Avoiding the dispersal of infectious materials 1. In order to avoid the premature shedding of their loads, microbiological transfer loops should have a diameter of 2-3 mm and be completely closed. The shanks chould be not more than 6 cm in length to minimize vibration 2. The risk of spatter of infectious material in an open Bunsen burner flame should be avoided by using an enclosed electric microincinerator to sterilize transfer loops Disposable transfer loops, which do not need to be resterilized, are preferable
Avoiding the dispersal of infectious materials 1. In order to avoid the premature shedding of their loads, microbiological transfer loops should have a diameter of 2–3 mm and be completely closed. The shanks should be not more than 6 cm in length to minimize vibration. 2. The risk of spatter of infectious material in an open Bunsen burner flame should be avoided by using an enclosed electric microincinerator to sterilize transfer loops. Disposable transfer loops, which do not need to be resterilized, are preferable
3. Care should be taken when drying sputum samples, to avoid creating aerosols 4. Discarded specimens and cultures for autoclaving and/or disposal should be placed in leakproof containers, e.g. laboratory discard bags. Tops should be secured(e.g with autoclave tape) prior to disposal into waste containers. 5. Working areas must be decontaminated with a suitable disinfectant at the end of each work period
3. Care should be taken when drying sputum samples, to avoid creating aerosols. 4. Discarded specimens and cultures for autoclaving and/or disposal should be placed in leakproof containers, e.g. laboratory discard bags. Tops should be secured (e.g. with autoclave tape) prior to disposal into waste containers. 5. Working areas must be decontaminated with a suitable disinfectant at the end of each work period
Use of biological safety ca binets 1. The use and limitations of biological safety cabinets should be explained to all potential users(see Chapter 10), with reference to national standards and relevant literature. Written protocols or safety or operations manuals should be issued to staff. In particular, it must be made clear that the cabinet will not protect the operator from spillage, breakage or poor technique
Use of biological safety cabinets 1. The use and limitations of biological safety cabinets should be explained to all potential users (see Chapter 10), with reference to national standards and relevant literature. Written protocols or safety or operations manuals should be issued to staff. In particular, it must be made clear that the cabinet will not protect the operator from spillage, breakage or poor technique
2. The cabinet must not be used unless it is working properly. 3. The glass viewing panel must not be opened when the cabinet is in use 4. Apparatus and materials in the ca binet must be kept to a minimum. Air circulation at the rear plenum must not be blocked. 5. Bunsen burners must not be used in the cabinet the heat produced will distort the airflow and may damage the filters. An electric microincinerator is permissible but sterile disposable transfer loops are better
2. The cabinet must not be used unless it is working properly. 3. The glass viewing panel must not be opened when the cabinet is in use. 4. Apparatus and materials in the cabinet must be kept to a minimum. Air circulation at the rear plenum must not be blocked. 5. Bunsen burners must not be used in the cabinet. The heat produced will distort the airflow and may damage the filters. An electric microincinerator is permissible but sterile disposable transfer loops are better
6. All work must be carried out in the middle or rear part of the working surface and be visible through the viewing panel. 7. Traffic behind the operator should be minimized 8. The operator should not disturb the airflow by repeated removal and reintroduction of his or her arms 9. Air grills must not be blocked with notes, pipettes or other materials. as this willl disrupt the airflow causing potential contamination of the material and exposure of the operator
6. All work must be carried out in the middle or rear part of the working surface and be visible through the viewing panel. 7. Traffic behind the operator should be minimized. 8. The operator should not disturb the airflow by repeated removal and reintroduction of his or her arms. 9. Air grills must not be blocked with notes, pipettes or other materials, as this will disrupt the airflow causing potential contamination of the material and exposure of the operator