Lab Notebooks and Safety

Biotechnology II

Lab Notebooks

Legal documents; composition books Always use black or blue ink Be sure to update the Table of Contents,

number each page, do not leave blank pages, and put the Title of the Lab at the top

Each lab should begin with a purpose and or hypothesis

Date and initial everything you do

Lab Notebooks

Correct errors with single line, date, and initials

Make sure it is legible Have important information verified and

initialed by a co-worker Remember: some day your notebook may

end up in a court of law!

Lab Notebook Rubric

General Record-Keeping Procedures

Table of contents kept up-to-date

Pages of notebook numbered

Each page of notebook is signed and dated by author

Black ink, no erasures, legible

Neatness

Contains complete lab write ups for each lab

Lab Notebook Rubric

Lab Notebook Policy

Lab Safety Rules/Diagram

Overall Lab Notebook Grade

Scale:

3 = Very acceptable work (A): Clearly stated, accurate and detailed

2 = Acceptable but needs improving (C): Accurate information but lacking detail or clarity

1 = Unacceptable (should re-do): Inaccurate information and lacking detail or clarity

0 = Not included (no grade, can re-do)

Individual Lab Write-Up Rubric

Each lab write up should have to following:

A. Identifying title (not just a number) x1

B. Stated purpose x1

C. Background with any stated cautions x1

D. Hypothesis, when appropriate x1

E. Very detailed description of the procedure, including calculations x2

F. Data organized in tables, graphs or charts x2

G. Analysis/conclusion that states x2

Results with Evidence and Explanation Possible Errors Practical Applications

Grade A = 30 – 26 B = 25 – 21 C = 20 - 16 D = 15 - 9

MSDS

Acronym: MSDS Required for all HAZARDOUS materials Regulated and enforced by OSHA Designed to provide workers and emergency

personnel w/ proper procedures for handling or working w/ a substance

Found in a binder in the laboratory (alphabetically) or from the Mfg by request.

MSDS Contents

Chemical name (common name also given) Stability (room temp, refrigerate, freeze) Reactivity (do not mix with…..) Physical Data (melting point, boiling point) Toxicity Health Effects & First Aid (inhalation, skin contact) Storage and Disposal Spill/Leak Clean up

Chemical Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Lab Coat Safety glasses/goggles

Safety glasses are put away in the UV sterilization cabinet

UV light causes mutations in the DNA of the bacteria and kills it

Gloves Face shield Respirator Gown

Proper Lab Attire

Closed toe shoes No contacts No loose or hanging clothing such as ties Minimal jewelry Lab coat, safety glasses, and gloves most

common Glasses required for all liquid experiments

Lab Cleaning and Disposal

Cleaning lab surfaces Should be cleaned before and after experiments 10% bleach or ethanol most common Keep free of clutter during experiment

Waste disposal Be sure to dispose of hazardous and

biohazardous material properly- ask if uncertain Wash materials down the drain with lots of water Paper towels in trash Know what is disposable and what is not

Lab Hygeine

Autoclaves Use steam and pressure to clean Are the best way to clean lab equipment Note: germicides cannot kill endospores

Biohazard Waste All potentially hazardous materials such as microbiology

plates and human samples should be disposed of in biohazard containers

Handwashing is the best way to prevent nosocomial infections and from spreading germs What does nosocomial mean?

Hospital acquired infection

Fire Safety

Be aware of causes of fire Carelessness, electricity, improper storage of

chemicals, arson RACE

Rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish Know how to use extinguisher

PASS – point, aim, squeeze, sweep

Basic Lab Safety Rules

No eating or drinking in the lab. No gum chewing or make-up application

Keep all personal items off the lab bench Wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) , such as safety

goggles, lab coats, and other protective clothing as directed by your instructor.

Know the location of fire exits, extinguishers, and other safety equipment.

Wash hands regularly, especially after working with microorganism or chemicals.

Be aware of potential dangers. Before using products or equipment, carefully read labels, protocols, and equipment instructions. Know the location of MSDS sheets.

Know how to dispose of chemicals, biological specimens, and broken glass appropriately. When in doubt –ask!

Label all samples and reagents with name, date, and initials. Report spills and accidents and know emergency procedures.

Check Your Knowledge

Why is it important to date and initial your lab notebooks?

If the red hazard has a rating of 3, what should you do?

When working with liquids, what is most important to remember?

What is the best way to sterilize glassware?