Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 [email protected]
Mar 26, 2015
Laboratory Risk ManagementProfessor Michael Gillings
Department of Biological Sciences
Macquarie University, NSW 2109
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