Microbiology Lab Safety & Rules

Laboratory Investigations in Microbiology

Course Home | Lab Manual Home

Microbiology Lab Safety

A. Safety

Fire exits: leave through the front of the lab, turn left, take stairs down
Familiarize yourself with the location of shower, eyewash station, chemical spill kit, and first-aid kit
In case of injury, fire, spills, or other emergencies, notify the instructor immediately. Also report any breakage to the instructor or TA
All broken glassware is disposed of in the cardboard "Broken Glass" container in the front of the lab
Turn off bacticinerators when not in use! Take care with loose clothing, hair etc.
Exercise caution when handling chemicals and microorganisms:
- Chemicals:
  - observe safety labels/warnings (see below)
  - wear appropriate safety equipment (goggles, gloves, lab coat) as indicated
  - when adding reagents to test tubes/plates, place tubes in test tube rack/plates on work surface, remove cover, then add reagent
  - notify TA or instructor immediately of any chemical spills
- Microorganisms:
  - cover spilled material with disinfectant from squirt bottle
  - notify the instructor or TA
  - let disinfectant act for 5 minutes before cleaning up
  - remove broken glass carefully; wear gloves. Place broken glass pieces into a beaker
  - wipe up spill with paper towels

Clothing: You may wish to wear older clothing or a lab coat
- no sandals, flip-flops, crocs, open-toed shoes
Absolutely NO mouth pipetting, food or drink in lab
Keep your lab bench clear of unnecessary things (coats, books, etc)

B. Labeling

Chemicals are labeled with tags featuring the NFPA color code (see example on right)
Use appropriate caution accordingly
Use chemicals in the hood if indicated
All microbial cultures must be labeled (see below)
A key is posted in lab for labels used for microbial cultures used in lab

C. Microorganisms

The use of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) in lab is generally safe. However, out of an abundance of caution, you should treat all microorganisms as potentially pathogenic (disease-causing). Keep in mind the following unique hazards:

Lab microbes are grown in very large numbers
Some lab microbes are opportunistic pathogens (can cause disease if a person's immunity is lowered)
Cuts or breaks in skin due to broken glass etc. may provide entry

	Laboratory Investigations in Microbiology
	Course Home \| Lab Manual Home