CENTENNIAL COLLEGE - SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

LABORATORY SAFETY The following applies to all users of School of Engineering Technology laboratories. Lab users are expected to comply with the safety rules and regulations for each laboratory. Students will be provided with a list of specific rules and requirements for the laboratory in which the experiment is held. All lab rules, general and specific, will be reviewed by the instructor during the first lab. Some of the required laboratory safety equipment will be provided by the college and others will be the responsibility of the student. In some cases students are advised to purchase their own lab safety equipment (e.g. safety shoes, lab coat, safety glasses) as it may be required in their future employment. Safety rules are not made to make life difficult but to make life enjoyable and safe by making it virtually impossible for accidents to take place, which can cause permanent injury or even death. GENERAL RULES:

Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in any lab. Students must be familiar with and obey the specific rules and requirements provided by the instructor/technologist, or as posted for specific labs. Students must never work alone in areas designated as hazardous lab areas. They must be accompanied by another student and/or the assigned instructor/technologist, and have completed the Use of Laboratories, Studios and Shops Authorization Form. Students having any physical conditions (such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, etc,) that could lead to a temporary disability must identify themselves to the instructor/technologist, which will be treated in confidence. Contact lenses must be removed when required, by either the specific department rules, by signs posted in the specific areas, or by the instructor/technologist. (e.g. welding arcs) Colour blind students must identify themselves to the instructor/technologist, which will be treated in confidence. Appropriate clothes and sensible shoes must be worn. Students are responsible for cleaning up their own work areas upon completion of work and, in some cases, prior to commencing work. Breakage charges may be assessed against students losing or breaking equipment.

PENALTIES: Safety rules are made for the protection of all lab users; the instructor/ technologist responsible for the lab will enforce penalties for non-compliance with the rules. First, the student will receive a verbal warning. Second, the student will receive a written warning, a copy of which will go to the Chairperson of the department. Third, the student will be expelled from the laboratory, which may or may not prevent attendance at any further classes in that laboratory. The student may appeal the final warning and the School of Engineering Technology Lab Safety and Standards Committee will listen to the appeal and rule thereon. The above penalties in no way restrict the instructor/technologist from expelling the student from classes should any of the rules and regulations be broken. The instructor may assess the students attitude to safety by assigning a percentage of the total marks in a given course towards it, over and above the penalties outlined above.

MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY SAFETY (Biosafety Containment level 2)

4 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

PREAMBLE An essential part of training in microbiology is learning to control the spread of infectious and contaminating agents. This practical training must start in the laboratory. Infections differ from most laboratory hazards because their effects are not confined to the individual worker; others in the laboratory and contacts beyond the laboratory may also be involved. Remember also that the incubation period for some infectious processes may be prolonged, and that some may develop into chronic infections. Thoughtful attention to the principles of safety is required throughout any laboratory course in Microbiology. Centennial Colleges Biology and Microbiology laboratories (Rooms 444, 446, 448, 450, 452, and 454) and all preparation areas are designated Biosafety (containment) level 2, because cultures of animal and human pathogens are stored and used. These cultures have moderate potential hazard to personnel and the environment. Biosafety level 2 requirements include: 1. the laboratory is not separated from general traffic patterns in the building but access is limited when work with infectious agents is being conducted; 2. work is conducted on open bench tops, except for procedures where infectious aerosols are produced, which are carried out in a biological safety cabinet; 3. laboratory personnel have special training in handling pathogenic agents, and are directed by competent scientists; 4. potential sources of contamination are carefully controlled and decontaminated before washing or disposal. (Rayburn, 1990) In a Biosafety level 2 laboratory, all personnel including students must follow the safety rules. The safety officer certifies that all personnel have read and understood the safety manual, and follow operational protocols. There must be written documentation of safety training. Paperwork stations are separated from hazardous materials. The laboratories are kept neat, clean and orderly at all times. Doors and windows are kept closed. Handwashing sinks are provided, and there is inward air flow. (Rayburn, 1990)

