1. Laboratory Risk Management
Professor Michael Gillings
Department of Biological Sciences
Macquarie University, NSW 2109

2. My personal safety priorities
People
Samples
Equipment and infrastructure
Safety is about understanding the risks, not about blindly following safety instructions

3. Risks to People
Chemical
Radiation
Infectious
Physical

4. Chemical Safety
Chemical handling and disposal conforms with the most up to date regulations

5. Chemical risk management
Area of concern Response
Knowledge Laboratory induction, supervision
MSDS documentation
Chemical labeling
Exposure Protective clothing
Fume hoods
Safety showers / eyewash
Disposal Segregated waste streams
Treat every compound as if it were poisonous

6. 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

7. Radiation Safety
Radiation hazards are dealt with by induction, radiation safety officers and specialized containment

8. Radiation risk management
Area 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

9. Long Term: Reduce and Replace
Significant decline in the use of radioactive materials.
Replacement with non-isotopic labeling systems and detection methods.

10. Microbiological Safety
Staff and students are trained in microbiological procedures, and governed by regulations on biosafety and quarantine

11. Risks with infectious agents
Area 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

12. Physical containment Area 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

13. Physical risk management
Laboratories conform to strict building codes (fire ratings, ventilation, emergency stops etc)

14. Physical risk management
Area 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

15. Sample management
Samples are extremely valuable, reagents are expensive and have strict storage requirements

16. 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

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

18. Managing equipment risks
Equipment 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

19. 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