Health and Safety IN the lab
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In the Microbiology laboratory, in addition to the common hazards of cuts, burns and chemicals there are additional biohazards such as micro-organisms. A biohazard is a hazard posed by a biological agent including a microorganism that can cause an infection, allergy or intoxication.
There are special precautions that should be taken when working in a Microbiology laboratory. While the organisms you will use will not be dangerous, current Good Microbiology Practice (cGMP) asks you to assume that all micro-organisms are pathogenic i.e. capable of causing disease, and to take appropriate precautions. This means using standard procedures for manipulating, storing and disposing of micro-organisms. To minimise the risk of contamination, aseptic technique is used. This is an essential technique and requires practice, practice and more practice.
There are special precautions that should be taken when working in a Microbiology laboratory. While the organisms you will use will not be dangerous, current Good Microbiology Practice (cGMP) asks you to assume that all micro-organisms are pathogenic i.e. capable of causing disease, and to take appropriate precautions. This means using standard procedures for manipulating, storing and disposing of micro-organisms. To minimise the risk of contamination, aseptic technique is used. This is an essential technique and requires practice, practice and more practice.
Hazard Signage and labelling
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Labelling and signage will alert you to potential hazards and YOUR behaviour will minimise the risks posed by laboratory hazards. It is important to take seriously ALL signage. All chemicals have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that should be consulted before use.
Be familiar with the hazard symbols in Table 1.
Be familiar with the hazard symbols in Table 1.
Health and safety interaction
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