1: Laboratory and Safety Rules
- Page ID
- 105477
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- Assess and identify proper lab attire.
- Determine appropriate lab behavior and etiquette.
- Identify appropriate procedures for beginning and ending a lab experiment.
- Identify important emergency equipment: drench shower, eye wash, fire extinguisher.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to your first microbiology lab! In this lab, you will learn some lab safety basics for working in a microbiology lab. While working with microbes is fun, there are some precautions we need to discuss before we really get going in the lab. Please note that if you do not follow laboratory rules, you will be asked to leave the lab. Let's start with some general lab rules.
GENERAL LABORATORY RULES:
1. Wash your hands with soap and water before entering or leaving the lab. 
2. Wear shoes that completely cover your feet, you cannot wear sandals or other open-toe OR open-heel shoes.
3. You must wear a lab coat when working in the microbiology lab. You must store your lab coat/shirt in a fully enclosed container (Ziploc bag or larger Tupperware) and it may only be worn in lab.
4. Long hair must be tied back in a ponytail, all hats must be removed or turned backward.
5. Accidents or injuries must be reported to your instructor as soon as possible. Know the location of the fire blanket, fire extinguisher, shower and eyewash in case of emergency. 
6. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab. Avoid hand-to-mouth activities such as nail biting or chewing on the end of a pencil/pen. This includes touching or using your phone, which you bring to your face.
7. Bunsen burners should never be left unattended. Take special precautions when working with flammable reagents, like ethanol. 
8. Disinfect your lab space at the start and end of each lab period. To disinfect your area wipe down the table top thoroughly with laboratory disinfectant and a paper towel. When leaving the lab, apply disinfectant to the bench area and leave to air dry (wet).
9. Remove any non-essential materials from your lab workspace, and keep only what you need for conducting the laboratory activity on your bench. Store coats and backpacks where they will not be in the way. 
10. At the end of the lab period return all equipment to its place of origin. It is important that we maintain/improve our surroundings for other classes/students.
11. Dispose of wastes as instructed. Hazardous chemicals and microbial cultures must be properly discarded in designated containers. You will be informed of the proper disposal procedures. Do not discard any materials that have contacted microbial cultures or hazardous chemicals in sinks or wastebaskets.
12. Treat each other with respect, you are all here to learn, you are all going to make lots of mistakes, be patient with each other.
13. Have fun, ask questions, and be curious!
A CLOSER LOOK AT LAB ATTIRE
Wearing appropriate lab attire helps to protect you and your peers from broken glass, hazardous chemicals, biological hazards, and more. Therefore, it is important that when you enter the lab, you are wearing the appropriate attire. Here we will take a systematic approach to achieving proper lab attire, starting from your feet and ending at your head!
What type of shoes should I wear to lab?
You should always wear closed-toe shoes in the lab. A closed-toe shoe is any shoe that completely covers your toes. This type of shoe protects your feed from spills and broken glass.
Can I wear shorts or skirts to lab?
Unfortunately, you may not wear shorts or skirts in the lab. As scientists, we are exposed to chemical and biological hazards that we must protect ourselves from. Wearing long pants helps to protect bare skin from said hazards.
Do I have to wear a lab coat?
Lab coats are required. Lab coats help protect you and your clothing from lab hazards, and they help to confine potential hazards to the lab. This is because lab coats are kept in sealed containers only to be opened in the lab. All students are required to either purchase a lab coat or bring in a long-sleeved shirt to use for the semester in lab. Plastic bags will be provided so that hazardous materials on your lab coat are further contained. These bags may be stored in lab.
Do I need to wear eye protection?
Eye protection in the form of goggles or glasses should be worn when working with any potentially harmful chemicals or biological reagents. This is especially important when performing tasks with a high splash risk-factor. Lab goggles will be provided by the lab.
What should I do with my fabulous hair?
If you have long hair, it must be tied back and out of the way. This helps to prevent your hair from catching on fire when using a flame (which we use almost every lab period!). Similarly, hats should be removed or worn backwards to avoid lighting your hat on fire.
IMPORTANT LAB EQUIPMENT
There are 4 important pieces of equipment located in the lab:
This shower is used for washing an individual's body which has come into contact with hazardous materials. To operate, pull the handle located under the drench shower and stand directly under the water for 10-15 seconds.
This eyewash is used for washing an individual's eyes which have come into contact with hazardous materials. To use, depress the lever and place eyes directly into water. It is recommended to flush eyes for approximately 15 minutes to avoid potential damage.
The fire extinguisher should only be used by the professor unless they are incapacitated or unavailable to assist. To operate a fire extinguisher, PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side. To use a fire blanket, carefully and slowly place the blanket over the fire.
One of the most important pieces of equipment is your professor! In the event of any emergency or even the tiniest blunder, please inform your professor. For example, if you encounter any broken glass in the lab, YOU MUST INFORM YOUR PROFESSOR. It's totally fine if things break, but you may not handle broken glass in the microbiology lab. Please consult your professor for any questions, comments, or concerns regarding lab safety.