Institutional Biosafety Committee

Code of practice in Laboratory

• Biohazard symbol should be placed at the entrance of recombinant DNA work area
• Access to the laboratory should be limited or restricted only to the workers
• Eating, drinking, smoking, storing food, and applying cosmetics should not be permitted in the laboratory work area.
• Laboratory coats, gown or uniforms should be worn while in the laboratory. The protective clothing should be removed before leaving laboratory for non-laboratory areas.
• Gloves should be worn while handling the rDNA materials and infectious agents to avoid skin contamination
• All contaminated liquid or wastes should be decontaminated by ethanol treatment or autoclaving before disposal
• Contaminated materials should be stored in leak-proof containers till decontamination
• Mechanical pipetting devices should be used; mouth pipetting is prohibited.
• Work surfaces are decontaminated at least once a day
• Persons should wash their hands after handling recombinant DNA materials and infectious agents.
• Creation of aerosols should be minimized.
• Biological Safety Cabinets should be used for routine work with rDNA materials and infectious agents.
• Control measures should be taken to avoid entry of insects and rodents.
• Spills and accidents which result in rDNA exposures, or exposure to infectious organisms should be immediately reported to laboratory in-charge and IBSC.

Code of Practice for Containment Laboratory

The code of practice for a basic laboratory applies as follows except where modified

• The two-person rule should apply, whereby no individual works alone within the laboratory.
• A hazard warning sign should be displayed on laboratory doors, identifying the agent, the name of the laboratory supervisor and other responsible person(s) and indicating any special conditions of entry into the area (immunizations, etc.).
• Laboratory clothing that protects street clothing (i.e. solid front or wrap-around gowns, scrub suits, coveralls, etc.) must be worn in the laboratory. Laboratory clothing must not be worn outside the laboratory and must be decontaminated before being laundered.
• When appropriate, respiratory protective equipment should be worn in rooms containing infected animals.

Handling Bio-hazardous Materials

• Skin exposure: Vigorously wash affected skin with plenty of soap and water while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
• Eye exposure: Wash eyes for at least 10 minutes with plenty amounts of water, lifting the upper and lower eyelids occasionally.
• Seek follow-up medical attention by contacting your supervisor for referral to the medical facilities or for medical assistance call IBSC.

Procedure for Cleanup of Biological fluid/bacterial Spill and Reporting

Follow these procedures for cleaning-up spills of blood and blood products. The same procedures can be used for cleaning up other body fluids. For any assistance call IBSC. Prior to beginning the clean-up, wear personal protecting equipment (PPE) i.e. rubber, latex, PVC or similar type gloves, lab coat etc.

• The following items may be needed in handling the spill
  • 10% bleach solution or Lysol
  • Gloves
  • Clear plastic bags
  • Biohazard labels (available from IBSC)
  • Leak-proof sharps containers
  • Brush & dustpan, or tongs or forceps for picking up sharps materia
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Gauze piece
• Cover all the spill area with a paper towel/blotting sheet and then pour freshly prepared mixed 10% bleach and water solution. Allow solution to soak into the contaminated material for 20-30 minute.
• Any glass, needles, or other sharp objects that may puncture the skin will should not be picked up by hand. Only brush and dustpan, or forceps are allowed to pick the sharp material.
• If you do not have such equipment available, contact IBSC for assistance. Wipe up bleached material with paper towels or absorbent pads. It may be necessary to use a scrub brush to remove the material and clean the area.
• If you do not have such equipment available, contact IBSC for assistance. Wipe up bleached material with paper towels or absorbent pads. It may be necessary to use a scrub brush to remove the material and clean the area.
• Place bleached material, gloves and other disposable materials into a labeled biohazard bag and place into either another labeled biohazard bag or container. Ensure lids are firmly sealed on all waste containers when spill clean-up is complete and keep biohazard waste container in a biohazard waste room until picked by biohazard waste agency.

Procedure for using hazardous chemicals

• Familiarize yourself with the potential hazards of chemicals. Keep record of MSDSs of the hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory.
• Evaluate the type of toxicity of the hazardous chemical (i.e. corrosive, irritant, sensitizer, and carcinogen), the possible routes of exposure (i.e. inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, injection) and hazards of flammable and explosive chemicals.
• Appropriate eye protection and protective apparel should be used during the chemical handling and follow the appropriate procedure to minimize exposure.
• Smallest container or the amount of hazardous material that will be used within a reasonable period should be purchased.
• First aid is always the top priority. If you spill a hazardous material on yourself, remove any potentially contaminated clothing immediately. Seek appropriate medical treatment.
• If material spills in your eye, flush for at least 15 minutes (for corrosive materials, you may need to flush for up to 60 minutes – review the (MSDS). Seek appropriate medical treatment.
• Use leak-proof containers, metal cans, or plastic-coated bottles for storing and transporting hazardous material.
• Do not place glass containers of chemicals on the floor and avoid fallen or leaking gas cylinders