Safety and Rules in Biological Laboratory

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Safety and Rules in Biological Laboratory

This image depicts various types of protective equipment used in a laboratory. They include: - Laminar flow cabinet, Biosafety cabinet, Fume hood, Emergency eyewash and shower station, Goggle and facemask, Gloves, Lab shoes and Lab coats

Self-protection Equipment

Gloves: To handle biological samples.
Lab coat: Aids to protect the skin and clothes from chemical spillage.
Lab shoes: Protect the legs from chemical spillage and broken glass.
Goggle: Protects eyes from hazardous chemicals.
Face mask: Protects against smoke, vapour and dust that can affect the respiratory system.
Emergency shower station: Used when the hazardous substances come into contact with the skin.
Eye wash station: Used to wash the eyes when exposed to hazardous substances.
Fume hood: To avoid breathing in the hazardous gases such as chlorine, bromine and nitrogen dioxide.
Laminar flow cabinet: Provide a flow of filtered air for a clean work area in the laminar flow cabinet.
Biosafety cabinet: Provide an enclosed work space to study materials that have been (or are likely to have been) contaminated by pathogens.

Substances That Cannot be Disposed in The Sink

Chemical substances, glass, metals, plastics, woods or any solid substances.
Grease, oil and oil paint.
Toxic substances:
- Benzene
- Chloroform
- Hydrogen cyanide
- Argentum
Heavy metals:
- Mercury
- Lead
- Cadmium
Radioactive wastes
Reactive substances that are unstable
- Sodium metal
- Ether
- Hydrogen peroxide

Substances That Can be Disposed in The Sink

Any liquid / solution that has low concentration, non-hazardous and easy to disintegrate.

Methods for Managing Biological Waste

Sharp Waste

Examples:
- Syringe with needles
- Nedles
- Glass
- Scalpel
Management method: Placed into a special bin for sharp material disposal.
- This bin does not need to be sterilised.

Non-sharp Waste

Examples:
- Gloves
- Tissue paper
- Petri dish
- Agar
- Culture waste
Management method:
- Throw it in the biohazard bag
- Sterilize it and throw it in the biohazard bin

Animal Carcases

Examples:
- Organs
- Animal tissue waste
- Carcass
Management method:
- Wrap it with tissue paper
- Put it in the biohazard bag
- Freeze it

Liquids

Examples: Broth culture and liquid medium such as blood.
Management method: Decontaminate the waste through autoclave before throw it in the biohazard bin.

Steps to Handle General Chemical Spills

Inform your teacher.
Declare the spill area as a restricted zone.
Prevent the chemical spill from spreading using sand.
Scoop up the chemical spill from using appropriate equipment.
Dispose it safely.

Steps to Handle Mercury Spills

Inform your teacher.
Declare the spill area as a restricted zone.
Sprinkle sulphur to cover the mercury spills.
Call the fire and rescue department.

Practices in a Biological Laboratory

Clothing Ethics

Use a lab coat, gloves, lab shoes and goggle when needed.

Laboratory Safety Rules

Do not work alone in the laboratory without supervision.
Wash your hand after conducting an experiment.
Do not bring in irrelevant items into the laboratory.
Clean your workstation using disinfectant.
Dispose wastes according to the set procedures.
Do not eat and drink in the laboratory.
Identify all safety symbols on substances and equipment before use,

Safety Measures of Fires

Stop work immediately and switch off all nearby power sources.
Unplug appliances.
Exit the laboratory according to the emergency exit plan.
Call the fire and rescue department.
Do not panic and stay calm.
Do not turn back to collect your belongings.
Assemble at the assembly point.

Handling Glasses and Chemicals

Be cautions when handling hot glassware.
Report any damaged equipment or glassware to teachers immediately.
Keep flammable chemicals away from fire sources.
Do not touch, taste and smell chemicals directly.

Handling Live Specimens

Use appropriate gloves when handling biological specimens.
Specimens that are not harmful and have been dissected should be buried or frozen.
Wash hands with antiseptic detergents before and after experiment.
All surfaces and workstations should be cleaned with disinfectant before leaving the lab.

Emergency Help

Inform your teacher.
Call the fire and rescue emergency number.
Remove the victim from the scene.
Give emergency treatment.
Make the place of accident as a restricted area.