Transcript Safety in Biology Laboratories

Safety in Biological Sciences
Laboratories
 For newcomers, the
laboratory may at first
seem like a maze with a
myriad of things to learn,
safety procedures to
follow, rules to be
obeyed, hazards to
contend with, new safety
equipment to use, etc,
etc ..
 This presentation will
introduce you to such
procedures.
Safety in Biological Sciences
Laboratories
It is important to
remember and
comply with these
safety instructions.
Students not
working according to
these precautions
may be asked to
leave the lab.
General Safety Precautions
 Protective clothing
 All students must wear a
lab coat during lab
sessions
 Leave the lab coat in the
room if you must leave
the lab before its
completion
 Gloves or bandaids will
be available if required
 Wear goggles if risk of
splash
General Precautions
It is important to wash hands
thoroughly before leaving the lab or if
you have spilled on your hands
General Precautions
Spills
Report all spills to the lab instructor, whether they
are on the bench, floor, equipment or on your
person
General Safety Precautions
Disposal
Ensure you have disposed of
wastes in appropriate
containers
Biohazardous material: red
autoclave bags
Biohazardous sharps (anything
that may puncture a bag):
yellow sharps containers
Ensure broken non
contaminated glassware is
disposed of in proper containers
General Safety Precautions
 No eating or drinking in
the lab
 Suitable footwear: no
open toes or heels
 Report all cuts, scrapes,
burns or other injuries
to the instructor
 Keep fingers and
objects away from your
mouth and eyes
General Safety Precautions
Familiarize yourself with the location
and proper use of the following:
Safety showers
Fire extinguishers
Eye wash stations
Fire alarms
Electrical shutoff (not in all rooms)
General Safety Precautions
Familiarize yourself with the location
and proper use of:
Gas shutoff
Spill kits
MSDS (material safety data sheets)
Familiarize yourself with the procedure for
emergency drill, evacuation and meeting
area outside
WHMIS for Biology Students
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
System
Federal legislation to protect workers by
supplying information about hazardous
materials they may be using
Goal is to reduce injury and disease by
communicating specific health and safety
information that can be used to reduce
exposure to hazardous materials
WHMIS Hazard Classifications
Class A: Compressed Gas
Class B: Flammable & Combustible

Class C: Oxidizing Material
Class D: Poisonous & Infectious Material
WHMIS Hazard Classifications
Class E: Corrosive Material
Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDSs)
provides specific hazard information, safe
handling information, and emergency
procedures for a controlled product.
Key source of information for developing safe
working procedures.
Accessed online at TRU
Bookmarked on all Biology computers
ThompsonMSDS
Msds
Read before using new chemicals
MSDSs Provide
1. Product Information
2. Hazardous Ingredients
3. Physical Data
4. Fire and Explosion Hazard
5. Reactivity Data
6. Toxicological Properties
7. Preventative Measures
8. First Aid Measures
9. Preparation Information
Safe Handling Instructions
In addition to WHMIS classification
workplace labels must include safe
handling information and personal
protective clothing and equipment
required
This information may be written or
included as symbols
Acetone Workplace Label
Keep away from heat, sparks, and
flames
Wear safety goggles and butyl rubber
gloves
Use in fumehood
MSDS available
MSDS Database
 http://www.tru.ca/hsafety/workinglearningsafely/work.html
Safe Work Procedures
If unsure of proper procedure for
performing a specific procedure check safe
working procedures at:
 http://www.tru.ca/hsafety/workinglearningsafely/work.html