Bacteria requiring minimum Biosafety level 2 for clinical diagnostic work and research include: Bordetella pertussis, Brucella spp. (for clinical materials of human or animal origin; level 3 for manipulations of cultures and experimental animal studies), Campylobacter fetus, Clostridium botulinum (3 if high potential for aerosols, toxin production a and C. tetani, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Legionella pneumophila, Leptospira interrogans (G), Mycobacterium spp. (except: M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. avium, M leprae = 3), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (G) and N. i, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Treponema pallidum (G), Vibrio cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (G). (G) = gloves are required. Fungi requiring minimum Biosafety level 2 include: Blastomyces dermatitidis (Health Canada = 3), Cryptococcus neoformans, Epidermophyton spp., Microsporum spp., Sporothrix schenckii, Trichophyton spp. Mammalian cells in culture including virus containing cell lines are Biosafety level 2.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS USE OF MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORIES (ROOMS 444, 446, 448, 450, 452, 454) PREAMBLE An essential part of training in microbiology is to learn how to control the spread of infectious agents. This
5 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

practical training must start in the laboratory. Infections differ from most laboratory hazards in that their effects are not confined to the individual worker; others working in the laboratory and contacts beyond the laboratory may also be involved; remember also that the incubation period for some infectious processes may be prolonged and that some may develop into chronic infection. Thoughtful attention to the principles of safety is required throughout any laboratory course in microbiology. SAFETY AND ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE REGULATIONS a. Buttoned long white coats should be worn at all times during the use of laboratory facilities. b. Books not required during the laboratory should be placed on the shelves provided or placed in your lockers. c. Students are not permitted to eat or drink or smoke in the laboratory. Do no sit on bench tops. d. Mouth pipetting of hazardous chemicals is not permitted in the Microbiology Laboratories. e. Bench tops must be swabbed with disinfectants before commencing to inoculate culture media, and at the end of your work. This gives you a work area comparatively free from dust-borne microorganisms that might contaminate your culture. f. Any spilt cultures and the surrounding splash area should be flooded with disinfectant solutions provided and left for thirty minutes before cleaning up. Report any laboratory accidents to your Instructor. g. Do not wiggle wire loops charged with inoculum. Wire loops should be flamed immediately after use without causing spurting of inoculum left on the loop. h. All work with viable cultures must be done at your own bench area. i. Do not carry cultures or slide agglutination tests to Instructors. Leave them on your bench and ask Instructor to come to your work area. ii. Do not carry cultures out of the laboratory. iii. All slide agglutination tests must be performed on a disinfectant saturated pad. iv. Do not pour any infectious fluid into the sink. v. All reagents, antisera, unused antibiotic disc, etc., should be returned to the reagent bench or shelf immediately after use vi. Never discard contaminated cultures, glassware, pipettes, tubes or slides in the waste paper basked or garbage can. Use container labeled CONTAMINATED (this container will later be sterilized). vii. Learn good personal habits from the beginning. i. Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory. Students should cover any open cuts or breaks in the skin on the hands with a Band-Aid before handling infectious agents. i. Wear safety glasses when they are recommended in a lab procedure. ii. Long hair should be bound back neatly away from the shoulder. iii. Keep fingers, pencils and such out of your mouth. iv. Do not lick labels with your tongue and do not drink from any laboratory glassware. v. While the microorganisms you use in the laboratory will be mostly harmless forms, a few such as some common pus-formers may have some disease-producing powder. Therefore, it is desirable that you treat all of your cultures as though they are pathogenic. j. Microscopes and items from the equipment drawers must be returned to their original lockers or drawers after use. i. Culture tubes, other glassware, and re-usable plastic ware which require autoclaving should be placed upright in the container on the trolley provided at the front or back of the laboratory. ii. Carry and store cultures of microorganisms in racks or baskets. Do not leave cultures on the table or in unmarked areas when the laboratory session is completed. k. All accidents should be reported to the Instructor in charge. First aid kits are located in each laboratory. First aid is provided by College nursing staff Room No. C2-01, Progress Campus. Fire extinguishers are for emergencies and must not be used for other purposes. l. Cleanliness i. Your work areas including bench tops, shelves, floor must be kept clean at all times. ii. Solids and liquids that are spilled anywhere in the laboratory must be cleaned up immediately. iii. Do not throw waste paper, matches or solids in the sinks or on the floor. Put them in
6 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

containers provided. iv. Gloves should be worn when and where necessary. m. Gas i. Be sure that the burner is operating properly. ii. Do not leave a lighted burner unattended. iii. Gas/water valves and electric outlets must be turned off completely after use. n. Laboratory Hours i. Laboratory hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. ii. Students are permitted to use laboratory facilities only during scheduled lab time unless special arrangements have been made by the instructor for supervision at other times. iii. Students wishing to use facilities after hours must obtain a special evening pass from the Department for safety and security reasons. iv. It is advisable that students work in pairs in the interest of safety. o. Proper Use of Equipment i. It is expected that students will observe these laboratory regulations prescribed by the Department, and will exercise care in the use and maintenance of all equipment. All damages must be immediately reported to the Instructor in charge.

