Microbiology Lab Safety Guidelines
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a critical safety measure before entering the microbiology laboratory?

  • Bringing food and drinks
  • Reading personal messages
  • Wearing personal protective equipment (correct)
  • Removing lab coats before entry

What is the primary purpose of using a Bunsen burner in microbiology?

  • To heat and mix solutions
  • To sterilize culture media
  • To incubate microbial cultures
  • To create a sterile work area (correct)

Which inoculation technique involves transferring a microorganism to a culture medium using a loop?

  • Streak plating technique (correct)
  • Spread plating technique
  • Serial dilution method
  • Lawn culture method

What is an important consideration when operating a centrifuge in the microbiology lab?

<p>Balance the tubes evenly within the rotor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a vortex mixer in a laboratory?

<p>To mix solutions in tubes or small flasks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of equipment is commonly used for mixing solutions uniformly in microbiological experiments?

<p>Magnetic stirrer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is used for the precise counting of bacterial colonies on an agar plate?

<p>Colony Counter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature does a water bath provide for laboratory experiments?

<p>It incubates samples at a regulated temperature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method is primarily used for counting bacterial colonies on an agar plate?

<p>Colony counting technique (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a biosafety level according to the CDC?

<p>Biosafety Level 5 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an anaerobic jar primarily used for?

<p>To create an environment devoid of oxygen for bacteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory equipment is used to achieve high accuracy in temperature measurement?

<p>Laboratory Thermometer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of contaminant should always be reported immediately in the microbiology lab?

<p>Injuries and accidents (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process does a water distiller primarily serve?

<p>Separating liquid mixtures through evaporation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a sensitive balance in a laboratory setting?

<p>To weigh small amounts of samples accurately (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the role of a microscope in laboratory research?

<p>It allows observation of objects not visible to the naked eye. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using oil immersion in microscopy?

<p>To increase the resolving power of the microscope (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following combinations yield the highest total magnification in a compound microscope?

<p>100x objective with 10x eyepiece (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT improved by applying immersion oil?

<p>Field of view (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended adjustment method when using the oil immersion objective?

<p>Fine adjustment knob (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before returning the microscope to its cabinet, which step is suggested?

<p>Clean the lenses and stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the light source after using the microscope?

<p>Turn it off and set the intensity control to zero (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To properly examine a specimen under the oil immersion lens, what must be placed on the slide first?

<p>A drop of immersion oil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the microscope should be checked before the end of each lab period?

<p>The cleanliness and readiness for storage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum acceptable length for lab coats worn in the laboratory?

<p>At least knee-length (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of footwear is strictly prohibited in the laboratory?

<p>Sandals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should laboratory gloves not be worn in communal areas?

<p>They may harbor contaminants (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with the gas valve before leaving the laboratory?

<p>It should be turned off (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason students must wash their hands with antimicrobial soap before leaving the lab?

<p>To eliminate microbial contamination (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of laboratory safety equipment is used for immediate decontamination of the body?

<p>Safety Shower (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited regarding the removal of media and equipment from the laboratory?

<p>It is prohibited unless directed by the instructor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a colony counter in laboratory settings?

<p>To count colonies of microorganisms on an agar plate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about water baths is accurate?

<p>They are used for incubating samples at a consistent temperature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment is most suitable for precise weighing of small chemical samples?

<p>Sensitive balance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose is a vortex mixer typically utilized?

<p>To mix liquids with a rapid circular motion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a water distiller in the laboratory?

<p>To separate components of a liquid mixture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a glovebox in a laboratory setting?

<p>To serve as a barrier against hazardous materials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What temperature is most commonly used in incubators for the growth of bacteria?

<p>37°C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an autoclave in a laboratory?

<p>To sterilize equipment using high-pressure steam (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long should instruments typically be sterilized in a hot air oven at 160°C?

<p>1.5 to 2 hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary use of a laboratory refrigerator?

<p>To cool samples for preservation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What considers laminar air flow to be effective in laboratory environments?

<p>Its creation of uniform air velocities along parallel lines (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the sterilization temperature and pressure typically used in an autoclave?

<p>121°C at 15 lbs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical operating range for hot air ovens?

<p>100°C (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature does a HEPA filter provide in a glovebox?

<p>Maintains a sterile environment through negative pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of an incubator in microbiology?

<p>Providing optimal growth conditions for microbial cultures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of the deep freezer in laboratory settings?

<p>Storage of stock solutions and nutrient media at low temperatures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the adjustable holes at the base of a Bunsen burner?

<p>To regulate the amount of air mixed with gas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which material is typically used in the construction of the tip of an inoculation loop?

<p>Platinum or nichrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a centrifuge in laboratory settings?

