Laboratory Safety 

Molecular techniques often involve complicated multi-step procedures. A single-step mistake can jeopardize the entire experiment, especially when conducting it for the first time. In addition to previewing each weekly laboratory exercise to comprehend the lab procedure, safety rules and techniques are crucial throughout the experiments. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with them before conducting any of the experiments because they protect you and others from injury. They also ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory activity. Since various hazardous chemicals are used in the lab, you need to wear a lab coat and disposable gloves to protect yourself from harmful chemicals and prevent contamination of samples. Additionally, for specific experiments, you may need to wear safety glasses or goggles for further protection. You must carefully read the safety rules below and locate the safety equipment in the laboratory, even if you have learned lab safety from previous courses.

1. A proper dress code is required when working in the laboratory. Do not wear shorts, sandals, or open-toed shoes.
2. No food or drink is allowed in the laboratory. Since the laboratory is 3 to 4 hours long, you can obtain permission to enter the hallway for a quick snack break if time allows.
3. The laboratory should have several safety items, including eyewash stations, a fume hood, a fire extinguisher, a shower, and a fire blanket. Please familiarize yourself with their locations.
4. When using the microwave, you are required to wear “hot hands” or “oven mittens.”
5. When working with liquid nitrogen (N₂), you should wear proper safety gear to prevent contact or inhalation of the extremely cold vapor.
   1. Cover and insulate skin to avoid exposure.
   2. Use oven mittens and goggles when dispensing and handling liquid N₂.
   3. Store liquid N₂ in cylinders or insulated dewar flasks to minimize boil-off and prevent oxygen deficiency.
   4. Avoid contact with moisture in storage containers.
6. Report all accidents, such as spills, cuts, burns, or other injuries, to the instructor immediately.
7. When working with live, mostly non-pathogenic bacteria, please follow standard procedures addressed by the instructor for disposing of bacterial waste when the time comes.
8. All spills must be cleaned up immediately. Notify an instructor if you spill a potentially hazardous chemical or liquid containing live microorganisms.
9. Hazardous chemicals are disposed of in the satellite accumulation area. The instructor should provide more details for disposal when the time comes.
10. Dispose of glass only in the designated container for glass disposal. Do not put glass or sharp objects in the regular trash or autoclavable bags marked as biohazard. Do not put trash or plastic in the glass containers; they must go in the regular trash containers.
11. Observe the gel on the monitor if you’re using a digital imager, or take a photograph and analyze it if you don’t have one. Never analyze your gel on the transilluminator. Always wear UV-protective safety glasses or face shields when using the transilluminator to prevent corneal damage.
12. Keep your laboratory bench clutter-free by placing personal items in cabinets and drawers.
13. At the end of the laboratory session, please clean up your bench and any other area used in the lab. Ensure that all lab equipment is clean before putting it away. If anything is broken, please notify the instructor.
14. Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.