Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Laboratory Risk ManagementProfessor Michael Gillings

Department of Biological Sciences

Macquarie University, NSW 2109

michael.gillings@mq.edu.au

My personal safety priorities1. People

2. Samples

3. Equipment and infrastructure

Safety is about understanding the risks, not about blindly following safety instructions

Risks to People

• Chemical

• Radiation

• Infectious

• Physical

Chemical SafetyChemical handling and disposal conforms with the most

up to date regulations

Chemical risk management

• Knowledge Laboratory induction, supervision

MSDS documentation

Chemical labeling

• Exposure Protective clothing

Fume hoods

Safety showers / eyewash

• Disposal Segregated waste streams

Area of concern Response

Treat every compound as if it were poisonous

Long Term: Reduce and Replace

Large volume phenol/chloroform DNA extractions

Replace with small volume non-solvent kits

DNA staining with ethidium bromide

Replace with non-carcinogenic stains

Radiation SafetyRadiation hazards are dealt with by induction, radiation

safety officers and specialized containment

Radiation risk managementArea of concern Response• Ultraviolet light Dedicated space / safety visors

• Microwaves Microwave testing

• Radioisotopes Dedicated radiation suite

Licensing / Radiation safety officer

Radiation training / exposure badges

Protective shields and clothing

Long Term: Reduce and Replace

• Significant decline in the use of radioactive materials.

• Replacement with non-isotopic labeling systems and detection methods.

Microbiological SafetyStaff and students are trained in microbiological procedures,

and governed by regulations on biosafety and quarantine

Risks with infectious agentsArea of concern Response

Pathogenic organisms Biosafety approval

/ blood & tissues Good microbiological practice

Protective clothing

Class II cabinets

Zoonotic diseases Biosafety approval

Animal ethics approval

SOPs for animal work

Physical containmentArea of concern Response

Quarantinable specimens Dedicated PC2 / quarantine lab

Genetically modified organisms Biosafety induction & permits

OGTR inspection & certification

Physical containment laboratories

PC2 operating rules / disposal

Physical risk managementLaboratories conform to strict building codes (fire ratings, ventilation, emergency stops etc)

Physical risk managementArea of concern Response

Trips and falls Non-slip flooring, good housekeeping

Needle stick injury Dedicated sharps and glass disposal

Electrical Residual current devices, Tagg testing

Unanticipated risks Rapid response and risk abatement

Sample managementSamples are extremely valuable, reagents are expensive and

have strict storage requirements

Why are samples so valuable?• They are difficult and expensive to collect

• They are often irreplaceable

• They are easily destroyed

• They are labor intensive to prepare

Majority of valuable samples are stored in dedicated freezers with back to base alarm systems installed

Managing equipment and infrastructure

Laboratory space and equipment is expensive. Equipment can also be hazardous

Managing equipment risksEquipment risk is managed by adherence to specific

Safe Work Procedures (SWPs)

Autoclaves High pressures and temperatures

Centrifuges High rotational velocities

Electrophoresis gear High voltages

-80oC freezer Contact freezer burns

Microwaves Incorrect use

For your lab inspection:We have stopped research and teaching activity for your tour of the PC2 and teaching laboratories.

Even though you are just visiting, you will still need to conform with safety regulations:

• Closed in footwear

• No food or drink allowed (including chewing gum)

• Don’t touch anything