7 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF BIOLOGY / MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORIES The following rules are in addition to the general School of Engineering Technology Safety guidelines. Laboratories are designated as hazardous areas and safety is the most important consideration. A. GENERAL CONDUCT. 1. Students deliberately risking their own or other students' safety must leave the laboratory immediately, face further disciplinary action and receive a zero grade on the current laboratory exercise. 2. Place books, outdoor clothing and backpacks not required during the laboratory in a locker, or on side benches of the laboratory. Keep the work bench tidy and uncluttered. 3. Many reactions require colour discrimination. Colour blind students must identify themselves to the Instructor or Technologist. This information will be treated in confidence. 4. Label completely all samples, plates and tubes used in the lab. 5. Each student is required to be class monitor for at least one week per course. Duties, as posted in the laboratory, must be completed by the end of the lab class. If laboratory maintenance duty is required for a course, the student should schedule a time with the Technologist. Failure to comply will result in added duty. 6. Students in first and second year may enter the laboratory only with their Instructor's permission, and only when the Instructor or a Laboratory Technologist or Technician is present. Third year students may be granted permission to work in pairs without supervision by professional staff. 7. Students prepare for laboratory sessions in advance by reading the laboratory manual and recommended references, and completing any pre-lab assignment. The assignment is accepted only at the beginning of the laboratory class. B. SAFETY ATTIRE. 1. Wear a clean, buttoned long laboratory coat at all times in laboratory facilities. Lab coats should be washed at least once a week. Remove the lab coat in offices, classrooms, resource centre or cafeteria. 2. Wear flat shoes with closed toes and heels (heel not more than 2.5 cm. higher than sole). 3. Wear safety glasses or gloves when instructed to do so. (Many industrial labs now require wearing of safety glasses at all times in labs.) 4. CONTACT LENSES. Students who wear contact lenses should consult their instructor about the safety risks involved in each laboratory exercise. Be aware that ventilation may dry out lenses and cause discomfort, that some materials used in labs may react with or adsorb onto lens surfaces and that careless handling of microorganisms may cause serious eye problems. C. PERSONAL HABITS. 1. Tie back long hair behind the shoulder or confine long hair in a hair net. Beards may need to be covered. 2. Keep fingers and supplies away from the mouth. Do not apply cosmetics in the lab. 3. Do not eat, drink or chew gum in the laboratory, or bring food or beverages into the lab. 4. Treat all cultures as though they were pathogenic. Most microorganisms used in the laboratory are harmless, but a few, such as common pus-formers, may be pathogenic or opportunistic. 5. Cover all cuts or breaks in the skin with a bandage before beginning work. 6. Wear appropriate protective equipment when handling hazardous materials. 7. WASH HANDS thoroughly after any suspected contamination with infectious material, and before leaving the laboratory. D. CLEANLINESS. 1. Swab the bench top with disinfectant before and after each laboratory session. This gives a work area relatively free from dust-borne microorganisms that may cause contamination of cultures. 2. Keep the work areas clean, including bench top, turrets, shelves and floor. Clean up spills of solids and
8 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

