Learning Outcomes What is Laboratory Safety?Safety in a microbiology laboratory is important in the prevention of infection that might be caused by the microorganisms being studied. In addition, many of the reagents, equipment, and procedures used are potentially hazardous. Attention to proper procedures and prudent laboratory practices are required for your safety and protection. This laboratory does not require the use of any highly virulent human pathogens. However, some of the organisms used are potentially pathogenic. This means that, although they may not cause disease in a normal healthy human, they might if the body's antimicrobial defense mechanisms are impaired. Impairment can arise in a number of different ways: wounds and cuts on the skin surface or lowered overall resistance to infection due to: another disease, surgery, stress, or immune system disability (including autoimmune diseases or the use of immuno-suppressive drugs). In addition, infection can occur, albeit very rarely, by relatively nonpathogenic organisms in healthy individuals. In addition to organisms, there are some chemicals used in this laboratory that are potentially harmful. Finally, many procedures involve equipment, glassware, open flames, heat sterilizers, and sharp objects, which can cause injury if used improperly. Although none of the organisms, procedures, or materials used in this laboratory is very dangerous, proper safety techniques and precautions should be understood and become part of your reflexive laboratory technique. The following laboratory rules and regulations should be adhered to at all times, NO EXCEPTIONS. In addition, specific laboratory rules must be followed for containment of microbial cultures in the laboratory, for the safety of all. For this laboratory, these practices are listed below. General Laboratory Safety Practices and Procedures
Microbiology Specific Laboratory Safety PracticesDuring the course of the semester in the laboratory you will be taught the methods used in the proper handling of microorganisms. Although you will not be working with any that are human pathogens, exercise caution in handling all material coming in contact with live microbial cultures. All cultures should be handled with respect and proper aseptic technique as if they were potential pathogens. This is called "universal precaution". Specific instructions that should be followed:
a. Glassware such as test tubes, bottles, and flasks may be reused and washed after b. Some materials, such as plastic petri dishes, plastic pipettes, microscope slides,
Watch these Videos on basic laboratory procedures:*We will review specific safety procedures for our lab during our first in-person lab session Watch Video 1: start video at 9:55 - end video at 10:26, covers different types of bench surfaces and cleaning methods Watch Video 2: How to put on and take off gloves NOTE: The following recommended practices and procedures for working safely on microbiology projects in a teaching laboratory environment are based on “Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories,” from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The full documents may be viewed at this URL: https://asm.org/getattachment/3c1eb3...Guidelines.pdf What is the importance of cleaning work bench before and after use?It is important to clean the work bench before use because you want to make sure there is no residual pathogens that could affect what you are going to be working on. It is important to clean after you are done to ensure any accidental transfer of anything you worked on will not be left on the surface.
When should you disinfect your work bench?Disinfection needs to happen after any spill as well as after every work shift. The CDC recommends the use of a ten percent bleach solution as the standard for disinfection, but other products might be preferred for your lab.
What solution would you use to disinfect your bench before and after experiments?The most commonly recommended disinfectant for lab surfaces is a 10-percent solution of sodium hypochlorite (or bleach), which is considered an intermediate-strength chemical germicide.
Why is it important to know and follow all safety rules in the microbiology laboratory?Safety in a microbiology laboratory is important in the prevention of infection that might be caused by the microorganisms being studied. In addition, many of the reagents, equipment, and procedures used are potentially hazardous.
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