Bacteriology & Genomic repository Safety

In case of Emergency call the following number 08-934-2999

The following guidelines are general and do NOT replace the specific safety guidelines described in the instructions manual of instruments, and on the WIS safety unit web site (see links bellow):

General
  • All personnel should use basic laboratory protective gear. Where needed additional protective equipment should be used (see below).
  • In all cases a person working in the laboratory should wear clothes at all times, including but not restricted to: long trousers, closed shoes, and a lab-coat.
  • Never operate an instrument that you did not use in the past without the proper training.
  • When operating laboratory equipment, follow the safety signs (gloves, goggles, earphones), as well as the instruction card that is placed near the equipment.
  • Do NOT use an instrument if you suspect is not functioning properly. Notify the Bacteriology personnel immediately!
  • If an instrument gets stuck, malfunctions, or breaks down, turn it off (where possible), apply a sign that describes the problem, and contact immediately one of the personnel of the Bacteriology unit. Please don't leave the scene without informing us. The same holds when your materials get spilled/broken in any of the lab instruments (e.g. – shakers and sonicator).
  • For your and other people's safety always book/sign for the equipment that you are planning to use (Name, phone #, date, time, temperature: e.g. - shaker, sonicator).
  • The Bacteriology is considered a non-radioactive, BL1 laboratory

     Therefore it is prohibited to bring in any radioactive materials, or use/grow pathogenic microorganisms, mammalian cells or tissues that are classified

as BL2 or more in the unit.

(see the NIH guidelines)

  • It is prohibited to express infectivity factors including but not restricted to toxins, and virulence factors (see NIH guidelines)
  • It is prohibited to eat and drink in the laboratory: you should use either the kitchen or the office for that.
  • Wash your hands when you leave the lab,  or go to eat / drink, or have finished your daily work.
Chemicals and biological materials
  • When weighing harmful salts and chemicals use caution and the appropriate and/or additional protective gear as needed (as described in their MSDS: e.g. -  nitrile gloves, goggles, and a mask).
  • It is prohibited to throw into the normal trash liquid waste such as acids, bases, and flammables. Please dispose the different materials according to the WIS regulations (please refer to the WIS Chemical Safety web site.
  • The bacteriology is classified as BL1: It is therefore prohibited to bring in, use or grow pathogenic microorganisms, mammalian cells or tissues that are classified BL2 or more in the unit (see NIH guidelines)
  • Solid biological waste such as agar plates with bacteria, and plates with antibiotics should be collected into a Biohazard bag, and subjected to autoclaving before being disposed as normal waste.
  • Liquid biological waste (media) should be decontaminated using bleach (1:10), Sodium-hypochlorite (1:10), for half an hour before disposing it in the sink.
Spills - Minor spill
  • In case of a minor spill of chemicals or biological material that you can deal with, try to contain the spill. If you not sure, treat as a major spill and call the service center at x2999
  • If possible seal the affected area to prevent people from spreading the spill: do not leave the area before the area is marked correctly, sealed and the spill is under control.
  • If somebody got injured, or in case you have any problem, contact the server center by dialing x2999, and don’t forget to report the departmental office.
  • In case of a splash to your eyes it is essential to wash the eyes immediately using the eye washers found in the right side of most sinks in the lab.
  • If the spill reached the clothes, or the skin one needs to go and get an immediate and thorough shower, and change clothes.
  • If possible either decontaminate or adsorb the spill using neutral material (e.g. – using vermiculite). In case the spill is a biological material, collect the spill into a Biohazard bag that should be destroyed by autoclaving.
  • Finally, for non corrosive surfaces decontaminate the affected area using 1:10 diluted hypochlorite solution (if possible), followed by fresh water. Where not possible, one should use 70% ethanol for decontamination, and further consult the WIS Safety Unit.
  • In case you are not sure how to clean or decontaminate the affected area consult with the safety unit personnel.
  • Only after completing the above one should engage in the decontamination process.
  • To decontaminate or adsorb the spill use neutral material (e.g. – using vermiculite). In case the spill is a biological material, collect the spill into a biohazard bag that should be destroyed by autoclaving.
Spills - Major spill
  • In case of a major spill isolate the area, prevent people from entering or leaving the area, and call immediately the Safety Unit at x2999.
  • In case of injury call immediately the Safety Unit at x2999, and start treating the wounded person until help arrives.
  •  
Autoclave, SIP fermentor and hot media
  • When loading and unloading or operating the autoclave, and when working with a hot fermentor, one should use heat resistant gloves to prevent burn injuries, along with safety goggles to protect the eyes.
  • To avoid breaking/spillage of media from bottles and flasks always use a cart to move and carry materials.
Fire
  • Always turn off the bunsen when not in use. Minimize moving around the bench with a working bunsen, and don’t leave a flame on when leaving the lab/bench, even for a short time.
  • It is prohibited to use fire in the kitchen.
  • Avoid using gloves and other gear on your hands when working with open flame.
Sonicator and continuous centrifuges
  • When operating the sonicator and/or  the continuous centrifuge always use earphones to protect your ears from the noise (it is even better combining earphones on top of ear plugs).
  • Operate both instruments only with goggles to protect your eyes.
Microfluidizer and SIP fermentor
  • Operate both instruments only with goggles to protect your eyes.
  • Wear standard nitrile/latex gloves when using the microfluidizer.
  • To prevent spill of pressurized biological material it is prohibited to open screws or lids of the fermentor or microfluidizer while being operated.