Laboratory Safety Guidelines

1. Know the location and use of all safety equipment (first aid kit, eyewash fountain, fire extinguisher, safety shower) in the lab. This will be demonstrated by the teaching assistants before the first lab.

2. Coats, knapsacks, etc. should not be stored in or near lab workspace.

3. A lab coat must be worn while working in the lab, and removed before leaving the lab.

4. Gloves must be worn when working with hazardous chemicals. Rings or other jewellery that interfere with proper use of gloves or hand washing should not be worn. Gloves must be removed before leaving lab, but can be reused within the lab as long as they do not become contaminated with microorganisms or hazardous chemicals. Contaminated gloves should be disposed of in the appropriate containers (see aseptic technique instructions).

5. Safety goggles or face shield must be worn when using UV lamps.

6. Eating, drinking, smoking, storing food and applying cosmetics are not permitted in the lab. Use of contact lenses is not encouraged, and persons wearing them should also wear safety glasses.

7. Oral pipetting of any substance is prohibited.

8. Long hair must be tied back or restrained.

9. Hands must be washed before starting work, after removing gloves, before leaving the laboratory, and after handling materials known to be contaminated.

10. Work surfaces should be cleaned and decontaminated with disinfectant before and after lab work, and after any spill of contaminated material.

11. Proper aseptic technique should be followed when working with microorganisms. (see aseptic technique instructions)

12. Contaminated materials should be disposed of in the proper designated containers. (see aseptic technique instructions)

13. Any cuts, burns, abrasions or open sores, no matter how minor, should be reported to instructors.

14, Cultures or other contaminated materials should not be removed from lab.

15. Do not enter the media preparation room. If materials or equipment that you need is not available, contact one of the lab instructors about it.

16. Do not prop the lab doors open. This interferes with the proper operation of the fume hoods.

Reference:

Kennedy, M.E. Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines. 2^nd Edition. (1996). Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Protection Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa.