laboratory safety practices that help ensure the
safe operation of the laboratory.

Definitions
N/A

References
WHO. Laboratory Biosafety Manual. Third edition. Geneva, World Health
Organization, 2004
(http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/biosafety/WHO_CDS_CSR_LY
O_2004_11/en/, accessed 28 August 2013).

OSHA. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for

bloodborne pathogens. Washington, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 2001
(https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/standards.html, accessed
28 August 2013).

Responsibilities
Safe laboratory practices are the responsibility of all laboratory personnel.

The Biosafety Officer supervises laboratory safety procedures.

Operating mode
Safe laboratory practices require that laboratory personnel:
 Do not work alone without prior approval.
 Develop safe work practices and avoid careless actions.
 Be alert to unsafe conditions and immediately notify the Biosafety
Officer of unsafe conditions.
 Become familiar with the laboratory’s emergency equipment (e.g.
eyewash, safety shower, and fire extinguisher).
 Follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory.
 Never pipette by mouth.

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Procedure

 Perform all technical procedures in a way that minimizes the formation

of aerosols and droplets.
 Do not eat, drink, smoke, store food, or apply cosmetics in laboratory
work areas Do not lick labels or place any materials (e.g. pencils or
pens) into the mouth when in laboratory work areas.
 Keep the laboratory neat, clean and free of materials that are not
pertinent to the work Do not wear open-toed footwear.
 Store protective laboratory clothing (e.g. laboratory coats) in a separate
location from street clothing.
 Do not permit any animals not involved in the work of the laboratory in
or near the laboratory.
 Do not use broken or damaged glassware.
 Display the international biohazard sign on the doors of rooms where
Risk Group 2 or higher risk groups microorganisms are handled.
 Decontaminate all work surfaces after any spill of potentially dangerous
material as well as at the end of the working day
 Decontaminate all used laboratory materials, specimens and cultures
prior to either disposal or cleaning for reuse.
a. Place items to be decontaminated in leak-proof, color-coded
plastic biohazard bags for autoclaving or incineration on the
premises.
b. The bags should be supported in rigid containers while being
filled.
c. If it is necessary to move the biohazard bags to another site for
decontamination, place the bags in leak-proof (i.e. solid-
bottomed) containers, which can be closed before they are
removed from the laboratory
 Always wash hands after handling animals or potentially infectious
materials and before leaving the laboratory
 Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), refer to
a. Wear laboratory coveralls, gowns or uniforms for work in the
laboratory and do NOT wear these in non-laboratory areas such
as offices, libraries, staff rooms and canteens. Decontaminate
used laboratory clothing by appropriate methods Wear safety
glasses, face shields (visors) or other protective devices when it
is necessary to protect the eyes and face from splashes and/or
projectiles.
b. Use appropriate gloves for all procedures that may involve
accidental direct contact with blood, infectious materials or
infected animals.
i. Remove disposable gloves aseptically and autoclave
them with other laboratory wastes before disposal.
ii. Wash reusable gloves prior to and after removal from the
hands; after removal these gloves must be cleaned and
disinfected before reuse.
iii. Wash hands after laboratory glove removal

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Athena Esoterix 06-24-2020 5 procedure:
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Procedure

 Limit the use of hypodermic needles and syringes to primarily

parenteral injection and aspiration of fluids from laboratory animals.
a. Avoid using hypodermic needles and syringes to extract fluid
from diaphragm bottles (opening devices are available, which
permit the use of pipettes).
b. Do not use hypodermic needles and syringes as substitutes for
pipetting devices in the manipulation of infectious fluids.
c. Use cannulas instead of needles whenever possible.
 Immediately report all spills, accidents and overt or potential exposures
to infectious materials to the laboratory supervisor and maintain a
written record of such accidents and incidents
 Inform the Biosafety Officer of any biosafety problem or concern.

The laboratory Biosafety Officer should ensure that:

 Sufficient training in laboratory safety is provided; for example,
personnel should be advised of special hazards and required to read,
understand and follow standard practices and procedures Only those
persons who have been advised of the potential hazards and who meet
specific entry requirements (e.g. immunization) are allowed to enter the
laboratory working areas
a. Restrict laboratory and animal areas access to authorized
personnel.
b. Keep laboratory doors closed when work is in progress.
c. Exclude children from laboratory working areas.
 An appropriate medical evaluation, surveillance and treatment program
is available to laboratory personnel (
a. Baseline serum samples may be collected from laboratory staff
and other persons at risk. These should be stored as
appropriate.
b. Additional specimens should be collected periodically depending
on the organisms handled and the function of the laboratory.
 Occurrence is referenced for any reported biosafety problem and then,
if needed, the problem is reported to the Technical Director to find a
solution.

Related documents
SOP Biosafety Management
SOP Hand Washing
SOP Laboratory Decontamination
SOP Medical Surveillance of Personnel Exposed to Biohazards
SOP Occurrence Report
SOP Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
SOP Vaccination for Laboratory Staff
SOP Washing of Tissue, Laboratory Coat
SOP Waste Disposal