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Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 [email protected]
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Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 [email protected].

Mar 26, 2015

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Page 1: 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

[email protected]

Page 2: Laboratory Risk Management Professor 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

Page 3: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Risks to People

• Chemical

• Radiation

• Infectious

• Physical

Page 4: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Chemical SafetyChemical handling and disposal conforms with the most

up to date regulations

Page 5: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 6: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 7: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Radiation SafetyRadiation hazards are dealt with by induction, radiation

safety officers and specialized containment

Page 8: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 9: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Long Term: Reduce and Replace

• Significant decline in the use of radioactive materials.

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

Page 10: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Microbiological SafetyStaff and students are trained in microbiological procedures,

and governed by regulations on biosafety and quarantine

Page 11: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 12: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 13: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 14: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 15: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Sample managementSamples are extremely valuable, reagents are expensive and

have strict storage requirements

Page 16: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 17: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

Managing equipment and infrastructure

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

Page 18: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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

Page 19: Laboratory Risk Management Professor Michael Gillings Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, NSW 2109 michael.gillings@mq.edu.au.

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