Lab Notebooks and Safety Biotechnology II

Lab Notebooks Legal documents; composition books Always use black or blue ink Be sure to update the Table of Contents, number each page, do not leave blank pages, and put the Title of the Lab at the top Each lab should begin with a purpose and or hypothesis Date and initial everything you do

Lab Notebooks Correct errors with single line, date, and initials Make sure it is legible Have important information verified and initialed by a co-worker Remember: some day your notebook may end up in a court of law!

Lab Notebook Rubric General Record-Keeping Procedures Table of contents kept up-to-date Pages of notebook numbered Each page of notebook is signed and dated by author Black ink, no erasures, legible Neatness Contains complete lab write ups for each lab Lab Notebook Rubric Lab Notebook Policy Lab Safety Rules/Diagram Overall Lab Notebook Grade Scale: 3 = Very acceptable work (A): Clearly stated, accurate and detailed 2 = Acceptable but needs improving (C): Accurate information but lacking detail or clarity 1 = Unacceptable (should re-do): Inaccurate information and lacking detail or clarity 0 = Not included (no grade, can re-do)

Individual Lab Write-Up Rubric Each lab write up should have to following: A. Identifying title (not just a number) x1 B. Stated purpose x1 C. Background with any stated cautions x1 D. Hypothesis, when appropriate x1 E. Very detailed description of the procedure, including calculations x2 F. Data organized in tables, graphs or charts x2 G. Analysis/conclusion that states x2 Results with Evidence and Explanation Possible Errors Practical Applications Grade A = 30 – 26 B = 25 – 21 C = D =

MSDS Acronym: MSDS Required for all HAZARDOUS materials Regulated and enforced by OSHA Designed to provide workers and emergency personnel w/ proper procedures for handling or working w/ a substance Found in a binder in the laboratory (alphabetically) or from the Mfg by request.

MSDS Contents Chemical name (common name also given) Stability (room temp, refrigerate, freeze) Reactivity (do not mix with…..) Physical Data (melting point, boiling point) Toxicity Health Effects & First Aid (inhalation, skin contact) Storage and Disposal Spill/Leak Clean up

Chemical Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Lab Coat Safety glasses/goggles Safety glasses are put away in the UV sterilization cabinet UV light causes mutations in the DNA of the bacteria and kills it Gloves Face shield Respirator Gown

Proper Lab Attire Closed toe shoes No contacts No loose or hanging clothing such as ties Minimal jewelry Lab coat, safety glasses, and gloves most common Glasses required for all liquid experiments

Lab Cleaning and Disposal Cleaning lab surfaces Should be cleaned before and after experiments 10% bleach or ethanol most common Keep free of clutter during experiment Waste disposal Be sure to dispose of hazardous and biohazardous material properly- ask if uncertain Wash materials down the drain with lots of water Paper towels in trash Know what is disposable and what is not

Lab Hygeine Autoclaves Use steam and pressure to clean Are the best way to clean lab equipment Note: germicides cannot kill endospores Biohazard Waste All potentially hazardous materials such as microbiology plates and human samples should be disposed of in biohazard containers Handwashing is the best way to prevent nosocomial infections and from spreading germs What does nosocomial mean? Hospital acquired infection

Fire Safety Be aware of causes of fire Carelessness, electricity, improper storage of chemicals, arson RACE Rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish Know how to use extinguisher PASS – point, aim, squeeze, sweep

Basic Lab Safety Rules No eating or drinking in the lab. No gum chewing or make-up application Keep all personal items off the lab bench Wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as safety goggles, lab coats, and other protective clothing as directed by your instructor. Know the location of fire exits, extinguishers, and other safety equipment. Wash hands regularly, especially after working with microorganism or chemicals. Be aware of potential dangers. Before using products or equipment, carefully read labels, protocols, and equipment instructions. Know the location of MSDS sheets. Know how to dispose of chemicals, biological specimens, and broken glass appropriately. When in doubt –ask! Label all samples and reagents with name, date, and initials. Report spills and accidents and know emergency procedures.

Check Your Knowledge Why is it important to date and initial your lab notebooks? If the red hazard has a rating of 3, what should you do? When working with liquids, what is most important to remember? What is the best way to sterilize glassware?