ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
HYGIENE - PERSONAL
- food or drink should not be consumed
in the laboratory.
- food should not be left lying on
benches or stored in laboratory refrigerators. Both represent a
potential source of contamination.
- smoking should never be allowed in the
laboratory. Cigarettes, cigars or pipes represent a possible
ignition source as well as a route of exposure for
micro-organisms and toxins7.
- the application of cosmetics should be
prohibited except for the use of hand or barrier creams.
- wear a long sleeved laboratory coat or
gown with elasticized wrist bands. A coat should be buttoned at
the front and a gown tied at the back. Fluid resistant material
is recommended7
- shoes should be rubber soled and cover
the whole foot. Slip-on shoes are better than lace-ups because
they can be removed more quickly in an emergency.
- long hair should be secured to prevent
contact with contaminated surfaces and to prevent shedding
organisms or skin flakes into work areas. Beards represent a
similar problem and should be covered.
- hanging jewellery, that may become
caught in equipment or touch contaminated surfaces, should be
prohibited.
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REFERENCES