McGill
Laboratory Biosafety Manual - Second edition, 1997
2 Laboratory Safety Protocols
Basic requirements for a laboratory using infectious materials are:
Ensure that all laboratory personnel including service and custodial staff
and visitors understand the chemical and biological dangers associated
with the lab. Affix biohazard signs to Laboratory Information Cards (refer
to Section 5.20 of the "McGill Laboratory Safety Manual") on doors outside
laboratories where biohazardous material is handled or stored. The protocol
to be followed in case of a spill of the biohazardous material should be
posted in a visible location in the laboratory (refer to Section 5.2, "The
Spill Response Plan").
Restrict laboratory access and keep doors locked when laboratory is unattended.
Keep the facility clean and free of clutter. Ensure that emergency safety
devices (e.g., fire extinguishers, eyewashes, etc.) are easily accessible
and in working order.
Ensure that all personnel, students and visitors wear protective clothing
such as lab coats, gloves and safety glasses. Remove lab coats or gowns
before leaving the laboratory; never wear lab clothing in eating facilities.
Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, storage of food and food utensils, application
of cosmetics or lip balm and insertion or removal of contact lenses in
the laboratory.
Restrain long hair. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry, shorts and
open-toed shoes or sandals.
Observe "Universal Precautions" when collecting, processing, storing, shipping
or transporting human blood and body fluids; i.e., handle such specimens
as if infected with a bloodborne pathogen such as hepatitis B or human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Carry out procedures so as to minimize risks of splashes, spills and generation
of aerosols.
Refrain from pipetting by mouth.
Use hypodermic needles only when absolutely necessary. Do not bend, break,
shear or recap used needles.
Wash hands after handling infectious material (even when gloves have been
worn) and before leaving the laboratory.
Decontaminate all contaminated materials before disposal or reuse.
Decontaminate laboratory surfaces following any spill of biohazardous materials
and at the end of each work day.
Report all spills and accidents/incidents (refer to Section 9).