non-infectious liquids immediately. 3. Dispose of paper waste, slides, pipettes and glassware in appropriate containers. Wear gloves and safety glasses when required. Dispose of gloves in a biohazard bag. 4. Keep materials in lockers clean and orderly. Empty and disinfect them at the end of each semester. E. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. 1. Use laboratory equipment carefully, and maintain it properly. Report any damage immediately to the Instructor. Clean microscope lenses and stage after each use, and return all equipment promptly to drawers and shelves in a clean condition. 2. Use a pipetting device for all chemical solutions and cultures. Use only pipettes plugged with cotton. 3. Handle Bunsen burners with care. Adjust the flame properly, without any yellow in the flame, and be sure there are no leaks in the rubber tubing. Never leave a lighted burner unattended. Turn off gas, water valves and electricity completely after use. 4. Balances must be handled carefully and left in clean condition after use. Clean any spills on balance or table immediately. 5. Return reagent bottles to their proper place promptly. Observe all appropriate precautions, according to the WHMIS label. Check the safety data before using an unfamiliar chemical. Use a fume hood for procedures involving hazardous or unpleasant smelling chemicals. 6. Use distilled water sparingly. 7. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requires that all hazardous substances (including microorganisms) be labeled in a specified manner and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) be available at all times. Check the WHMIS label on any chemical used in the laboratory. F. ACCIDENTS. 1. IMMEDIATELY REPORT ALL LABORATORY ACCIDENTS to the Instructor. First aid kits are located in all laboratories. Note the location in each room. First aid is available from trained staff. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are to be used only for emergencies. 2. CUTS are the most common accident. Collect broken glass promptly with dustpan and brush and discard in the specially marked container, to avoid lacerations. 3. Heat BURNS should be immediately immersed in cold water. Acid and base burns are especially dangerous and must be handled cautiously. Corrosive acids and bases are soluble in water and can usually be washed off the skin before much damage is done. HASTE IS IMPORTANT! 4. SPILLS: Flood spilled cultures and the surrounding splash area with disinfectant, pouring the disinfectant from the outside toward the inside of the contaminated area. Do not use a spray bottle, which would produce aerosols. Cover with paper towel and leave for 30 minutes before cleaning up. 5. BROKEN TUBES IN CENTRIFUGE. a. Turn off the centrifuge. b. If in sealed buckets, go to step g.; if in unsealed cups, inform others to leave the immediate area. Allow aerosols to disperse and settle for 30 minutes. The Instructor will determine the degree of hazard and time required. c. Slowly open centrifuge lid; remove all broken glass and metal parts to a container of noncorrosive disinfectant; allow to stand for an appropriate time. Some items may be autoclaved. d. Place any unbroken capped containers in disinfectant for 60 minutes, then remove and rinse. e. Wipe the interior of centrifuge twice with disinfectant, rinse with water and dry. Place cloths into autoclave bags in the biohazard disposal area. f. Remove sealed bucket to the biological safety cabinet. g. Leave any broken tubes in the bucket, replace lid loosely and autoclave or place in disinfectant. See steps c. and d. G. ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE. 1. Work with viable cultures only at your own bench. Ask the Instructor to come to you to observe your work.
9 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

2. 3. 4. 5.

6.

Handle wire loops carrying inoculum with care. Flame immediately after use without causing spurting of inoculum left on the loop. Carry and store cultures in racks or baskets. Do not leave any cultures on the bench when the session is completed. Do not carry cultures out of the laboratory. Never pour any infectious material into a sink. All slide agglutination tests must be performed on a disinfectant saturated pad. Discard materials in the proper containers. Place all infected glassware and culture tubes upright in the autoclave buckets on the biohazard disposal shelf. Never discard cultures, glassware, pipettes or slides in the garbage can. Use the specified container provided for each. All contaminated materials will be sterilized before being washed. Details of aseptic technique will be taught in laboratory classes.

GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY Proper technique is extremely important due to the usage of biological pathogens, chemicals and mechanical and electrical equipment. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL: Exposure to chemical or physical hazards may result in the following: Fires explosions gas exposure eye injury and/or loss due to chemical exposure or other accidents cuts dermatitis allergy resulting from sensitization cancer Sources of laboratory exposure leading to laboratory acquired infections include laboratory equipment and procedures as well as accidents and may be caused by the following organisms: bacteria fungi viruses parasites LEGAL ASPECTS There are three levels of legislation in Canada which affect health and safety in laboratories: FEDERAL Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) Transport of Dangerous Goods Canada Labour Code Regulations Atomic Energy Control Act PROVINCIAL WHMIS occupational health and safety laws environmental regulations sanitation and waste disposal regulations MUNICIPAL fire codes building codes sanitation and waste disposal regulations In addition to government regulations, individual workplaces (hospitals, schools and private industries)
10 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

