Lab usage must be documented, and only authorized personnel may enter laboratory workspace. If unknown or suspicious personnel is spotted in or around the lab, laboratory management and facility security is to be alerted at once. Aforementioned personnel must be watched carefully with due regard to one’s own safety.
All authorized personnel entering the lab workspace must be briefed and trained on safety protocols for common emergencies.
Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in lab space. Any consumable that has crossed lab thresholds must be discarded immediately.
Unless necessary, personal items (especially those easily contaminated) should be left in the staff rest area, and not be brought into contact with lab environments.
Personnel entering lab space must wear adequate clothing. Clothing and footwear that exposes large portions of skin are not allowed. Slippers are strictly prohibited in the lab.
All personnel entering the laboratory workspace must wear adequate PPE. For the general workspace in a BSL-1 molecular biology and microbiology lab, this includes a fitting lab coat, latex or vinyl gloves, masks, goggles and if necessary, shoe covers.
Special requirements for personal protection:
When utilizing dyes that target DNA or protein in electrophoresis, at least two layers of gloves are required. DO NOT allow dye to contact skin directly. Dispose of the outer glove immediately after working with dyes.
When using UV light sources, cover all exposed skin in the area of effect, use proper eye protection at all times. Do not work under or sit in front of the laminar flow hood when the UV light is on.
Potentially dangerous chemicals:
TEMED is a volatile neurotoxin used as a curing agent for polyacrylamide gels. Always use TEMED under a running chemical fume hood with proper PPE and a respirator if working with large amounts. Always seal the TEMED container immediately after use in the chemical.
Anhydrous Acetic Acid is a highly volatile organic acid used in washing of Coomasie blue dye. Acetic acid and its fumes are highly irritating to eyes, lungs, and skin. Use proper PPE and work under a chemical fume hood when working with acetic acid. If acetic acid comes into contact with skin, wash with running water until acid is removed. If acetic acid comes into contact with eyes, wash continuously with running water at an eye wash station for more than 15 minutes, and seek medical attention immediately. Acetic acid and its fumes are highly flammable. Do not work with acetic acid in the presence of an open flame.
Ethanol, methanol and isopropanol are highly flammable and volatile liquids. Do not store these reagents in proximity to an open flame. Do not work with these reagents in the presence of an open flame.
Dangerous chemicals are stored in the designated metal Dangerous Chemicals Closet. Retrieval, use and return of chemicals from the closet should be documented clearly. All chemicals should be returned to the closet, and the closet should be locked. Do not open the closet in the presence of an open flame. Do not allow access to the closet to non-authorized personnel. Do not remove chemicals from the closet without permission. Do not unnecessarily remove chemicals from the closet. The Dangerous Chemicals Closet contains extremely dangerous acids and toxic compounds. Concentrated Hydrochloric acid, concentrated phosphoric acid, and concentrated ammonium hydroxide can cause severe damage. Trichloromethane is highly volatile and toxic. Concentrated hydrofluoric acid is extremely fatal. Non-institutional possession of any chemical stored in the dangerous chemicals closet is a serious crime under Chinese law.
Laboratory equipment safety:
During electrophoresis, avoid touching the buffer solution as it may cause electric shocks.
Exercise caution when using the centrifuge to balance the load weight. Do not leave the centrifuge running unattended.
Dispose of laboratory waste properly. Temporarily store liquid waste until it is able to be properly disposed of.
Wash and disinfect hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.