General Lab Safety
Everyone should always do this when entering the lab, before and after doing lab work, immediately after removing gloves, and before leaving the lab.
What is wash your hands?
These clothing items are mandatory to enter the lab.
What are close-toed shoes and long pants?
This is where you should keep test tubes at all times.
What is a rack?
This is the study of microbes' interactions with each other and with their environments.
What is microbial ecology?
This technique is used to promote practices that prevent the contamination of cultures, lab supplies, equipment, and individuals working in the lab with potentially pathogenic bacteria.
What is aseptic technique?
These things should never be placed on benchtops or surfaces used for lab work.
What are personal belongings?
Should you have any minor cuts or non-intact skin, ensure that they are covered with these.
What are waterproof bandages?
When not in use liquids and samples should always be this.
What is capped or covered?
Bacteria can be described as this, meaning that they can be found everywhere.
What is ubiquitous?
Lighting a Bunsen burner creates this, which helps protect the workspace by creating an upward airflow.
What is an umbrella of sterility?
These things are NEVER allowed in the lab. They are strictly prohibited. (2)
What are food and drink?
These PPE items are mandatory when carrying out experiments and handling lab materials.
What are gloves and a coat (protective eyewear when handling liquids)?
This should be done before and after every lab activity.
What is disinfect surfaces?
This is a general term for an organism that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
What is microbe?
This is the part of the flame that the inoculation loop should be held in to sterilize.
What is the tip of the cone?
If these items are required during lab, they must be completely sealed in bags or plastic wrap.
What are personal cameras/cell phones/tablets?
When removing PPE, you should avoid touching this part of your PPE.
What is the outside?
Always keep flammable objects and liquid away from these.
What is a Bunsen burner?
This word describes microbes that do not need oxygen.
What is anaerobic?
The inoculation loop is properly sterilized once it does this.
What is turns red?
For your own safety and the safety of others, you should always know where these items are located. (4)
What are eyewash, emergency shower stations, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits?
You should always avoid touching these things when wearing gloves.
What are shared surfaces (light switches, doorknobs, and handles)?
Samples should always be labeled with these things. (3)
What are name, date, and content?
These types of microbes do not meet all of the basic requirements for life. (2)
What are viruses and prions?
The proper way to set petri dishes down during incubation.
What is upside down?