Laboratory management and safety good

LABORATORY MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
1. INTRODUCTION
Improper utilization of laboratory equipment and chemicals has been observed
in most of our senior secondary schools and laboratory running sectors. The
equipment and chemicals have not been organized and stored to their respective
places. In addition, pictures, charts and collections of plant and animal
specimens are not organized properly.
Inventory of chemicals and equipment have several advantage in checking the
loss and misplacement of items used up and /or lost etc. but inventory is not a
common phenomenon in most of our school laboratories. Many of the laboratory
assistants in our schools are not in a position of preparing reagents, handling
instruments, performing activities by themselves.
Careless behavior in the laboratory can result in serious injury, health hazard and
damage to property. Recognizing potential hazards and to avoid accidents from
happening and to abide by the rules of the laboratory expected from the users of
the labs, every person is expected to do their part to ensure a safe laboratory
environment for themselves and others in the laboratory.
GOALS:
The goals of the laboratory are:1. Provide the services of a general lab, with basic equipment and chemicals
for standard analytical and biological tests.
2. Ensure access to basic and safe working spaces for all users of the
laboratory facility.
3. Provide access to workplace/desk space to researchers that need them.
4. Provide the services of a library.
5. Facilitate the tools and services required by the researchers to do their
studies.
2. LABORATORY MANAGEMENT
The Science Laboratory is a place where classroom teaching is further
strengthened. The new facts and ideas lectured in the class will be confirmed in
Laboratory Management And Safety

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the laboratory through the use of equipments, chemicals and specimens. It
provides an opportunity to studyorganisms closely and to examine the various
structures, processes, relationships, etc. which are characteristics of these
organisms. It is here, therefore, that students develop skills, abilities and
attitudes through the practical activities they carry out. Therefore, all laboratory
facility should have to be managed to strengthen the classroom teaching.
The science teacher should make certain that the theoretical lesson is
supplemented with the necessary practical work. Otherwise, the work is
considered to be done partially, because the knowledge students are expected to
gain along with the development of the required skills and abilities cannot be
materialized. So the teacher must not consider laboratory activities as something
additional that could be omitted, but as an integral part of the subject matter.
Some schools have separate laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics.
Others have two labs for the three subjects. And there are still others that have
only one laboratory. Variations also exist in water and electricity services,
material distribution and storage facilities. This is partly because the schools
have been constructed and equipped under different projects, public contribution
and government budget. Being aware of these differences, which could only be
solved step by step in the process of development, teachers have to put much
effort and be creative enough to effectively use the resources at hand.
2.1. GENERAL LABORATORY MANAGEMENT RULES
1. Environmental protection is one objective of the labs. For this reason, a
complete treatment of chemical wastes and biological wastes are
required when possible. The Lab manager/assistant should know about
chemical management, disposal and storage. Fungal and bacterial
cultures should be autoclaved before they are disposed.
2. Turn off the lights and equipments when they are not in use including the
extractor hoods.
3. When working in the lab, goggles and lab coats must be used. Gloves and
masks appropriate for procedure must be used when necessary (i.e. Acid
resistant gloves or asbestos gloves for hot objects).Vapor hoods, with the
air extraction on, are to be used when working with hazardous volatile

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4.
5.
6.
7.

materials with the fume shield partially closed to protect against splashes.
Safety goggles must always be used when working in the vapor hood. All
safety materials (goggles and masks) should be provided for the Lab.
Classify your garbage (glass, paper, plastic bottles and aluminum cans)
and put it in the proper containers located outside the lab.
All solutions and samples should be labeled with the identification of
their nature.
Balances, pH-meters are calibrated every day by the lab assistants.
Refrigerator and freezer space is provided to store solutions or samples.
All solutions and samples must be properly labeled. Solutions must be
stored in their own containers, not in lab glassware. Stored material that is
not properly labeled can be discarded without warning.

2.2. ARRANGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS
Laboratory equipment andchemicals are sent to schools in accordance with the
curriculum demand. They are part of the essentials to fulfill the specific
objectives of each portion in the course. Hence, they have to be used at the right
time. The timely use of these materials however, can only be possible if there is
a systematic approach to their arrangement and storage in the laboratory.
Keeping materials according to their use and nature is time saving and is
essential for safety and guarantees their prolonged use.
1. ARRANGING AND STORING EQUIPMENT
 Materials having similar and related functions are kept together or in
adjacent shelves. For example, Microscopes, Microscopic Slides, Cavity
Slides, Cover Slides and Magnifying lenses should be placed together or
should take adjacent shelves. Similarly, materials used for dissection such
as scissors, needles, forceps, razors, etc. should have their own separate
places.
 It is always preferable to have closed storage space. When equipment and
supplies are stored in closed cabinets, they are not exposed to dust, fumes
or fluctuations in humidity and temperature.


