BIOL 191 Laboratory Rules and Safety Procedures
Failure to follow the lab rules and safety guidelines may result in a reduction in grade or dismissal from the course. Assume all organisms you work with are disease-causing forms (pathogens).Utilize universal precautions and aseptic technique at all times. Ask the instructor before performing any activity for which you need clarification. These guidelines are for the safety of all persons entering the lab and those with which they come in contact. In an emergency, use the classroom phone to dial 911, not your cell phone.
1. Food and drink are NEVER allowed in the lab.
2. Personal items are NEVER allowed at the lab benches. This includes electronics, such as CELL PHONES, iPads, calculators, etc., and personal writing implements and notebooks. All personal items must be placed in the storage cubicle area, including coats and bookbags.
3. Before you place anything on the lab bench top or start your work, you must wash your hands with soap and water and clean the lab bench with the disinfectant provided in the squirt bottle.
4. The only materials that are allowed on lab bench tops are those absolutely essential to the activities of the lab exercise. Only use writing implements that are provided (in the lab bench drawers); none should leave the lab.
5. All necessary materials, such as lab instructions, must be secured on a clipboard. Clean the clipboard before and after each use with the spray cleaner. Other paper should be placed in the storage space below the lab bench top.
6. After completing the lab exercise, you must again wash your hands with soap and water and clean the lab bench with disinfectant. Before you leave, both you and your partner must check the sinks, lab bench surface, space under the lab bench top, lab bench drawers, and floor to be sure they are free of waste.
7. Never remove media, equipment, or bacterial cultures from the laboratory.
8. Personal protections
A. Long hair must be secured in back. Do not wear dangling jewelry. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
B. Aprons should be worn at all times.
C. Safety glasses (regular glasses should fit under the safety glasses) must be worn when working with liquid cultures, chemicals (including stains), and Bunsen burners.
D. Gloves must be worn when working with liquid cultures and chemicals (including stains).
E. Proper hand washing must be performed after using any live culture.
F. Do not place anything in your mouth or eyes while in the lab (pencils, fingers, etc.). Do not apply cosmetics (including things such as chapstick) in the lab.
9. Before use, check that the Bunsen burner and line are not corroded or broken (pull on line to see small cracks).
A. The gas must be turned on by the instructor each class period. Check that the gas valves at your lab bench are shut off BEFORE the instructor turns on the gas.
B. Remember Bunsen burners are hot after use.
10. Immediately report all injuries, spills, and broken glass to the instructor. Assume all cultures, stains, and chemicals are dangerous. Flush all spills on the skin with water.
A. Immediately cover spills and broken glass with a paper towel. Saturate bacterial spills with disinfectant for 15 minutes.
B. Never pick up broken glass. Contact the instructor so he/she can use the dust pan and brush.
11. Know the locations of the following: safety glasses, UV goggle sterilizer, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, eye wash, and shower.
12. Carry all test tubes in test tube racks and when keeping them on your lab bench. Only open culture plates and tubes when absolutely required.
13. Never place any contaminated materials on the lab bench, including petri plate lids and tube caps. They must be held, sterilized, or disposed of. Inoculating loops, needles, and bactispreaders must be sterilized by flaming.
14. Disposal
A. DO NOT PUT USED TEST TUBES IN A BIOHAZARD BAG. Place used test tubes in a test tube rack on the disposal cart in the back of the lab.
B. DO place used culture plates, gloves, pipets, and other contaminated materials in a biohazard bag on the disposal cart.
C. Put student-made “fixed” slides in the ‘glass’ box (not the sharps container or trash) at the front of the classroom.
15. All reusable equipment and materials must be returned to their appropriate location at the end of the lab period.
16. Microscope checklists must be completed by each student and turned in for all labs using the microscope.
17. In order for the exercises to flow smoothly and be completed in a timely manner, it is important that you read each lab exercise and complete the pre-lab assignment(s) before coming to class.
18. Your lab partner depends on you to attend all labs and to arrive on time.
19. Follow all directions carefully. Failure to do so may waste materials, and extra may not be available. Therefore, if directions are not followed, you or others may not be able to complete the lab.
Microscope number:
Emergency Assembly Spot:
BIOL 191 Introductory Microbiology
Laboratory Student Safety Agreement
I have read the Laboratory Rules and Safety Procedures for Introductory Microbiology at Heartland Community College, and I understand its content. I agree to abide by all laboratory rules set forth by the instructor. I understand that my safety is entirely my own responsibility and that I may be putting myself and others in danger if I do not abide by all the rules set forth. Students who are immune-compromised, living with or caring for an immune-compromised individual, pregnant or may become pregnant, or have a serious medical condition are advised to consult with their physician to determine the appropriate level of participation in the lab. A complete list of the bacterial species used throughout the semester will be provided upon request.
Student name (print):
Signature of student:
Date:
Lab Section:
Lab partners:
(Name and contact information)
Microscope number:
Do you have a medical condition or other concern that you want the instructor to be aware of?
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