<p>To separate suspensions like serum from blood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature do magnetic stirrers typically incorporate besides stirring?

<p>Heating element (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before using an inoculation loop, what must be done to ensure it is safe for transferring microorganisms?

<p>Sterilize it in a flame until red hot (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of technique might utilize an inoculation needle in microbiological work?

<p>Inoculating agar slopes or dips (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the development of the Bunsen burner?

<p>Robert Wilhelm Bunsen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of modern centrifuges in the laboratory?

<p>Automatic rotor recognition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of culture materials could be stored in a deep freezer?

<p>Cells, tissues, enzymes, and proteins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a microbiological safety cabinet?

<p>To protect personnel from exposure to hazardous pathogens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which class of biosafety cabinet provides protection to personnel, products, and the environment?

<p>Class II (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical to dispose of hazardous chemicals properly in a microbiology lab?

<p>To protect groundwater, plants, and human health (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the inward airflow in a Class I biosafety cabinet?

<p>To protect personnel from contaminating pathogens (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Universal Precautions' in a microbiology lab?

<p>The assumption that all samples are hazardous and must be treated accordingly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Class III biosafety cabinet?

<p>A glovebox that is entirely sealed and ventilated (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the consequences of hazardous chemicals entering drainage systems?

<p>They can lead to pollution affecting both wildlife and human health (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for using HEPA filters in biosafety cabinets?

<p>To prevent the spread of infectious agents into the environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of Class I biosafety cabinets?

<p>They primarily protect only the personnel from hazardous materials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Vortex Mixer

Used for mixing solutions in small containers (test tubes, flasks) using a circular, oscillating motion.

Colony Counter

Automated instrument used to count bacterial colonies on agar plates.

Water Bath

Laboratory container filled with heated water, used to incubate samples at a constant temperature.

Sensitive Balance

Precision instrument used for weighing small amounts of substances (up to milligrams).

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Water Distiller

Device that separates pure water from impurities through evaporation and condensation.

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Laboratory Thermometer

Tool used for measuring temperature with high accuracy in a laboratory setting.

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Anaerobic Jar

Equipment providing an environment without oxygen for the growth of anaerobic bacteria.

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Microscope

Tool used to view very small objects not visible to the naked eye.

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Oil Immersion

A microscopy technique that increases the resolving power by immersing both the objective lens and specimen in high refractive index oil.

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Numerical Aperture

A measure of a lens's ability to gather light. Higher numerical aperture = better resolution.

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Immersion Oil

A transparent oil with a high refractive index for oil immersion microscopy techniques.

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Microscope Objectives

Different lens components (e.g. 10x, 40x, 100x) of a compound microscope that provide different levels of magnification.

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Compound Microscope

A microscope that uses a series of lenses to magnify images. Has multiple lenses.

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Total Magnification

The overall magnification of the image produced by a compound microscope, calculated by multiplying the magnification of the ocular and objective lenses.

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Microscope Cleaning

Properly cleansing the microscope lenses and components using lens paper and cleaning fluids to maintain its functionality.

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Microscope Use Procedure

Specific steps for properly using a microscope, including setting it up, focusing, and cleaning it after use.

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Lab Biosafety Levels

The CDC categorizes labs into four levels based on the infectious hazards of the microorganisms they contain, with higher levels requiring more rigorous safety procedures.

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What are some key safety practices in a microbiology lab?

These include wearing lab coats, washing hands frequently, properly disinfecting surfaces, and following strict protocols to prevent contamination.

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Why is eating or drinking in a microbiology lab forbidden?

Because you might accidentally ingest microorganisms, putting yourself at risk of an infection.

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Emergency in the lab. What do you do?

Report any injury or accident immediately to the instructor. Do not attempt to clean it yourself.

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Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

These are specific techniques and procedures used in a microbiology lab to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.

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What is the purpose of personal hygiene in the microbiology lab?

It helps to prevent the spread of microorganisms from yourself to others and from the lab to the outside world.

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Why is the lab a restricted area?

It contains hazardous materials, including microbes, chemicals, and equipment. Entering requires adhering to specific safety procedures and protocols to protect yourself and others.

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Who to consult if unsure about lab procedures?

Always seek guidance from an academic staff member for any lab procedures or safety measures that are unclear.

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Lab Coat Purpose

Lab coats are worn to protect your clothing and skin from spills and contamination in the lab.

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Closed Shoes in Lab

Closed-toe shoes must be worn in the lab to protect your feet from spills and potential puncture by broken glass.

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Gloves and Communal Areas

Never wear lab gloves while handling common items like door handles, phones, or computers.

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Lab Gloves Use

Lab gloves are essential when working with blood, body fluids, dangerous chemicals, or potentially infectious materials.

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Why is Safety Shower important?

The Safety Shower helps to quickly and thoroughly wash away dangerous chemicals or liquids that may have come into contact with your body.

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Eye Wash Station Use

The Eye Wash Station is used to flush out any dangerous chemicals or substances that may have splashed into your eyes.

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Fume Hood Usage

The Fume Hood helps to vent potentially dangerous fumes and gases away from you while working with chemicals.

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Biosafety Cabinet

A laboratory equipment that protects users and samples from contamination during work with potentially hazardous materials.

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Class I Biosafety Cabinet

A ventilated cabinet with inward airflow and HEPA filters, primarily protecting personnel and the environment. Offers no protection for the product.

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Class II Biosafety Cabinet

A cabinet providing protection for personnel, product, and the environment. It uses inward airflow, HEPA filtration for the work area, and exhaust filtration for release.

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Class III Biosafety Cabinet

A ventilated glovebox with maximum containment, protecting against highly hazardous pathogens.

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Universal Precautions

Treating all biological samples as potentially infectious, regardless of known status.

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Hazardous Waste Disposal

Properly disposing of lab waste to avoid contaminating the environment and causing harm to humans and other organisms.

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Why is proper waste disposal important in a microbiology lab?

Improper disposal of hazardous chemicals can lead to pollution of groundwater, lakes, and drinking water sources, posing serious health risks to humans and environmental damage.

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What types of equipment are essential in a microbiology lab?

Microbiological safety cabinets, incubators, microscopes, autoclaves, vortex mixers, centrifuges, and equipment for preparing cultures and performing tests.

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What are the intended learning objectives in a microbiology lab?

To learn proper equipment handling, safe laboratory practices, and standard operating procedures for different equipment.

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Glovebox

A sealed chamber used to work with hazardous materials, providing a barrier between the worker and the material. It's maintained under negative pressure with HEPA-filtered air.

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Laminar Air Flow

A technique that ensures a uniform, unidirectional flow of air, creating a sterile environment for microbial cultures.

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Incubator

A device controlling temperature and humidity, often used for growing bacterial cultures or facilitating chemical/biological reactions.

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Hot Air Oven

An electrical sterilizer using dry heat to kill microorganisms, suitable for materials that can't be autoclaved.

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Autoclave

A device using high-pressure steam to sterilize equipment and media, effectively killing microorganisms.

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Sterilization Methods

Techniques used to eliminate all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

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Temperature for Most Bacteria

Most bacteria thrive at a temperature around 37°C, which is ideal for their growth and multiplication.

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Refrigerator and Deep Freezer

Used to cool and preserve samples and specimens, maintaining a stable temperature for long-term storage.

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What is the difference between autoclaving and hot air oven sterilization?

Autoclaving uses moist heat (steam) under pressure, while hot air ovens use dry heat. Autoclaving is generally faster and more effective, but not suitable for all materials.

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Why is a sterile environment crucial in microbiology?

To prevent contamination of cultures with unwanted microorganisms, ensuring accurate results and preventing potential infections.

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What is a Vortex Mixer used for?

A Vortex Mixer is a laboratory tool used to mix solutions in small containers like test tubes or flasks. It achieves this by rapidly vibrating the container, causing a swirling or vortex-like motion.

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Water Bath Function

A Water Bath is a laboratory equipment that uses heated water to incubate samples at a constant temperature. It's essential for experiments that require controlled and consistent temperature.

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Sensitive Balance Use

A Sensitive Balance is designed to precisely weigh small amounts of substances, typically in milligrams. It's used for preparing solutions and media in the laboratory.

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Distillation Process

Distillation is a method for separating substances from a liquid mixture. It uses evaporation and condensation to selectively collect the different components.

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Deep Freezer

A device used for long-term storage of temperature-sensitive materials like cells, tissues, and enzymes at very low temperatures.

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Bunsen Burner

A laboratory tool that produces a hot flame by mixing gas with air, used for sterilization and heating.

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Inoculation Loop

A small loop made of platinum or nichrome, used to transfer and inoculate microorganisms into culture media.

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Inoculation Needle

A thin, pointed wire used to transfer microorganisms into solid culture media, like agar slopes.

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Centrifuge Machine

A device that spins liquid samples at high speed to separate components based on density.

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Magnetic Stirrer

A laboratory tool that uses a rotating magnetic field to stir liquids.

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What is a Deep Freezer used for?

It is used for storing biological samples like cells, tissues, and enzymes that need to be preserved at very low temperatures.

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Why is a Bunsen Burner used?

It is used to provide a very hot flame for sterilization and heating in laboratory procedures, often for sterilizing equipment and materials.

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What are Inoculation Loops and Needles used for?

They are used to transfer and inoculate microorganisms into culture media, allowing scientists to grow and study bacteria and fungi.

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What is the purpose of a Centrifuge?

It separates components of a liquid sample based on their density. For example, it can be used to isolate blood serum or plasma.

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Study Notes

Microbiology Lab Safety

  • Restricted Area: The lab is a restricted area at all times. Users, staff, and students are exposed to various hazards: fire, electricity, chemicals, and bio-hazards.
  • Safety Rules: Strict adherence to lab rules is crucial. Microbiology labs have unique containment requirements.
  • Three Main Elements of Safe Containment: Good laboratory practices and technique, safety equipment, and facility design.

Biosafety Levels

  • Different Levels: Four levels of biosafety labs (BSL-1 to BSL-4) are designated and equipped based on the infectious hazards of the microorganisms being handled.
  • BSL-1: Microbes posing minimal risk to workers and the environment.
  • BSL-2: Indigenous microbes associated with varying disease severity. Moderate risk to workers and environment
  • BSL-3: Indigenous or exotic microbes causing serious or potentially lethal diseases through respiratory transmission.
  • BSL-4: Dangerous, exotic microbes posing high aerosol-transmitted infection risk and are frequently fatal.

General Behavior/ Safety Measures

  • Personal Belongings: Coats, books, and other personal belongings should be placed in designated spots, not on benchtops.
  • No Running/Horseplay: Do not engage in running or horseplay.
  • Injuries/Accidents: Report any injuries or accidents immediately to the instructor.
  • Food and Drink: No consumption or storage of food and drinks in labs, or lab-like areas.
  • Smoking: No smoking.
  • No Objects in Mouth: Do not put pencils, fingers, hair or labels in your mouth, eye, or nose.
  • Disinfection: Wipe benchtops with disinfectant solution at the start and end of each lab session.
  • Handwashing: Wash hands with antimicrobial soap before leaving.
  • Glassware: Do not wash glassware; it must be sterilized first.
  • Media/Equipment: Removal of media, equipment, and cultures is restricted unless instructed.
  • Gas Valves: Turn off gas valves before leaving the lab.
  • Lab Supervisor: Inform supervisor before leaving the lab.

Laboratory Clothing

  • Lab Coats: Required at all times. Inappropriate lab coats will not be permitted. Coats must reach the knees, have long sleeves, and restricted/elastic cuffs.
  • Footwear: Closed shoes are mandatory. Sandals, open-toed shoes, and canvas shoes are not permitted.

Laboratory Clothing

Laboratory Equipment

  • Safety Equipment: Safety showers, eye wash, safety goggles, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fume hoods or safety cabinets. Location of equipment must be known to all.

Safety Symbols

  • Recognizing Hazards: The document provides symbols for various hazards (glassware, electrical, animals, chemicals, fire, etc.).

Waste Disposal

  • Infectious Samples: All samples are considered infectious. Follow proper waste disposal procedures including special bags (black bags, yellow bags, red bags) for waste types, clearly labelling contents.

Lab Equipment (Part B)

  • Microbiological Safety Cabinets (Class I, II A and II B, III): Designed for safe handling of potentially contaminated materials. Details on operation and type.
  • Incubators: Devices for controlled environmental (temp/humidity) to grow bacterial cultures. Examples include 37°C.
  • Hot Air Ovens / Lab Ovens: For sterilization of materials which cannot be autoclaved by dry heat.
  • Autoclave: For sterilization of materials and media with high pressure steam.
  • Refrigerators and Deep Freezers: Storage for specimens and stock solutions, chemicals.
  • Bunsen Burners: Gas-fuelled equipment for aseptic handling using a flame.
  • Inoculation Loops/Needles: Tools for aseptic transfer of samples.
  • Centrifuge Machines: Using centrifugal force to separate liquids and components.
  • Magnetic Stirrers/Hotplate Stirrers: For mixing and/or heating solutions.
  • Vortex Mixers: For mixing solutions in tubes/small flasks.
  • Colony Counters (Automated): For counting colonies of organisms.
  • Water Baths: For incubating samples in water at constant temperatures.
  • Sensitive Balances: For precise measurement of smaller sample amounts.
  • Water Distillers: For obtaining purified water.
  • Laboratory Thermometers: Measure temperature with high accuracy.
  • Anaerobic Jars: Used for cultivating oxygen-sensitive bacteria

Microscope

  • Use and Care: Detailed steps for using the microscope carefully, placing samples, lighting, lens care, and cleaning. Specific considerations for oil immersion.

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Description

This quiz covers essential safety protocols and biosafety levels in microbiology labs. Learn about the importance of containment, safety rules, and the different biosafety levels from BSL-1 to BSL-4. Understanding these elements is crucial for maintaining a safe laboratory environment.

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