usually have specific rules and guidelines for their laboratories. OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE ASPECTS: Occupational hygiene is a systematic approach to identify, evaluate and recommend controls for workplace hazards. Categories of hazards are: chemical hazards (eg. flammable chemicals and toxic gases) biological hazards (eg. bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) physical hazards (eg. radiation, noise, thermal stressors) Chemical, biological and physical hazards can be measured in the workplace. For example dosimetry is used in radiation exposure to determine the "dose" received by a specific worker. Biological monitoring is done by measuring the effects of metabolism of hazardous substances. a sample of blood may show direct evidence of exposure in the form of actual viruses or bacteria or indirect evidence as an immune response. The results obtained by measuring must compared to standards (established parameters accepted by governments for regulatory purposes). Standards are available from the provincial government department that deals with occupational health and safety. BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS Containment levels: Level 1 - low individual and low community risk Level 2 - moderate individual and low community risk Level 3 - high individual and low community risk Level 4 - high individual and high community risk THIS LABORATORY IS CONSIDERED CONTAINMENT LEVEL 2 Containment Level 2 is suitable for work with agents at this level. In addition to the requirements of containment level 1, the following are required. The laboratory should be located away from public areas A biohazard sign with appropriate information must be posted on the entrance to the laboratory. Laboratory furnishings should be constructed with special attention to the use of impervious and readily cleanable work surfaces. Laboratory coats to be worn in the laboratory An autoclave must be available in or near the laboratory AEROSOLS Aerosols are suspensions of particles in the air which may gain access to the respiratory system. Biological aerosols may be suspensions of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Aerosols may be formed by a variety of manipulations or events in the laboratory. Any laboratory procedure involving liquid suspensions may be a source of aerosols. Aerosols may be produced in microbiology laboratories by the following: Pipetting using a "blow-out" pipette Pouring Removing caps or lids Shaking or waving inoculating loops Dropping cultures The following is adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Biosafety Manual.
11 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

EQUIPMENT Needle/syringe or pipette

HAZARDS Puncture, aerosol or spillage

MEANS TO REDUCE HAZARD Use of proper lab technique for filling the syringe or pipette (avoid air bubbles or frothing). Use biological safety cabinet when using infectious material (depends on containment level). Use sealed centrifuge buckets, safety cups or sealed heads. Operate in containment equipment. Use heavy duty , screw-capped culture flasks and tubes with caps well-secured.

Centrifuge Culture stirrers, shakers

Aerosols, splashing and tube breakage Aerosols, splashing and spillage

DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION Sterilization refers to the complete destruction or removal of all microorganisms by chemical or physical means, usually to provide sterile items for use. Sterilization is used in some laboratories for equipment or materials used in tissue culture procedures or media preparation. Most frequently, sterilization is accomplished by: steam autoclave gas sterilizers (ethylene oxide) filtration dry heat boiling Disinfection refers to the destruction of specific types of organisms, usually by chemical means.Chemical disinfectants are used for decontamination of: surfaces and equipment which cannot be autoclaved spills of biohazardous materials containers for discard of pipettes and slides Many chemical disinfectants are available for use in the laboratory. Consider the following when selecting a disinfectant: types of organisms suspected or known to be contaminants items or surfaces to be decontaminated hazards posed to the worker by the disinfectant cost corrosiveness shelf life and required dilution materials which inactivate the disinfectant Activities of some disinfectants Disinfectant Fungi Bacteria Lipid Nonlipid viruses viruses Phenolic +++ +++ ++ + v Hypochlorite + +++ ++ ++ + + Alcohol +++ +++ + v Fomaldehyde +++ +++ +++ +++ + + Glutaraldehyde +++ +++ +++ +++ + + Iodophor +++ +++ +++ + + + Key to disinfectant activity: + = low, ++ = moderate, +++ = high, - = none Note: All disinfectants (especially hypochlorites and iodophores) may be inactivated by various concentrations of proteins and/or detergents. Mycobacteria Spores

12 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

LABORATORY SPILLS Small spills: 1. Inform instructor of the spill. 2. Cover the spilled material with paper towels to avoid splashing. 3. Gently pour disinfectant onto the paper towel, working in a circular motion from the the outside to the centre. 4. Wait 15-20 minutes. 5. Remove the towels while wiping up the liquid. 6. Dispose of the contaminated material in the biohazard disposal area (autoclave bag). BROKEN TUBES IN THE CENTRIFUGE 1. 2. 3.
4. 5.

6. 7.
8.

Turn off the centrifuge. If in sealed buckets, go to step 7; in unsealed cups, inform the others in the vicinity and the instructor and leave immediate area. Aerosols should be dispersed and settle in 30 minutes. The instructor will determine the degree of hazard and the time required. Slowly open the centrifuge lid, remove all broken tubes, buckets, rotors, etc., to container of disinfectant which is non-corrosive; allow to stand for a time appropriate for the disinfectant used. Some items may be autoclavable. Place any unbroken capped containers in disinfectant for 60 minutes and then remove and rinse. Wipe down the bowl of the centrifuge twice with disinfectant and rinse with water then dry. Place towels or cloths used for the wipe down into autoclave bags in the biohazard disposal area. Remove sealed bucket to biological safety cabinet. If any tubes are broken leave them in the bucket, replace the lid loosely and autoclave the entire contents or place in disinfectant (see steps 3 and 4).

