Safety in Biological

Sciences Laboratories
For newcomers, the
laboratory may at first
seem like a maze with
a myriad of things to
learn, safety
procedures to follow,
rules to be obeyed,
hazards to contend
with, new safety
equipment to use,
etc, etc ..
This presentation will
introduce you to such
procedures.

Safety in Biological
Sciences Laboratories
It is important to
remember and
comply with these
safety instructions.
Students not
working according
to these
precautions may be
asked to leave the
lab.

General Safety
Precautions
Protective clothing
All students must wear
a lab coat during lab
sessions
Leave the lab coat in
the room if you must
leave the lab before its
completion
Gloves or bandaids will
be available if required
Wear goggles if risk of
splash

General Precautions
It is important to wash hands
thoroughly before leaving the lab
or if you have spilled on your
hands

General Precautions
Spills
Report all spills to the lab instructor,
whether they are on the bench, floor,
equipment or on your person

General Safety
Precautions
Disposal
Ensure you have disposed
of wastes in appropriate
containers
Biohazardous material: red
autoclave bags
Biohazardous sharps (anything
that may puncture a bag):
yellow sharps containers
Ensure broken non
contaminated glassware is
disposed of in proper
containers

General Safety
Precautions
No eating or drinking
in the lab
Suitable footwear: no
open toes or heels
Report all cuts,
scrapes, burns or
other injuries to the
instructor
Keep fingers and
objects away from
your mouth and eyes

General Safety
Precautions
Familiarize yourself with the
location and proper use of the
following:
Safety showers
Fire extinguishers
Eye wash stations
Fire alarms
Electrical shutoff (not in all rooms)

General Safety
Precautions
Familiarize yourself with the
location and proper use of:
Gas shutoff
Spill kits
MSDS (material safety data sheets)
Familiarize yourself with the procedure
for emergency drill, evacuation and
meeting area outside

WHMIS for Biology

Students
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System
Federal legislation to protect workers by
supplying information about hazardous
materials they may be using
Goal is to reduce injury and disease by
communicating specific health and safety
information that can be used to reduce
exposure to hazardous materials

WHMIS Hazard
Classifications
Class A: Compressed Gas
Class B: Flammable & Combustible

Class C: Oxidizing Material

Class D: Poisonous & Infectious Material

WHMIS Hazard
Classifications
Class E: Corrosive Material

Class F: Dangerously Reactive

Material

Material Safety Data

Sheets (MSDSs)
provides specific hazard information, safe
handling information, and emergency procedures
for a controlled product.
Key source of information for developing safe
working procedures.
Accessed online at TRU
Bookmarked on all Biology computers
ThompsonMSDS
Msds
Read before using new chemicals

MSDSs Provide
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Product Information
Hazardous Ingredients
Physical Data
Fire and Explosion Hazard
Reactivity Data
Toxicological Properties
Preventative Measures
First Aid Measures
Preparation Information

Safe Handling Instructions

In addition to WHMIS classification
workplace labels must include safe
handling information and personal
protective clothing and equipment
required
This information may be written or
included as symbols

Acetone Workplace Label

Keep away from heat, sparks, and
flames
Wear safety goggles and butyl
rubber gloves
Use in fumehood
MSDS available

MSDS Database
http://www.tru.ca/hsafety/workinglearningsafely/work
.html

Safe Work Procedures

If unsure of proper procedure for
performing a specific procedure check
safe working procedures at:
http://www.tru.ca/hsafety/workinglearningsafely/work.html