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 Microscopes can be stored and easily counted in a cabinet made up of
individual sections. This type of storage cabinet reduces the change for
tumbling or knocking of the microscopes.
 The wooden slide box, which is available in most of the schools, has to be
effectively used for storing prepared slides. All the slides contained in
the sections of the slide box should be indicated by writing on the
corresponding serially arranged lines, printed on the inner surface of the
slide box covering.
 Once equipment is arranged, the specific place for each item should be
indicated by labeling. If the materials are kept in cabinets and shelves
with glass covers, the printed labels could be attached to the inner surface
of the glass cover. However, if the containers have opaque covering, the
printed labels should be placed on the outer surface of the covering and
may be protected by a layer of transparent plastic sheeting.
 After moving equipment from its place for actual use, return it
immediately to its specific (labeled) place. Do not leave apparatus out
after use!
 Manage and use the Laboratory instruments and equipment according to
their nature.
 Analytical Equipment: The Laboratory has basic lab equipment such as
scales, microscopes, magnetic stirrers, centrifuges, water baths, etc.
The user must know the equipment function, operation, care and
maintenance. If not, the user must request help from the Lab Assistant.
 Any equipment or instrument used should be returned clean and in good
shape.
 Some instruments such as the gas chromatographs, the lyophylizer, and
the spectrophotometer, are of limited use and are to be used only by
persons who have previous experience with them.
 Refrigerators and freezers:
 The refrigerators and freezers are used to store samples and reagents.
They are not allowed for food storage.
 The user should ask the Lab Assistant for assigning space in them.
 If the refrigerators and freezers are intended to be used only during
the researcher’s stay at the Station, any stored material must be
clearly labeled with the following information:Laboratory Management And Safety

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






Researcher’s name
Project name
Content (Name of the reagent, sample, etc.)
Preparation date
Expiration date (if applicable)
Date in which it will be taken out of the refrigerator or
freezer
 If anybody needs to keep things in refrigerators and freezers after
leaving the station, the Lab Assistant must be informed.
 Regularly, the lab personnel will review the contents of refrigerators
and freezers. If there objects that do not contain the above
information, if the owner is not at the station any more, or if the
storing date has expired, they will be disposed.
 When using an oven, temperature should be checked periodically as a
safety measure for fire.After using it, the oven should be turned off and
cleaned.
 The laboratory maintains basic glassware available for researcher use.
After using glassware, it must be cleaned and dried. Any broken material
must be reported to the Lab Assistant and disposed off in the
appropriate container.
2. ARRANGING AND STORING CHEMICALS
 The arrangement and storage of chemicals should be done based on the
nature of the substances.
 Certain chemicals react when placed close to each other. Glycerin and
nitric acid, potassium chloride and organic compounds, cyanides and
acids, etc. are among such chemicals.
 Combustible and dangerous materials such as poisons should be securely
locked in metal cabinets.
 Acids, strong bases and substances like chloroform, ether, iodine and
hormones should be stored in facilities, which can be locked.
 Large storage bottles of acids, alkalies and other dangerous chemicals, if
on shelves, are to be no more than two feet above the floor. If possible,
they should be kept on the floor.


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 If there are metallic sodium, potassium, and calcium and calcium carbide
in the lab, they should not be kept near or above containers containing
water or water solution. Metallic sodium and potassium, after the original
container has been opened, must thereafter be kept under kerosene.
 The containers of chemicals that absorb moisture and change their
chemical nature should never be left open. For example, Sodium
Hydroxide, Sodium Carbonate and Sodium bicarbonate are hygroscopic.
They absorb water from the atmosphere; as a result, their volume
increases. The nature of the chemicals also changes.
3. ARRANGEMENTS AND STORAGE OF OTHER TEACHING AIDS:
Pictures and
Charts
 A drawer or filing cabinet filled with unclassified picture is practically
worthless (valueless). To be effective, pictures must be put into some kind
of order classification may be by topic, process, activity, or any other
meaningful system.
 Pictures may be mounted for longer use. When mounted they should be
laminated between plastic sheets to ensure a longer life and to give a
better appearance.
 Many charts can be stored conveniently, and they are not exposed to wear
and tear, when stored in hanging position. Each chart can be wired at one
end and hooked on to the sliding arms of the cabinet. If each arm holds the
charts dealing with a given topic in biology, teachers or students can find
the charts quickly when they are needed. The teacher may hang the charts
according to his filing system.
 Models, skeletons, jar mounts and other specimens may be stored in
cabinets that many drawers (if the school is equipped with such
cabinets). They may also be kept in a storage cabinet that has a glass
cover. The later also serves as a display case. If you are using open shelf
storage space, you may cover it with transparent plastic sheeting to avoid
the accumulation of dust.
 If cabinets are not available, specimens and models can be stored and
found most easily if they are kept in some uniform kind of container.

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Plastic boxes, polythene bags, match and shoe boxes, tin lids, plates, etc.
may be used. There is no rule. You can choose what you get cheaply and
easily in your area. However, classification should be done.
 When arranging models, skeleton and other specimens in cabinets,
similarity and relations regarding structure and function should be
considered. Finally, the materials should be properly labeled for
identification.
 Sometimes, to avoid smearing, printed labels can be placed inside a jarcontaining specimen preserved in alcohol. The procedure is as follows:Print labels with India ink and set aside to dry until the ink
no longer glistens.
Dip them into a jar containing 5 to 10% glacial acetic acid
(use forceps).
Then drain the labels on blotting paper and insert into the
specimen jars containing 70% ethyl alcohol.
NB. Strong paper should be used for labels because glacial acetic acid tends to
soften the paper.
2.2. LABORATORY ETIQUETTE (RULE)
A. Your responsibility includes keeping your workstation properly. You will
use equipment and parts stored in trays or drawers in an orderly fashion.
Keep it in that order, for your own convenience.
B. Keep your work area uncluttered (organized). Store all instruments and
components not actively in use in their proper place, away from your
work area, or in the specials storage cabinets.
C. You may need other equipment and components stored in a different area
from your workstation, perhaps in drawers or bins, or on shelves in the
stockroom. Return these to their proper place immediately when you have
finished with them.
D. Do not make unauthorized modifications to the equipment.
2.3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LABORATORY
ASSISTANTS


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The idea of assigning a lab assistant originate from the need to effectively utilize
the laboratory and facilitate conditions, so that teachers and students can carry
out all the compulsory practical activities which are necessary to attain the
defined objectives of the lesson.
After a certain lab session, equipments and other materials may be found
scattered in the laboratory. Plant specimens, soil samples and the like, brought
to the laboratory by students, may be left to cover and spoil the benches and
the floor. Used glassware’s may be found unwashed and need cleaning.
Apparatus set up for experimentation need to be dismantled. Students may
leave forgetting to return equipment and chemicals to their shelves. These and
similar others, which affect the neatness and the readiness of the laboratory
for next session, should be given careful attention by the laboratory assistant.
Sometimes the teacher may not have enough time to collect all the necessary
materials and set-up an apparatus for an experiment or demonstration. The
practical activity he wanted to perform may also require materials that need to be
prepared ahead of time. For instance, if the teacher wants germinating seeds, he
asks him to germinate seeds for him. He should get seeds soaked in water 4 to 8
days before the laboratory session. A reagent that can be prepared in the
laboratory may also be needed for a particular experiment. This should be made
ready for use whenever needed. Occasionally, equipment necessary to carry out
an experiment may not be available in the laboratory. Under this condition,
alternative method and improvisation will be found to be highly essential.
The laboratory assistant in collaboration with the teachers is therefore expected
to deal with the above and other related cases.
With this in mind, the following points are some of the duties and
responsibilities of a laboratory assistant:-


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this in mind, the following points aretake charge of laboratory equipment, of a
1. The laboratory assistant will some of the duties and responsibilities
laboratory assistan
apparatus and chemicals.
2. Will keep the laboratories open for use during class hours.
3. Takes proper measures in the arrangement, organization and storage
of equipment, chemicals, specimens, charts, models, pictures, etc.
regarding the laboratory, provides guide to pupils whenever
necessary.
4. Controls the neatness and proper handling of laboratory rooms.
5. Prepare necessary materials and set-up an apparatus for an
experiment or demonstration.
ሩ
6. The laboratory assistant checks the proper functioning of pipelines,
water taps, sinks, light bulbs, plugs, etc. If there are things that
should be repaired, he reports to the office and follows up the case
until proper measures are taken.
7. He will post up clearly written laboratory safety rules and precautions
on the walls in the laboratory. Checks fire extinguishers to be
conveniently placed and properly functioning. Makes sure that a first
aid kit (equipment) is available in the lab.
8. Carries out the yearly inventory, registers materials lost, broken and
used up, and reports for proper measures. He prepares certain
laboratory formats, (as the ones indicated below to be used in the
laboratory).

For efficient and smooth functioning of the laboratory, good understanding and
close cooperation between teachers and the lab assistant is essential.
They (teachers) are expected to brief him on the use and handling of chemicals
and sensitive instruments. Under no condition should the lab assistant be ordered
to mix or treat chemicals he does not know. A planned and programmed

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utilization of the lab will be necessary for maximum efficiency. Depending on
the number of teachers and sections that make use of the lab, teachers along with
the lab assistant should arrange a convenient timetable and work according it.
This time table, which should enable each section to use the lab at least once in a
week; helps avoid programme clashing and ensures that all teachers using the
laboratory.
2.4. FORMATS IN THE LABORATORY
The laboratory assistant may prepare different kinds of formats to help him in
his work. Some of the formats, if they are properly documented, serve as a
source of information and give necessary data accurately. Among such
formats, the following three are recommended to be used.
1.Requisition Format
Sometimes a teacher wants to take a model, chart or a specimen from the
laboratory to show his students in the classroom. Another teacher may ask for
certain equipment and chemicals for a class demonstration. It is part of the duty
of the lab assistant to supply them with the needed materials. It is also his
responsibility to see that the materials have been returned.
In entertaining such cases, using requisition formats will be of much help. It
allows safe and timely return of materials borrowed from the lab.
Sample
BIOLOGICAL ITEM REQUISITION FORM
Date_______________
Name of the school______________
Teacher’s Name_________________
Grade and Section_______________
Unit_____________
Type of Activity_______________


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Item Requested

Quantity

Condition
Chemicals
_____________

_______________

________________________________
________________
Equipment
______________

_______________

_____________

________________
________________

________________
________________

_____________
________________

________________
________________

_____________
_____________

Others___________________________________________________
Date of performance_________________________
Department Head Remark_________________________
Teacher’s Signature_________________________
Signature of the Dep. Head___________________
2. Format for Registering Materials Lost and Broken
One of the reasons why teachers refrain from effectively using the laboratory is
the fear associated with the losing and breaking of the materials. Materials are
kept in the lab to be used whenever needed. In fact, they may be lost for broken
while in use. The important thing is to use them carefully. In case the
materials are lost or broken while using them, the case should be immediately
reported to the person who is in charge (the lab assistant or any other person
assigned).
A form should always be ready to register the item lost or broken. The condition
should be specified this then should be reported to the concerned committee for
decision.


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The committee is usually formed from people representing the administration,
the laboratory assistant and teacher’s representative. Such a procedure allows
avoiding the unnecessary arguments that arise between teachers and store
keepers at the end of the academic year.
Sample
BIOLOGY LABORATORY FORM FOR REGISTERING
MATERIALS LOST OR BROKEN

Date

Name of the school____________________
Item Lost
Orbroken

Quantity

Specific
Condition

Person
In
Charge

Signature

Remark

By the end of the year, the form will be containing list of materials lost during
the academic year, and hence helps as a reference for making all replacements
and necessary preparations for the coming year.
3. Format for Recording Practical Activities Performed
In this form, experiments and demonstrations done are recorded along with the
materials used. From among the compulsory experiments, those that cannot be
done are also indicated and the reasons f
or not doing are
also specified.
An experiment might have been omitted due to lack of materials. Another might
have been found to be difficult to perform. A teacher might have also neglected
an experiment which he thought was irrelevant to the subject matter. Whatever
the reason may be, the teacher is expected to state it clearly in the form. This

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enables to know how many of the compulsory practical activities have been
carried out in the year and how many of them have not been conducted. The
reasons stated (for not performing some of the experiments) also enable teachers
to be in a position to give constructive comments on the use of the laboratory,
the practical activities listed in the lab manuals and the curriculum as a whole.
Sample
BIOLOGY LABORATORY FORM FOR RECORDING
PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES PERFORMED
Name of the School_______________________

Remark

Reason In
Case Not
Performed

Sig.

Section

Material
Used
Grade

Topic Of
Practical
Activity

Unit

Date

Name of the teacher______________________

2.5. INVENTORY
In some schools, materials supplied at different timeswere found kept in the
store for many years. In such schools, since yearly inventory is not done it is not
possible even to know what materials are available.
The word inventory refers to the counting and listing of materials in the school
store, laboratory etc. available, broken or lost. A properly carried out yearly
inventory enables: To check the loss and misplacement of equipment
 To cross check with the previous counting
 To take corrective measures if difference are observed and find
the reason why the difference are seen

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 To replace items used up and/or lost and maintenance.
For the proper handling and use of materials, the yearly inventory is very
essential. The following points may be considered when carrying out the
counting.
 If materials in the lab are found to be unknown to the storekeeper
or lab assistant, it will be necessary to ask the help of teachers for
identification. If this does not solve the problem, instead of giving
vague and irrelevant description, it is better to identify them using
code (item) numbers.
 A short description about the condition of the material will be
helpful.
 Registering quantities of the same item separately (under different
serial numbers) will not be convenient for counting.
 The list should include materials bought by the school, those
prepared by teachers and students and materials obtained from
organizations and individuals.
 Separate lists should be prepared for materials in the three science
laboratories.
2. LABORATORY SAFETY
2.1. Laboratory Safety Rules
Careless behavior in the laboratory can result in serious injury, health hazards
and damage to property. Learn to recognize potential hazards, to avoid accidents
from happening and to abide by the rules of the laboratory. Every person is
expected to do their part to ensure a safe laboratory environment for themselves
and others in the laboratory.
Some of the main rules that all individuals using the laboratory must abide by
are:o No smoking, eating, and drinking in the laboratory.
o Horseplay is not allowed in the laboratory.
o Lab users must become familiar with the location and operation of the fire
extinguisher and other safety devices.

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o If an individual has a question about the operation of a certain laboratory
device, the lab supervisor should be consulted. Equipment that you are not
familiar with should not be used.
o Be aware of the biological and/or chemical agents are used in the
laboratory. Even if you are not performing experiments using hazardous
agent, you should take appropriate precautions to keep yourself safe.
Always wash your hands before leaving the laboratory and remove any
gloves you are wearing.
General Laboratory Safety Rules
1. Smoking, eating, drinking
No smoking, eating, drinking, chewing, or applying cosmetics in laboratory
areas. No food or drink is to be stored in laboratories (including refrigerators and
freezers).
2. Disposable Laboratory Gloves
Disposable laboratory gloves are not to be worn in communal areas. Door
handles, telephones, computer keyboards (except in clearly labeled
circumstances), lift buttons, etc. are not to be touched with gloves. If needle,
wear one glove and use the un-gloved hand to open doors, operate lift etc.
Rubber or disposable gloves should be worn when handling/working with:
 Human blood or other body fluids
 Dangerous chemicals
 Potentially infectious material
3. Laboratory Gowns or Lab Coats
Laboratory gowns or lab coats must always be worn in laboratories, and they
must be removed before entering “clean areas”, e.g. the tea room, stores, toilets,
library, office areas, etc. The gowns or coats must be of sufficient length to
protect the worker (i.e. down to about the wearer’s knees). They must close at
the back or, if front-closing, have enough overlap at the front to prevent gaping.
4. Clothing, Footwearand Hair

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Clothing and footwear must be suitable for laboratory conditions, i.e. clothing
must not present any hazards by being too loose, accessories must not present a
hazard during laboratory work, etc. and footwear must be fully enclosed. If you
want to wear other shoes to and from work, etc. you might want to keep a pair of
fully enclosed shoes at work to wear in the lab. Thongs, or barebacked sandals
or shoes, or very high heels must not be worn in the laboratory. Bare feet are
also prohibited. Long hair must be tied back to avoid contact with
microorganisms and equipment.
5. Safety Glasses
Full-face shields must be worn for all work involving corrosive or toxic liquids,
ultra-violet light.
6. Avoiding Ingesting Microorganisms
The best protection to ingesting microorganisms is not to put them in mouth.
Pencils and pens must not be placed in the mouth. Chewing of fingernails,
playing with hair, applying lipstick, drinking, etc. are not allowed. Wash your
hands when leaving the laboratory togoto lunch, etc.
7. Pipetting
Do not pipette by mouth. The use of pipettes with cotton plugs to reduce
contamination is preferable place pipettes in disinfectant solution tip-first to
minimize aerosol production. Submerge for 18-24 hours. Residual volumes from
pipettes create aerosols; use mechanical devices that are calibrated to deliver.
8. Syringes and Needles
Restrict the use of “sharps” to a minimum. Avoid using syringes to mix
infectious liquids (if essential, hold the tip of the needle under the surface of the
fluid and avoid excessive force). Discard used syringes and needles into an
approved container.
9. Hazardous Chemical/Biological Spills


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Hazards chemical and biological spills and blood spills on floors, benches or
equipment should be cleaned up immediately. Special treatment is required for
spills of a bio hazardous nature.
10. Hand Washing
Hands should be washed after completing each task and always before leaving
the laboratory.
11. Faulty Equipment
Any faulty equipment should be removed from service for repair or disposal.
12. Corridors and Exits
Corridors and exits must not be obstructed by equipment or stored items.
13. Bench Work
Minimize aerosol production when carrying out on an open bench. Place bench
coat or a similar absorbent paper over working surfaces. Replace this regularly.
Decontaminate workbenches after spills and after work has been completed.
14. Fungal Spores
Petri dish cultures of fungi should be sealed and incubated with the lid
uppermost to prevent the dispersal of fungal spores. Recognize fungi as potential
pathogens and be aware of the ability of some species to produce mycotoxins.
15. Petri Dishes
Take care when handling petri dishes that contain condensate. This may contain
viable microorganisms that can be spread via droplets or aerosols when the
plates are opened or dropped.
16. General Behavior
No running or “horse play” in the lab.
` Before You Attend Any Biology Lab
DO’s:
DON’T’s:

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Read your lab manual “Safety” section
Know the work procedures for each
day.
Know the dangers.
Plan to wear a lab coat.
Be well rested and alert.
Notify the lab instructor of any
relevant medical condition.

Think that ignorance is bliss.
Forget your lab manual and rely on
your memory.
Have a casual attitude.
Wear your best clothes.
Sleep-in and arrive late.
Hide a medical condition that might
jeopardize your safety or the safety of
others.
NO ONE SHOULD EVER ADOPT A COMLACENT ATTITUDE
TOWARDS LAB SAFETY.
2.2. Other Safety Rules When Working In Biological or Chemical
Laboratory
1. Personal Safety
The highest priority in the laboratory is personal safety. Therefore you must be
sure to:
Wear eye protection in the laboratory when handling any
chemical or biological agents. Tie your hair back, if you have
long hair.
Wear protective gloves when handling corrosive chemicals or
biological agents. These are not to be worn in non-lab areas. (i.e.
remove them before going to the washroom).
Wear a lab coat and closed-toed shoes, when in the lab.
o Lab coats used in labs should not be worn in nonlaboratory areas. Laboratory coats are to be worn
INSIDE the laboratory BUT have to be removed when
leaving the work area.
2. Chemical Hazards Safety
When performing experiments:


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Wear protective gloves.
Read the lab before using any reagent.
Never pipette by mouth (even water); use a device such as a
pipettor.
Never taste chemicals and smell them only cautiously.
Never use the biological and safety cabinets as fume hoods.
Never pour chemicals down the sink without first consulting
Supervisor.
3. Biological Hazards Safety
Although you may not be working with pathogenic organisms, you should be
aware of safety procedures in dealing with biological agents in general.
All persons working with biological agents must observe the following rules:
Wear a lab coat. Clothing coming in contact with biological
agents should be removed and washed.
Keep the laboratory doors closed.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before
leaving the laboratory.
Place any non-sharp implements that you used to handle
biological agents into appropriatecontainers.
Place all used microscope slides in disinfectant.
Never place cell culture vessels close to the edge of the lab
bench and in areas where they could be knocked over.
Never leave cultures open to the air: keep them covered at all
times. Many biological agents can become airborne and
inhalated.
No mouth pipetting at any time.
No smoking, eating or drinking in the laboratory.
A lab coat must be worn whenever work involving biological
material is being carried out and must be taken off before
visiting non-laboratory areas (coffee rooms, shops, libraries,
etc.).


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All contaminated glassware must be disinfected before being
placed for washing up.
All spillages must be wiped up with either disinfectant or
ethanol including spillages in centrifuge rotors.
All materials which are potentially infectious should be
inactivated (by disinfection or by autoclaving) before leaving
the lab for incineration.
Care must be taken when using any procedure which generates
aerosol, to minimize exposure to potentially infectious agents.
Wash your hands before you leave the laboratory.
Potentially hazardous biological specimens:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Human cell line (including non-human primates).
Non-human cell line.
Human or other primate sample (fluid, tissue, etc.).
Non-primate sample (fluid, tissue, etc.).
Bacteria.
Virus.
Fungus, parasite, or other live material.

Potential Causes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Oral aspiration through pipettes.
Accidental syringes.
Animal bites.
Spray from syringes.
Centrifuges accidentals.
Cuts and scratches.
Animal wastes.
Direct contact with pathogenic cultures.

2.3. Safety Considerations Associated With Some Specific
Instruments/Equipments
A. Biological Safety Cabinets


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Biological safety cabinets have been installed in some laboratories for two
reasons:
1. To maintain sterility in your experiments.
2. To protect the user from the experiment, so that the user has
minimal contact with the biological and chemical agents.
For maximum safety and experimental success, use the biological safety cabinet
as much as possible when using biological media.
Techniques for the use of biological safety cabinets:
1. The use and limitations of biological safety cabinets should be
explained to all potential users, with reference to national
standards and relevant literature.
2. The cabinet must not be used unless it is working properly.
3. The glass-viewing panel must not opened when the cabinet is in
use.
4. Apparatus and materials in the cabinet must be kept to a minimum
and at the rear of the working area.
5. All work must be done in the middle or rear part of the working
surface and should be visible through the viewing panel.
6. The operator should not disturb the airflow by repeated removal
and reintroduction of his or her arms.
7. The cabinet fan should be run for at least 5 minutes before and
after completion of work in the cabinet.
B. Centrifuge
Centrifuges can be a hazard for two reasons:
1. The components remove at extremely high speeds and if they are
not balanced, there is a possibility for a mechanical hazard.
2. Usually the centrifuge is used for potentially bio-hazardous
media, so care must be taken to avoid spillage of the media. If
spillage occurs, proper decontamination must take place.
Techniques for the use of centrifuges:

Page 21

1. Satisfactory mechanical performance is a prerequisite of
microbiological safety in the use of laboratory centrifuges.
2. Centrifuges should be operated according the manufactures’’
instructions.
3. Centrifuges should be placed at such a level that workers of less
than average height can see into the bowl to place trunnions and
buckets correctly.
4. Centrifuge rotors and buckets should be inspected daily for signs
of corrosion and for hairline cracks.
5. Buckets and trunnions should be paired by weight and, with tubes
in place, correctly balance.
6. Alcohol (70%) should be used for balancing buckets. Saline or
hypochlorite solution should not be used as both corrode metals.
7. Securely capped tubes and seal able centrifuge buckets offer
adequate protection against infectious aerosols and dispersed
particles of microorganisms.
C. Autoclaving for Sterilization
Individuals responsible for autoclaving glassware and other lab ware will be
responsible for preparing the materials for sterilization.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Techniques for the care and use of refrigerators and freezers:
1. Refrigerators, deep-freezers should be defrosted and cleaned
periodically and any ampoules, tubes, etc. that have broken during
storage removed. Face protection and heavy-duty rubber gloves
should be worn. After cleaning, the inner surface of the cabinet
should be disinfected.
2. All containers stored in refrigerators, etc. should be clearly
labeled with the scientific name of the contents, the date stored
and the name of the individual who stored them. Unlabeled and
obsolete materials should be autoclaved.
E.Pipetting

Page 22

1. Pipetting by mouth should be prohibited. A pipetting aid always is
used.
2. All pipetters should have cotton plug to reduce contamination of
pipetting devices.
3. Infectious materials should not be mixed by alternate suction and
expulsion through a pipette.
4. Liquids should not be forcibly expelled from pipettes.
5. To avoid dispersion of infectious material if it is accidentally
dropped from a pipette, a disinfectant-soaked cloth or absorbent
paper should be placed on the working surface; this should be
autoclaved after use.
6. Contaminated pipettersshould be completely submerged in a
suitable disinfectant contained in an unbreakable container. They
should be left for 18-24 hours before disposal.
7. Glassware and Sharps Handling:
Protect your hands when assembling glassware equipment.
Place all sharps, glassware and contaminated items (glass pipettes,
needle, etc.) into designated containers for disposal. Sharps and
glassware need to be decontaminated before disposal.
Clean all broken glassware promptly and dispose of properly into
the proper container. Use a brush and not your bare hands.
Ensure that needle and blade sharps are separately and carefully
collected in sharps waste container. When full, these containers are
to be disposed of properly.
2.4. Other Safety Considerations
A. Chemical or biological media spills
Chemical/Biological spill kits are to be used only for very small spill. Clean up
kits should be in every lab.
Fire Safety


Page 23

When working in the laboratory, read the chemical label and
determine if a substance is dangerous (flammable, corrosive or
toxic) before using it.
Keep all bottles of flammable, toxic and corrosive chemicals
closed and in the appropriate cabinet unless they are in use.
Keep open vessels of solvent away from source of heat or sparks.
If your clothing is on fire: stop, drop and roll on the floor to
smother the flames.
Know where the fire extinguisher is located.
Know where the fire exits are.
Check all electrical equipment before you turn the power on.
General Housekeeping
 The best way to avoid accidents is to develop good housekeeping. Keep
your workplace clean and tidy. Clean up spills, broken equipment, floods
and general clutter promptly.
WASTE DISPOSAL
A.BIOLOGICAL WASTE
Biological waste includes:
 Liquids such as used cell culturing media, supernatant, blood or blood
fractions (serum),etc. which contain viable biological agents;
 Materials considered pathological, any part of the human body, tissues
and bodily fluids.
 Any part of an animal infected [or suspected to be infected] with a
communicable disease;
 Non-sharp, solid laboratory waste (empty plastic cell culture flasks and
petri dishes, empty plastic tube, gloves, wrappers, absorbent tissues, etc.)
which may be, or is known to be, contaminated with viable biological
agents;
 All sharp and pointed items used in medical care, diagnosis, and research,
including the manipulation and care of laboratory animals, which should
be considered potentially infectious;
 Laboratory glassware, which is known or suspected to be contaminated
with hazardous biological agents.

Page 24

Packaging and Treatment
Materials contaminated with hazardous biological agents must be collected in the
appropriate containers and sterilized or disinfected before disposal.

a) Liquids containing bio hazardous agents
Collect liquids in leak-proof containers such as flasks or bottles.
Liquid waste containers designers to withstand autoclaving
temperatures must be used when steam sterilization is utilized.
b) Solids containing bio hazardous agents
Non-sharp, solid laboratory waste (empty plastic cell culture
flasks and petridishes, empty plastic tubes, gloves, wrappers,
absorbent tissues, etc.) which may be, or is known to be,
contaminated with viable biological agents should be collected
in autoclavable bags. These plastic bags display the biohazardwarning symbol.
Note: Autoclavable bags should be used for solid, non-sharp, hazardous biological
waste only and disposed of appropriately. They should not be used for the collection
of other solid hazardous or nonhazardous waste that may require other treatment or
disposal methods.

For laboratories generating large volumes of agar gel in
disposable Petri-dishes and tubes requiring sterilization, such
waste should be collected and sterilized.
c) Sterilization and Disinfections
Inactivate the biological agents by employing either chemical
disinfection or steam sterilization procedures.
Autoclaving (steam sterilization) is the preferred (and
generally regarded as the most reliable) method of sterilizing
biological waste. Depending on the volume of waste to be

Page 25

sterilized, it may be necessary to extend the duration of
exposure to high temperature steam under pressure. or
Plastic disposable pipettes are disposed into appropriate
container and then soaked in disinfectant for a period of
several hours.
Contaminated glassware should be thoroughly soaked in
disinfectant for a period of several hours before placing in the
washing up.
All contaminated glass or plastic should be washed and
thoroughly decontaminated.
Following steam sterilization or chemical disinfections,
innocuous liquids may be disposed of via the laboratory
drainage system. Flush with sufficient clean water to purge the
drain immediately after disposal of all liquids.
Do not pour melted agar into sink or floor drains. All it to cool
and solidify for disposal as a solid waste.
B.CHEMICAL WASTE
1. Improper Labeling of Waste
Typical examples include:
a. Failing to label a waste bottle. If the contents of the bottle are not
listed, the next person to use the bottle could accidentally
combine incompatible chemicals, causing a fire and explosion.
All bottles of chemical waste must have information on it.
b. If something isn’t really waste, don’t pit the word “waste” on the
bottle.
c. Scratching out the former label of the bottle and writing “waste”
on the bottle. You must remove or totally deface the old so there
is no confusion over the contents.
2. Improper Segregation of Waste


Page 26

a. Storing acids and bases in the same cabinet. Leaking containers
or a spill could cause a violent reaction, which would release
large quantities of toxic gases.
b. Storing acids and organic waste in the same cabinet. In the
event of accidental mixing, a catastrophic fire or explosion
could result.
c. Mixing incompatible chemicals in a waste container. For
example, nitric acid and ethanol can form an explosive mixture.
3. Improper Storage of Waste
a. Using metal cans for waste. Even near neutral pH, solids and
liquids can easily corrode through metal cans in a surprisingly
short period of time. Use only glass or polyethylene containers
for waste.
b. Storing waste bottles in or near a sink or floor drain. This
could allow toxic chemicals to enter the sewer.
4. Taking Waste to the Stockroom
1. Bring your waste to the stockroom
o All waste containers must have a proper “hazardous waste” label
with start date here’s an example:
HAZARDOUS WASTE
ACCUMULATION
START DATE MAY 29, 1997
CONTENTS acetone, diethyl ether
HANDLE WITH CARE!
CONTAINS HAZARDOUS OR TOXIC WASTES

o All contents are listed.

Page 27

o
o
o










The bottle or jar has a cap that fits tightly.
There are no or extraneous labels on the container.
The outside of the bottle is clean and dry.
Chemical containers that have been empties (generally this
means drained their contents by normal methods including
pouring, pumping, aspirating, etc.) are not regulated as hazardous
waste; however they should not necessarily be disposed of in the
regular solid waste dumpsters. Generally, the primary container
(the container that actually held the chemical, as opposed to a
container that the primary chemical was packed in), must be
triple rinsed with water or other suitable solvent and air-dried
before disposal. For volatile organic solvents (e.g. acetone,
ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl ether, hexane, methanol, methylene
chloride, petroleum ether, toluene, xylene, etc.) the emptied
container can be air-dried in a ventilated area without triple
rising.
Glass containers must be triple-rinsed with water or other
suitable solvent and air-dried to ensure that it free of liquid or
other visible chemical residue.
If the glass container has visible residue and this residue is
hazardous, the container should be disposed with appropriate
care. If the residue is not hazardous, the intact container should
be placed in regular lab trash.
Broken glass containers that are free of chemical residue should
be placed in broken glass receptacles or placed in a puncture
resistant container, such as a rigid plastic container. The plastic
container or box should be sealed and placed in regular
laboratory trash.
Metal containers must be triple-rinsed with water or other
suitable solvent and air-dried. If the container is free of
hazardous chemical residues, it may be placed in the regular
laboratory trash. Otherwise, it should be disposed with an
appropriate care.

