Lab.

LABORATORY
SAFETY IN
MICROBIOLOGY
Sara Bahram Miran
B.Sc., M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology
Ph.D./c in Medical Immunology

2 n d Grades
Practical Microbiology (DENT-201-202)
1 s t Semester
17/09/2024
 By the end of this lecture, students
will:

Understand basic lab safety principles.

Know the four Biosafety Levels (BSL)

Learning and their precautions.

Outcome Practice safe handling and disposal of

lab materials.

Respond effectively to spills and

accidents.

Recognize the importance of

vaccinations for lab workers.

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 Laboratory safety is crucial for
the safe and effective
functioning of microbiology
labs.

Key Objectives:
Introductio
n Containment of
microorganisms within vessels.

Prevention of contamination
from external sources (hands,
surfaces, air, etc.).
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 Ensur
es: Protection of lab
personnel from
infections and
Importanc accidents.
Prevention of cross-
e of contamination of
Laboratory cultures and
Safety specimens.
Integrity and
accuracy of
experimental results.
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 Four Biosafety Levels (BSL) based on
the risk associated with the
microorganisms handled:

Laboratory BSL-1: Basic microbiological

practices; minimal risk.
Biosafety BSL-2: Additional protective measures
Levels for moderate-risk agents.

(BSL) BSL-3: Control measures for airborne

Overview pathogens; requires specialized
equipment.
BSL-4: Maximum containment for life-
threatening agents.

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 Featur
es: Standard
microbiological
practices for non-
pathogenic
Biosafety No need for
organisms.
Level 1 specialized
(BSL-1) containment
equipment.
Suitable for teaching
labs and handling
low-risk microbes.
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 Features:

Standard practices + extra

precautions (lab coats, gloves,
decontamination).
Biosafety
Level 2 Biohazard signage displayed.

(BSL-2) Use of partial containment equipment

like biosafety cabinets.

Suitable for clinical labs working with

pathogens like hepatitis, HIV, etc.

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 Features:

Controlled access, restricted personnel

entry.
Biosafety
Level 3 Special laboratory clothing required.

(BSL-3) Use of biological safety cabinets for

procedures involving airborne
pathogens.

Necessary for handling organisms like

tuberculosis and COVID-19.

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 Features:

Highest level of safety

protocols, including mandatory
Biosafety showers on exit, and waste
decontamination.
Level 4
Work conducted in maximum
(BSL-4) containment facilities (e.g.,
full-body suits).

Used for high-risk pathogens

like Ebola and Marburg viruses.

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Key Features of a Safe BSL-2
Laboratory
Design Considerations:
◦Cleanable surfaces and impervious benchtops.
◦Adequate lighting and storage space.
◦Availability of an autoclave for decontaminating infectious
materials.
◦Sink for handwashing.

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 For workers, patients, and specimens:

Sterilization of materials before disposal.

Preventive
Measures Proper handling and disposal of tissues.

for Lab Frequent handwashing and surface

decontamination.
Infections
Glove usage and proper protective gear.

Mechanical pipetting devices to avoid

mouth pipetting.

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 Safe Pipetting
Practices
Pipetting Risks: Pipetting
creates aerosols and droplets, a
common source of
contamination.
Precautions:
◦ Plug pipettes with cotton.
◦ Avoid rapid mixing and
expulsion of liquids.
◦ Do not bubble air through
liquids with a pipette.
◦ Use pipettes that don’t require
the expulsion of the last drop.
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 Handling Hypodermic
Syringes and Needles

Risks: Needle-stick injuries

account for 25% of lab-acquired
infections.
Precautions:
◦ Use Luer Lock syringes to secure
needles.
◦ Avoid unnecessary hand
movements.
◦ Dispose of needles directly into
puncture-resistant containers.
◦ Wear gloves and avoid
recapping or bending needles by
hand.
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Opening Containers Safely
Risks: Opening vials, petri dishes, and tubes can create
aerosols and droplets.
Precautions:
◦Open containers only in designated areas.
◦Wear gloves and a lab coat.
◦Use safety cabinets for infectious cultures or leaking
specimens.
◦Avoid vigorous shaking of bacterial cultures.
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 Key Key Rules:

Restri Restrict access to children,

Managing ct
pregnant women, and
unauthorized visitors.
Laboratory
Displa Display biohazard signs where
Access y
necessary (especially for BSL-3 and
BSL-4 labs).

Ensur Ensure doors remain closed and

limit entry only to authorized
e personnel.

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Dealing with Spills and
Accidents
Immediate Steps:
• Protect personnel and confine contamination.
• Decontaminate personnel and the affected area.
• Decontamination Procedures:
• Use disinfectants to flood spill areas.
• Let the disinfectant sit for 10 minutes, then clean up using
absorbent materials.
• Dispose of contaminated materials properly and monitor for
any residual contamination.
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Decontaminating Skin, Eyes, and
Clothing
◦For skin contamination: Wash thoroughly with soap and
water.
◦For eye contamination: Irrigate with clean water,
ensuring no cross-contamination.
◦For clothing: Remove immediately and decontaminate or
dispose of as required.

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First-Aid in the
Laboratory
Essential Supplies:
◦ Ensure a well-stocked and clearly
marked first-aid kit is accessible.
◦ Display first-aid instructions for
common injuries (cuts, burns,
poisoning).
◦ Consult a medical professional
for serious injuries and
accidents.

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 Key Safety Rules:
1. Hair: Tie back long hair to
avoid contamination.
General 2. Jewelry: Avoid wearing any
jewelry in the lab.
Laborator 3. No Eating/Drinking: Keep

y Safety fingers, food, and lab

equipment away from your

Guideline mouth.
4. No Smoking: Prohibited in
s laboratory settings.
5. No Glassware Use for
Drinking: Avoid using lab
glassware for any non-
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laboratory purposes.
 Don’t:
◦ Discard contaminated
glassware or pipettes in
regular waste bins.
Proper ◦ Place contaminated pipettes or

Disposal of slides on benchtops.

Do:
Contaminat ◦ Use specific containers for
ed Materials contaminated waste (e.g.,
needles, glassware).
◦ Ensure all waste is properly
sterilized or autoclaved before
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disposal.
Immunization of Laboratory
Workers
Recommended Vaccinations:
◦Hepatitis B: Protection from bloodborne infections.
◦Meningococcal meningitis, rabies, and others:
Required for certain types of lab work.

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Summary of Key Safety
Measures
Top Priorities:
◦Personal protection: Always wear protective clothing,
gloves, and use proper equipment.
◦Sterilization and decontamination: Regularly sterilize
surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination.
◦Accident response: Know the procedures for spills,
accidents, and first-aid.

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Conclusion

Remember:
◦Safety protocols are non-negotiable to protect lab
workers, maintain accurate results, and prevent
contamination.
◦Consistent adherence to guidelines ensures a safe and
productive laboratory environment.

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 REFERENCES
1. CP Prince. Practical manual of medical microbiology. 1st ed. India: Jaypee
brothers medical publisher; 2009.
2. Cappuccino and Welsh. Microbiology: a laboratory manual. 11th ed.
England: Pearson; 2018.
1. Any Questions or
Comments?