Safety Rules:         

Standard Microbiological Safety Practices http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/bmbl4s3.htm#Biosafety%20Level%202%20(BSL-2)

1. Access to the laboratory is limited or restricted.

2. Persons wash their hands after they handle viable materials, after removing gloves, and before leaving the laboratory.

3. Eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, applying cosmetics, and storing food for human use are not permitted in the work areas. Persons who wear contact lenses in laboratories should also wear goggles or a face shield. Food is stored outside the work area in cabinets or refrigerators designated and used for this purpose only.

4. Mouth pipetting is prohibited; mechanical pipetting devices are used.

5. Policies for the safe handling of sharps are instituted.

6. All procedures are performed carefully to minimize the creation of splashes or aerosols.

7. Work surfaces are decontaminated at least once a day and after any spill of viable material.

8. All cultures, stocks, and other regulated wastes are decontaminated before disposal by an approved decontamination method such as autoclaving. Materials to be decontaminated outside of the immediate laboratory are to be placed in a durable, leakproof container and closed for transport from the laboratory. Materials to be decontaminated outside of the immediate laboratory are packaged in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations before removal from the facility.

9. A biohazard sign can be posted at the entrance to the laboratory whenever infectious agents are present. The sign may include the name of the agent(s) in use and the name and phone number of the investigator.

10. An insect and rodent control program is in effect.

11. Spills and accidents that result in overt exposures to infectious materials are immediately reported to the laboratory director. Medical evaluation, surveillance, and treatment are provided as appropriate and written records are maintained.

12. Children and animals are not permitted in the lab.

B. Special Practices

1. Access to the laboratory is limited or restricted by the laboratory director when work with infectious agents is in progress. In general, persons who are at increased risk of acquiring infection, or for whom infection may have serious consequences, are not allowed in the laboratory or animal rooms. For example, persons who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed may be at increased risk of acquiring infections. The laboratory director has the final responsibility for assessing each circumstance and determining who may enter or work in the laboratory or animal room.

C. Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers)

1. Special containment devices or equipment such as a biological safety cabinet are generally not required for manipulations of agents assigned to Biosafety Level 1.

2. It is recommended that laboratory coats, gowns, or uniforms be worn to prevent contamination or soiling of street clothes.

3. Gloves should be worn if the skin on the hands is broken or if a rash is present. Alternatives to powdered latex gloves should be available.

4. Protective eyewear should be worn for conduct of procedures in which splashes of microorganisms or other hazardous materials is anticipated.

D. Laboratory Facilities (Secondary Barriers)

1. Laboratories should have doors for access control.

2. Each laboratory contains a sink for hand washing.

3. The laboratory is designed so that it can be easily cleaned. Carpets and rugs in laboratories are not appropriate.

4. Bench tops are impervious to water and are resistant to moderate heat and the organic solvents, acids, alkalis, and chemicals used to decontaminate the work surface and equipment.

5. Laboratory furniture is capable of supporting anticipated loading and uses. Spaces between benches, cabinets, and equipment are accessible for cleaning.

6. If the laboratory has windows that open to the exterior, they are fitted with fly screens.

When public conditions warrant the CDC publishes Health Alerts. Below are the various categories of Alerts

   A Safety Quiz will be given during the next lab period. If you do not pass the quiz you will be dropped from the class.

You will need to sign and date the safety contract acknowledging that you have read the syllabus and safety rules and will agree to abide by them. (Contract)

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Bakersfield College | Kern Community College District | Janet Fulks
1801 Panorama Dr. - Bakersfield, CA 93305 - (661)395-4011
Date last updated 08/22/2010
ŠJanet Fulks