Biotechnology Lab Safety

Lab Hygiene

ü      food and drink:-  not permitted in the lab.  All food and drink should remain outside the lab or in your backpack.  This is non-negotiable.

ü      Handwashing: wash your hands before leaving the lab.

ü      Benchtops:  clean your lab table bench top with soap and water (or disinfectant when working with bacteria) before and after your work.

Discard Rules

Nothing should be casually thrown in trash or down the sink.  Check with your teacher for proper disposal of waste materials, including chemical solutions, biological wastes (biohazard bags may be required), broken glass, sharps, and other supplies.

Personal Protection

ü      Gloves - to protect you from potentially harmful chemicals or organisms, and/or to protect chemicals from YOU.

ü      Safety glasses – worn whenever there is possibility of splash injury.

ü      No open-toed shoes when working in lab.

ü      If use of lab coat is required, wear lab coat only in the lab and not out of the lab area.

Care of Equipment

ü      Do not use aluminum foil or metal in microwave.

ü      Balance tubes before using centrifuges.

ü      Follow directions, not only for use, but also just as important, for cleanup.

Accidents in the lab

ü      Report all accidents or incidents immediately to your teacher.

ü      Use the proper safety equipment

ü      Locate the following safety equipment in your laboratory:
1.
Fire extinguisher:
2. Fire blanket:
3.
Eye wash station:
4. shower:
5. MSDS notebook: