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== '''General Laboratory Safety Guidelines''' ==
This Page is also available in [[Laborsicherheit|german]] 🇩🇪.


=== '''Protective Clothing''' ===
== Protective Clothing ==
In the laboratory, a fully closed lab coat and safety goggles must ALWAYS be worn when performing any tasks. Special caution is required when working with liquid polyacrylamide (e.g., pouring SDS-PAGE gels), acids/bases, and handling suspended human-pathogenic bacteria.
In the laboratories, it is ALWAYS mandatory to wear a closed lab coat and safety goggles during all procedures. Special caution is required when handling liquid polyacrylamide (casting SDS-PAGE gels) and when working with acids or bases. In such cases, gloves must be worn in addition to the lab coat and goggles.


=== '''Gas Supply''' ===
== Gas ==
Laboratory gas is centrally stored in a safety cabinet in room ML639. The supply cylinders should be closed at the end of the day. To open the system, turn the valve half a rotation and then press the individual user button. The gas supply at each workstation is controlled by additional shut-off valves, which must be closed after completing work with gas, as well as the shut-off valve on the Bunsen burner.
Lab gas is centrally stored in Room ML in a safety cabinet. The gas supply should be turned off in the evening using the key switch. After completing gas-related work at the lab benches, the gas shut-off valve must be closed.


=== '''Sharp Objects''' ===
== Sharp Objects ==


* '''Needles/Razor Blades/Scalpels:''' Exercise caution when using these tools due to the risk of injury. Do not reinsert used needles into their plastic sheath; instead, dispose of them immediately. These items must be collected in the appropriately labeled yellow plastic containers (single-use containers).
* Needles/Razor Blades/Scalpels Exercise caution when working with these tools due to injury risk. Do NOT re-cap used needles—dispose of them immediately. These items must be discarded in clearly labeled yellow plastic containers (single-use). One container is located in the cold room, another under Fume Hood II.
* '''Pasteur Pipettes:''' Pasteur pipettes should be disposed of in the large, yellow plastic containers (multi-use), labeled "Pasteur Pipettes ONLY." These containers are located in the cell culture labs, the infection chamber, and the cold room. DO NOT dispose of other sharp objects (e.g., scalpels, razor blades, needles) in these containers, as the contents are autoclaved and subsequently discarded as glass waste.
* Pasteur Pipettes’’’ Pasteur pipettes should be collected in large, yellow plastic containers (reusable), labeled “Nur Pasteurpipetten / Pasteur Pipettes ONLY”. One container is located in each cell culture lab and one in the cold room. Please DO NOT dispose of other sharp items (scalpels, razor blades, needles, etc.) in these containers, as the contents will be autoclaved and then treated as glass waste.
* '''Glass Bottles/Glass Breakage:''' Broken glass and empty glass bottles should be collected in the designated bins located near the back of room ML639.
* Glass Bottles/Broken Glass’’’ Broken glass and empty lab glass bottles should be disposed of in the designated containers.


=== '''Centrifuges''' ===
== Training by Lab Supervisors ==
Centrifuges may only be operated after receiving proper training from a supervisor. Always balance centrifuge tubes before use; pre-filled balance tubes are available for most centrifuges. Ultracentrifuge rotors must always be operated with ALL buckets in their designated positions. Special operating instructions apply when centrifuging suspensions of human-pathogenic bacteria.
Cell Culture – Any new member must pass the introduction to the cell culture laboratory by SSJ before any work is carried out there. Further information here: [[S1 - Cell culture guidelines|'''S1 - Cell culture guidelines''']]


=== '''Ethidium Bromide''' ===
Fluorescence Microscope: xxx
DNA staining of agarose gels with ethidium bromide or GelRed must be performed exclusively in room ML640 using the designated staining/de-staining bath. Nitrile gloves, intended only for this procedure, are provided in this room and must not be used outside of it. One gloved hand is often sufficient, leaving the ungloved hand free to handle ethidium bromide-free objects (e.g., the socket’s main switch). The water in the de-staining bath must be changed regularly, at least once per day.


=== '''Hazardous Substances''' ===
Working in the S2 Lab (Infection Lab)
Strict adherence to current safety regulations is required when working with hazardous substances. Special precautions apply to:


* '''Paraformaldehyde:''' Must be weighed in its solid form exclusively under a fume hood.
xxx
* '''Mercaptoethanol Solutions:''' Must only be handled under a fume hood.
* '''Flammable/Volatile Substances (e.g., Methanol, Ethanol):''' These substances must be stored in the safety cabinet near the protein workstation. Small quantities (daily requirements) may be kept at the workstation in properly labeled containers.
* '''Phenol/Phenol-Containing Solutions:''' Must be handled exclusively under a fume hood, where designated containers for the disposal of liquid and solid/flammable phenol-containing waste are provided.


=== '''Occupational Medical Examination''' ===
Working at the RNA Workstation
All employees must undergo an occupational medical examination once per year. An appointment for the initial examination is arranged through the administrative office upon hiring or starting work. Subsequent annual examinations must be scheduled independently, and a copy of the medical clearance certificate must be submitted to the administrative office.


=== '''Safety Training''' ===
xxx
An annual general safety training session on biological safety is conducted by CRH. Additionally, workplace-specific safety training is held once a year in conjunction with the VTK. Attendance at both sessions is mandatory. New employees must also complete safety training and a laboratory orientation upon starting work.


== Important Information of GenTZV ==
Microscopy – Marleen
'''The Importance of GenTZV and Proper Documentation'''


Accurate and thorough documentation is a cornerstone of responsible laboratory work. The GenTZV guidelines provide a framework for ensuring consistency, reproducibility, and traceability in all experimental processes. Proper documentation not only fulfills legal and regulatory requirements but also supports scientific integrity, enables effective collaboration, and ensures that valuable data can be understood and reused by colleagues and future researchers. Adhering to these standards minimizes errors, enhances safety, and contributes to the overall success of research projects.
Varioscan – Erik


== Behaviour in the event of accidents ==
Casy Cell Counter
Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of safety equipment (emergency showers, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, emergency shut-off switches), emergency contact numbers (posted next to the elevator phone), the first aid kit (also located next to the elevator phone), and the designated escape routes during your initial visit to the lab.


* '''Eye Contact with Chemicals/Pathogens:''' Immediately rinse eyes using the eye wash stations and notify the first responders (Tel: 2222).
TFA
* '''Skin/Clothing Contact with Chemicals or Clothing Fire:''' Use the emergency showers located in the corridor or within the laboratory.
 
* '''Injuries/Cuts:''' Contact the first responders.
== Accidents ==
* '''Spills of Solutions/Pathogens:''' Mark and secure the spill area immediately, then proceed with inactivation/decontamination.
On your first visit to the lab, familiarize yourself with the emergency equipment (emergency showers, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, safety switches), emergency numbers (on the phone next to the elevator), first aid kit (also next to the elevator), and escape routes.
* '''Fire:''' Memorize the escape routes and the designated assembly point. Evacuate the building promptly.
 
In case of eye contact with chemicals/pathogens: Immediately rinse eyes using the eye wash station, then notify a first responder (Phone number: ‘’‘2222’’’).
 
In case of skin/lab coat contact with chemicals, or clothing fire:
 
Use the emergency showers in the hallway or lab.
 
For injuries or cuts: Contact a first responder.
 
In case of spilled solutions or pathogens: Mark and secure the accident site immediately, then begin decontamination or inactivation.
 
Fire: Memorize escape routes and the designated assembly point.
 
== Centrifuges ==
Centrifuges may only be operated after instruction by the responsible person (Susanne Feindler-Boeckh). Always balance centrifuge tubes—pre-filled balancing tubes are provided with many centrifuges. Not all tubes are compatible with all rotors. Ensure proper fitting and NEVER force containers into the rotor. Ultracentrifuge rotors must always be operated with ALL buckets in place and properly positioned. Special safety instructions apply when centrifuging suspensions of human-pathogenic bacteria.
 
== Ethidium Bromide ==
DNA staining of agarose gels must be done exclusively in the darkroom using the designated staining/destaining baths. Nitrile gloves are provided there for this specific purpose and MUST NOT be used outside the darkroom. One gloved hand is sufficient, allowing the ungloved hand to operate clean objects (e.g., main power switch).
 
The water in the destaining bath must be replaced regularly (at least daily). The used solution can be poured into the sink and replaced with deionized water (DI water).
 
== Hazardous Substances ==
Current safety regulations must be followed when handling hazardous substances. Specific precautions include:
 
''Paraformaldehyde'': Must be weighed under the fume hood while in solid form.
 
''Mercaptoethanol solutions'': Must only be handled under the fume hood.
 
''Flammable and volatile substances (methanol, ethanol)'': Stocks must be stored in a safety cabinet. Small quantities (daily use) may be kept in labeled containers at the bench.
 
''Phenol and phenol-containing solutions'': Must only be handled under Fume Hood II. Special waste containers for liquid and solid/flammable phenol waste are also located there.
 
''Acrylamide'': [Consider adding handling instructions]
 
== Waste Disposal ==
Waste from toxic chemicals, dyes, and fixatives must be collected separately in labeled containers (canisters and bottles) before being properly disposed of via the chemical waste facility.
 
== Occupational Health Examinations ==
Each employee must undergo a medical examination by the company physician once per year. An initial appointment is arranged through Petra Schnurr when employment begins. All subsequent annual appointments must be scheduled independently. A copy of the fitness certificate must be submitted to the secretariat (Petra Schnurr) after the examination.
 
== Safety Instructions ==
General safety training on biological safety is conducted once a year by Stefan Kreft, the university’s biological safety officer. Additional workplace-specific safety instruction is held once a year in connection with the VTK. Both are mandatory. A safety briefing and lab orientation must also be completed at the start of employment.

Latest revision as of 12:58, 5 June 2025

This Page is also available in german 🇩🇪.

Protective Clothing

In the laboratories, it is ALWAYS mandatory to wear a closed lab coat and safety goggles during all procedures. Special caution is required when handling liquid polyacrylamide (casting SDS-PAGE gels) and when working with acids or bases. In such cases, gloves must be worn in addition to the lab coat and goggles.

Gas

Lab gas is centrally stored in Room ML in a safety cabinet. The gas supply should be turned off in the evening using the key switch. After completing gas-related work at the lab benches, the gas shut-off valve must be closed.

Sharp Objects

  • Needles/Razor Blades/Scalpels Exercise caution when working with these tools due to injury risk. Do NOT re-cap used needles—dispose of them immediately. These items must be discarded in clearly labeled yellow plastic containers (single-use). One container is located in the cold room, another under Fume Hood II.
  • Pasteur Pipettes’’’ Pasteur pipettes should be collected in large, yellow plastic containers (reusable), labeled “Nur Pasteurpipetten / Pasteur Pipettes ONLY”. One container is located in each cell culture lab and one in the cold room. Please DO NOT dispose of other sharp items (scalpels, razor blades, needles, etc.) in these containers, as the contents will be autoclaved and then treated as glass waste.
  • Glass Bottles/Broken Glass’’’ Broken glass and empty lab glass bottles should be disposed of in the designated containers.

Training by Lab Supervisors

Cell Culture – Any new member must pass the introduction to the cell culture laboratory by SSJ before any work is carried out there. Further information here: S1 - Cell culture guidelines

Fluorescence Microscope: xxx

Working in the S2 Lab (Infection Lab)

xxx

Working at the RNA Workstation

xxx

Microscopy – Marleen

Varioscan – Erik

Casy Cell Counter

TFA

Accidents

On your first visit to the lab, familiarize yourself with the emergency equipment (emergency showers, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, safety switches), emergency numbers (on the phone next to the elevator), first aid kit (also next to the elevator), and escape routes.

In case of eye contact with chemicals/pathogens: Immediately rinse eyes using the eye wash station, then notify a first responder (Phone number: ‘’‘2222’’’).

In case of skin/lab coat contact with chemicals, or clothing fire:

Use the emergency showers in the hallway or lab.

For injuries or cuts: Contact a first responder.

In case of spilled solutions or pathogens: Mark and secure the accident site immediately, then begin decontamination or inactivation.

Fire: Memorize escape routes and the designated assembly point.

Centrifuges

Centrifuges may only be operated after instruction by the responsible person (Susanne Feindler-Boeckh). Always balance centrifuge tubes—pre-filled balancing tubes are provided with many centrifuges. Not all tubes are compatible with all rotors. Ensure proper fitting and NEVER force containers into the rotor. Ultracentrifuge rotors must always be operated with ALL buckets in place and properly positioned. Special safety instructions apply when centrifuging suspensions of human-pathogenic bacteria.

Ethidium Bromide

DNA staining of agarose gels must be done exclusively in the darkroom using the designated staining/destaining baths. Nitrile gloves are provided there for this specific purpose and MUST NOT be used outside the darkroom. One gloved hand is sufficient, allowing the ungloved hand to operate clean objects (e.g., main power switch).

The water in the destaining bath must be replaced regularly (at least daily). The used solution can be poured into the sink and replaced with deionized water (DI water).

Hazardous Substances

Current safety regulations must be followed when handling hazardous substances. Specific precautions include:

Paraformaldehyde: Must be weighed under the fume hood while in solid form.

Mercaptoethanol solutions: Must only be handled under the fume hood.

Flammable and volatile substances (methanol, ethanol): Stocks must be stored in a safety cabinet. Small quantities (daily use) may be kept in labeled containers at the bench.

Phenol and phenol-containing solutions: Must only be handled under Fume Hood II. Special waste containers for liquid and solid/flammable phenol waste are also located there.

Acrylamide: [Consider adding handling instructions]

Waste Disposal

Waste from toxic chemicals, dyes, and fixatives must be collected separately in labeled containers (canisters and bottles) before being properly disposed of via the chemical waste facility.

Occupational Health Examinations

Each employee must undergo a medical examination by the company physician once per year. An initial appointment is arranged through Petra Schnurr when employment begins. All subsequent annual appointments must be scheduled independently. A copy of the fitness certificate must be submitted to the secretariat (Petra Schnurr) after the examination.

Safety Instructions

General safety training on biological safety is conducted once a year by Stefan Kreft, the university’s biological safety officer. Additional workplace-specific safety instruction is held once a year in connection with the VTK. Both are mandatory. A safety briefing and lab orientation must also be completed at the start of employment.

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