STANDARD MICROBIOLOGICAL PRACTICES

Standard Microbiological Practices refer to the safe laboratory work practices for working with biological agents. A copy of the Student Statement of Understanding and Agreement can be found in Appendix B. This form is to be signed by all students in the microbiology class and the forms are forwarded to the Chemical Hygiene Officer to be kept on file.

HYGIENE & HOUSEKEEPING

Keep work areas clean and uncluttered to reduce the chance of cross contamination and inadvertent exposure to biohazards. To avoid the ingestion of contaminated material, use a mechanical pipetting device. Keep food out of refrigerators and microwaves in the work area. Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, and contact lenses, or storage of foods is not permitted within the laboratory.

• Wash hands after removing gloves, before leaving the lab, and when handling materials known or suspected to be contaminated.
• Clean work surfaces and decontaminate with the approved disinfectant at the end of each day. (See the disinfectant and sterilization section for a complete list of approved disinfectants on page 5 of this manual.)
• Remove gloves before leaving the lab.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

•  Wear gloves if skin on the hand is broken, if a rash is present, and when handling biological waste.
• Remove rings or other jewelry that could puncture gloves.
• Wear appropriate gloves for the hazard. Usually a type of latex or nitrile glove that is recommended for working with biological material.
• Avoid reusing gloves.
• Wear eyewear approved for UV light or other rays that could damage eyes.