CHEMICAL HAZARDS The degree of hazard presented by a substance depends on a number of factors: chemical properties (flammability, corrosivity) physical properties (volatility, density) biological properties (viability, infectivity) physical state (solid, liquid, gas, aerosol) toxicity (carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity) amount of exposure duration of exposure route(s) of entry (inhalation, skin absorption) interactions with other substances manner of handling individual susceptibility (unborn fetus, immune suppressed persons) Many substances have multiple hazardous properties and consequently fall under more than one hazard class. For instance most flammable liquids are also neurotoxic to some extent. All compressed gases constitute a physical hazard by virtue of the potential energy associated with high pressure, and many compressed gases possess properties constituting a variety of chemical hazards. It is important to obtain information on all relevant properties of a substance in order to recognize and evaluate its hazard potentials and to determine the appropriate methods for safe use. With the implementation of WHMIS, labels and materials safety data sheets are two sources of such information which generally have become readily available. WHAT IS WHMIS? WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a nationwide system to provide
13 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

information on hazardous materials used in the workplace. WHMIS has been developed through consultation with industry, labour, and federal, provincial and territorial governments with the goal of reducing the incidence of illness and injury caused by hazardous materials in the workplace. Exposure to hazardous materials can cause or contribute to a variety of health effects such as irritation, burns, sensitization, major organs ailments, and cancer. Some materials may also be safety hazards that can contribute to fires, explosions and other accidents if improperly stored or handled. WHMIS is an information system with three key elements: Labels on hazardous materials and their containers which alert employers and employees to the dangers of the product and basic safety precautions. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are technical bulletins which provide detailed hazard and precautionary information on the product. Worker Education programs provide instruction on hazards and training in work procedures. SAFETY EQUIPMENT Chemical Fume Hoods The basic components of a chemical fume hood are the hood itself, a duct, a fan and, in some cases a filter.The preferred location of the fan is at the end of the duct, usually at roof level, where it discharges to the outdoors. This maintains the hood and the entire length of the duct under negative pressure which prevents pollutants from leaking outward into other areas of the building. Conventional fume hoods have a "sash" or sliding glass door to open or close the hood. As the sash is opened the air volume entering the hood remains constant, but the air velocity decreases due to reduction in the constriction of the flow. Hood sashes may open either vertically or horizontally. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS Biological safety cabinets include a variety of devices designed for user and/or product protection in microbiological work. Most of these devices rely on mechanical filtration and recirculation of air and are generally not suitable for work with chemicals. EMERGENCY DEVICES Eye Wash / Fire Blanket / Fire Extinguishers / First Aid Kits / FIRST AID Always inform the instructors of any accident occurring in the laboratory. SPLASHES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TO THE SKIN: Proceed to the nearest shower for splashes involving large skin areas. Remove all contaminated clothing and rinse affected areas thoroughly with large amounts of water for a full 15 minutes. SPLASHES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TO THE EYES: Proceed to the nearest eyewash station and activate it. Rinse the eyes, holding the lids open if necessary, for 15 minutes. N.B. If the victim is a contact lens wearer and the lenses cannot be removed immediately, wash for one minute, remove the lenses, then continue washing for a total of 15 minutes. CLOTHING FIRES: STOP where you are! DROP to the floor, and ROLL to smother the flames Proceed to a shower only AFTER THE FLAMES ARE EXTINGUISHED and cool the burned areas thoroughly with plenty of water. N.B. Proceeding to a fire blanket is not recommended as this tends to feed oxygen to the flames. Bring the
14 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

fire blanket to the victim. The location of the laboratory fire blanket is in the Prep room on the side of the fume hood.

REFERENCE Rayburn, Stephen R. The Foundations of Laboratory Safety. 1990. New York: Springer Verlag Inc. Shematek, G & W. Wood. Laboratory Safety, CSLT guidelines. 4th edition.1996. Hamilton: Canadian society of Laboratory Technologists. ISBN 0-921479-8-5. Prepared by Applied Biological and Environmental Science Faculty / June 2000

15 BI 122 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES