Microbiology lab safety orientation.

After completing this video, you should be able to one,

demonstrate proper primary and secondary containment

procedures, and two, explain the procedures involved in dealing

with a laboratory emergency.

Primary containment.

Primary containment concerns the protection of personnel

and the laboratory environment from exposure

to infectious microbes.

Proper microbiological techniques,

such as the safe transport and disposal of cultures

along with the correct use of personal safety equipment,

such as gloves and safety goggles

go a long way toward accomplishing the goal

of primary containment.

Secondary containment.

Secondary containment deals with protecting

the outside environment from exposure

to infectious organisms.

It depends principally on the design of the laboratory

and the availability of equipment, as well,

laboratory workers should maintain the lab's safety

features, such as keeping a closed door closed

or leaving an exhaust fan on.

Prior to the lab.

Dress appropriately for the lab--

no open toed shoes or sandals, and avoid clothing

with baggy sleeves that could catch fire

or hinder your movement.

Know the location of the eyewash, safety shower,

fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.

Take a moment to learn their operation.

During the lab.

Always wear a lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles

while working in the lab.

The lab coat should only be used during lab

and should remain in the lab.

Even discounting potential biohazards,

a lab coat will protect your clothing.

There is a reason many of the chemicals you will be

working with are called stains.

Wash your hands prior to beginning the lab

and just before leaving as well.

Tie back any long hair, it is both a source of contamination

and a fire hazard.

Disinfect your benchtop with a disinfectant

prior to beginning work and just before leaving the laboratory.

Disposal of contaminated materials.

Dispose of plastic petri dishes, swabs, disposable gloves,

inoculating tools, and similar non-reusable items

in the biohazard container.

Reusable supplies such as culture test tubes and glass

pipettes should have all labels removed

before being placed in a rack or container designated

for autoclaving.

Used microscope slides should be placed

in a container for autoclaving or soaked

in a disinfectant solution for a minimum of 30 minutes

before being discarded.

The international biohazard symbol on the containers

not only marks the contents for autoclaving prior to disposal,

but also cautions anyone in the room

as to the possibly hazardous nature of the items

inside the containers.

And remember, do not overfill the container,

and never force objects into the container.

Safety considerations.

If you are pregnant or if you feel

you shouldn't be in the lab because of health concerns,

candidly discuss with your instructor.

If your skin is exposed to microorganisms

as a result of a spill, immediately

wash with antiseptic.

In the event of a spill, notify your instructor and your lab

partners immediately.

Broken glass and bacterial cultures

are a hazardous combination.

With your instructor's approval, cover the spill

with paper towels and saturate the towels with disinfectant.

After 15 to 20 minutes, carefully wipe up the spill

and discard the paper towels in the biohazard container

for autoclaving.

Discard the broken glass in the sharps container.

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