Controlling practices for infectious agents

Page 28

The control of biological hazards in the laboratory shall be maintained by:
 Limiting the handling of material to the minimum amount
 Ensuring proper disposal of material after usage
 Ensuring proper precautions and procedures when handling the
materials
 Maintaining appropriate levels of identification (universal biohazard warning label) warning and security in storage of the
material.
2.7. Emergency Procedures
There are many types of emergencies that could occur in a laboratory, including
fires, chemical/biological contaminants spills, injuries, accidents, explosions and
others.
1. Fire
In the event of a fire:
1. Individuals are not required to fight fires; but that those who choose to do
so may fight small, incipient stage fires ( No bigger than a waste paper
basket) as long as have been trained in theproper use of fire extinguishers.
If you have been trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, fight
the fire from a position where you can escape, only if you are
confident that you will be successful.
A fire contained in a small vessel can usually be suffocated by
covering the vessel with a lid of some sort.
2. If your clothing catches fire, drop to the floor and roll to smother the fire.
If a co-worker’s clothing catches fire, knock the person to the floor and
roll him or her to smother the flames. Use a safety shower immediately
thereafter.
3. If the fire is larger or spreading inform the building occupants by fire
alarm or notify the building occupants verbally of the need to evacuate. If
possible, shut down any equipment, which may add fuel to the fire. Close
the door behind you to prevent the fire’s spread.
2. Chemical Exposures

Page 29

The following procedures should be followed in the event of chemical
exposure.
 Chemicals on Skin or Clothing
Immediately flush with water for no less than 15 minutes. For larger spills, the
safety shower should be used.
1. While rinsing, quick remove all contaminated clothing.
2. Use caution when removing sweaters to prevent
contamination of the eyes.
3. Discard contaminated clothing or launder them separately
from other cloth.
 Chemicals in Eyes
1. Immediately flush eye(s) with water for at least fifteen
minutes. The eyes must be forcibly held open to wash, and
the eyeballs must be rotated so all surface area is rinsed. The
use of an eye wash fountain is desirable so hands are free to
hold the eyes open. If eyewash is not available, pour water on
the eye, rinsing from the nose outward to avoid
contamination of the unaffected eye.
2. Seek medical attention.
 Chemical Inhalation
Close containers, open windows or otherwise increase ventilation, and move to
fresh air.
1. If symptoms, such as headaches, nose or throat irritation,
dizziness, persist, seek medical attention.
 Accidental Injection of Chemicals
Wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention.
 Biological hazards spills
If potentially hazardous biological material is spilled in the laboratory:
Avoid inhaling any airborne material by holding your breath and
leaving the laboratory

Page 30

Close the door to the laboratory and warn others in the area go to
a wash or change room area. Wash all potentially contaminated
area as well as the arms, face, and hands.Shower if facilities are
available
If clothing is known or suspected to be contaminated, remove the
clothing with care, folding the contaminated area inward. Discard
the clothing into a bag or autoclave
Reentry into the laboratory should be delayed for a period of 30
minutes to allow reduction of the aerosol generated by the spill.
NB.Contaminated gloves, wiping cloth, and sponges should be
discarded into an autoclave pan and autoclaved.
Emergency services: whom to contact
The telephone numbers and address of the following should be prominently
displayed near all telephones:
The institution or laboratory itself
Safety officer
Fire services
Hospital/ambulance service
Police
Director or institution or laboratory
Engineer
Water, gas and electricityservices.
Emergency equipment
The following emergency equipment must be available:
First aid kit
Stretcher
2.8. Laboratory design and facilities
1. The laboratory should be separated from the areas that are open to
unrestricted traffic flow within the building. Additional separation

Page 31

2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

may be achieved by placing the laboratory at the blind end of a
corridor
Access to the laboratory area must be designed to prevent entrance of
arthropods and other vermin.
Access doors must be self-closing and lockable.
The surface of walls, floors and ceilings should be water-resistant and
easy to clean. Opening in these surface (e.g. for service pipes) should
be sealed to facilitate decontamination of the room(s).
A foot-or elbowoperated hand-washbasin should be provided near to
each exit door.
Exhaust air form the laboratory must be discharged directly to the
outside of the building so that it is dispersed away from occupied
buildings and air intakes. It is recommended that this air is discharged
through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

Definition:
A potentially hazardous biological specimen may be any one type or
combination of the following types of specimens, when such a specimen consists
of live, frozen or lyophilized material that may possess the potential to produce
an infection or genetic alternation in humans, animals or plants.
Potentially hazardous biological specimens do not include live animals that are
healthy and pressure to be non-infectious, but do include unhealthyanimals that
are known or suspected to be infectious.
Biological specimens are not considered to be potentially hazardous when the
specimens have been chemically, thermally, or otherwise treated to render the
specimens, or component thereof, permanently non-viable, permanently
inactivated, or permanently incapable of insertion or infection into living cells.
Hazards in bio labs are principally due to infections. Additional Hazards
Include:
Chemical
Mechanical
Fire

Page 32

Electrical
Radiation

= The End =


Page 33

JIMMA TEACHERS’
EDUCATION
OFCOLLEGE NATURAL
STREAM


Page 34

Laboratory management and safety good

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