Safety guidelines

In case of Emergency call the following number 08-934-2999

The following guidelines are general and do NOT replace the specific safety guidelines described in the instructions manual of instruments, and on the WIS safety unit web site (see links bellow):

• Safety Unit web page
• Biological Safety
• Chemical Safety
   

General

• Make sure you are familiar with general WIS emergency procedures.
• Identify the location of the nearest eyewash and shower and verify that they are accessible.
• Understand the hazards and toxicity of the materials you work with.
• All personnel should use basic laboratory protective gear: long trousers, closed shoes, and a lab-coat. Where needed additional protective equipment should be used (see below).
• Never operate an instrument that you did not use in the past without the proper training.
• When operating laboratory equipment, follow the safety signs (gloves, goggles, earphones), as well as the instruction card that is placed near the equipment.
• Do NOT use an instrument if you suspect is not functioning properly. Notify the personnel immediately!
• It is prohibited to eat and drink in the laboratory: you should use either the kitchen or the office for that.
• Wash your hands when you leave the lab, before eating or drinking, or have finished your daily work.
• At the end of the working day, please clean up your working environment, make sure the fridges doors are closed, close the door and turn off the lights.
   

Disposal of chemical waste

• Sequencing reagents cartridges contain chemical waste that should be discarded as chemical waste in the chemical hood well sorted and labeled in accordance to the safety guidelines.
• Ensure you have received a proper training from one of the Genomics team for sequencing waste disposal.
• Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), used during sample denaturation, is corrosive (GHS Category 1A and 1, GHS Category 3 for acute hazards to aquatic environment); take precaution when handling, storing and disposing of NaOH in the laboratory. Safety glasses must be used at all times.
• Formamide and NaOH must NEVER be discharged to the sanitary sewer in ANY concentration. These wastes must be collected and managed as chemical waste.
• When clearing the chemical waste, ensure the chemical hood is properly turned on, use protective wear and keep all containers in the hood tightly closed when not in use.
• Wash hands thoroughly each time gloves are removed.
• Notify the staff when the waste containers are full.