General Lab Safety Biotechnology 4/29/2019

Objectives List general safety rules used when working in the laboratory Define and identify personal protective equipment (PPE). Explain how to work with chemicals safely 4/29/2019

Personal Protective Equipment 4/29/2019

Personal protective Equipment (PPE) Definition: Safety equipment issued to help employees protect themselves from hazards of their work environment. Examples of PPE: fire retardant or chemical-proof clothing gloves, respirators safety spectacles 4/29/2019

Gloves Provides a protective barrier between your skin and the contaminate Many different types that protect against either Corrosive or toxic chemicals Biological contaminants Extreme temperature 4/29/2019

Glove Material Characterized by Degradation rate-tendency of a chemical to physically change the properties of a glove on contact Permeation rate-tendency of chemical or biological contaminant to penetrate glove material 4/29/2019

Why Should You Care? Use of the proper glove can save lives. Case study: Professor Karen Watterhahn and mercury poisoning Working in latex gloves Dropped few drops of dimethylmercury on gloved hand 3 months later began to have neurological symptoms and died Problem: did not wear the proper gloves; mercury penetrated the latex gloves 4/29/2019

Gloves we will commonly use Latex- recommended for working with bases alcohols, bloodborne pathogens; comfortable to wear; may trigger allergic reaction; commonly used because of low cost Nitrile- has good chemical resistance; recommended for bloodborne pathogens; hyperallergenic; more expensive 4/29/2019

Latex and Nitrile Gloves do not protect against more caustic chemicals For Organic solvents or strong acids/bases use chemical resistant rubber gloves 4/29/2019

Protective Eyewear Goggles are always worn in the lab unless the instructor tells you otherwise. 4/29/2019

Types of Protective Eyewear Three general types Safety glasses-have side protection protect small splashes and minor hazards Goggles-sealed around the eyes; provide good protection against large splashes and working with caustic agents Full face shields-used when working with materials under a vacuum or UV radiation. Emphasize that prescription eyeglasses are not considered adquate eye protection because they do not have side shields 4/29/2019

Lab Coats Should be worn at all times in the lab - protect against hazardous materials. Provide a barrier against harmful experimental agents Protect experiments from contaminants outside the laboratory carried on clothing. 4/29/2019

Chemical Safety 4/29/2019

Know the composition and hazards of chemical you are working with If not sure safety of a chemical, check MSDS sheet MSDS sheets for every chemical can be found online A hard copy should be in a notebook in the lab 4/29/2019

MSDS Sheet Contains. Name & trade name of the substance Hazardous ingredient(s) it contains Physical characteristics of the chemical Protective equipment to use What to do if a leak or spill occurs Other precautions to follow 4/29/2019

Use Chemical Flow Hood for Volatile Chemicals When making volatile chemical solutions (many organic solvents, strong acids) use a chemical flow hood Basic Instructions Turn on chemical flow hood Pull front sash down below chin level Work at least 6 in within hood 4/29/2019

Chemical Disposal – In the drain or designated container? Why not dispose of all chemicals down the drain? List two possible reasons. Waste deposal depends on the chemical – if uncertain always ask the instructor 4/29/2019

Chemical Waste Categories Fall under 4 general categories for aqueous liquid waste Corrosives-ex. acids/bases Organics- ex. alcohols, acetone Toxics- ex.. heavy metals Biological-ex. bacteria culture 4/29/2019

Corrosives Typically, acids/bases Must be neutralized before putting in proper container Commonly, will be done by the instructor at completion of experiment 4/29/2019

Organics Typically, solvents used in lab other than water are organics (isopropyl alcohol, methanol) Most are non-halogenated solvents should be disposed in a non-halogenated solvent container Never pour organics down the drain 4/29/2019

General Lab Safety Rules Get in groups of 2-3 and complete the “safety first” pogil as a review of general lab safety. Turn the “safety first” pogil when completed Have safety contract signed 4/29/2019