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The University of Tennessee

University of Tennessee Mycology Lab

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Saftey

PRIMARY LAB HAZARDS

ACRYLAMIDE - If you use polyacrylamide gels for separating DNAs, you will need to be especially careful.  Acrylamide and bis-acrylamide are neurotoxins.   Do not inhale acrylamide or bis-acrylamide and do not allow skin contact. If possible, weigh acrylamide in a fume hood.  Use a tight chemical mask while weighing.   Wear gloves and a lab coat when weighing or usingacrylamide powders or solutions. Wash thoroughly and immediately if you come into contact with powder of liquid. In theory, acrylamide is not toxic when polymerized into a gel but small areas of unpolymerized liquid can remain so handle the gels with gloves.  To dispose of a gel, wrap the gel thoroughly in plastic wrap and dispose of as directed by your lab director.

ETHIDIUM BROMIDE (EtBr)- Mutagen. No skin contact. Wear gloves. EtBr breaks down in  light and for that reason, used or waste   EtBr solutions are stored in clear glass on the window sill in our lab where it is decomposed by sunlight.  If you get EtBr solution on your skin, wash thoroughly.

B-MERCAPTOETHANOL- don't inhale it

CHLOROFORM - don't inhale it and use only in a chemical hood.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK - Gel electrophoresis apparatuses can deliver a lethal shock if used improperly.  While modern gel rigs have built-in safety devices to protect against shock, it's always best to unplug your gel apparatus or power source before doing anything with your gels

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION - Transilluminators emit light in the 250nm range which is mutagenic and can burn sensitive eye tissues. Avoid exposure to eyes and skin. Short term exposure will cause eye and skin burn. Long term exposure will cause cataracts. Plastic shields block the UV light and allow only visible light through. Always use some type of shielding.

LIQUID NITROGEN - will freeze living tissue instantly. Use only approved containers. Wear protective gloves (such as thick rubber gloves)

SAFETY REGULATIONS

  1. Never eat food in research areas. Never put food in  refrigerators that caontain research materials.
  2. Check chemical files for proper handling of chemicals or ask the lab head. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) should be available for all chemicals used in the lab.  We keep ours in a special safety notebook.
  3. Wear gloves when handling anything in the lab. You may reuse gloves so long as they do not leak.
  4. Know the fire escape routes and where fire extinguishers are.
  5. Know how to handle toxic spills (pour kitty litter over them)
  6. Be aware of radioactive areas.
  7. Know how to call for help (Usually 911).
  8. Know where the safety manual is and read applicable sections.
  9. Know where safety equipment is including
    1. First Aid kit
    2. Fire extinguisher
    3. Body wash
    4. Eye wash
    5. Kitty Litter for acid or other toxic spills
  10. Know the primary lab hazards and what to do in all cases