The
Microbiology Classroom 
The Biology Classroom --------- Home -------- The Physiology Classroom
Safety and Purity in the Microbiology Lab
1) Be prepared.
-Read all labs before the actual day of the lab.
-Make sure you are well versed on background information, materials and procedures.
-Possible pre-lab quizzes or write-ups can be expected on lab days.
2) Do not drink or eat in labs.
3) Practice aseptic or sterile technique at all times.
-Disinfect your work area before and after lab.
-Disinfect your hands before and after lab.
-Make sure all your materials are sterile and safe before beginning the lab.
-Never place contaminated loops, swabs, pipettes or other instruments back on the lab bench.
-Label all cultures with your name, date and name of organism.
INNOCULATING LOOPS
-Heat the loop until you see redness before and after use in order to destroy all microbes.
-The loop should never touch anything except what materials are necessary for the microbe transfer.
PLATES
-Most of the time your plates should be closed. Never leave them open to avoid contamination.
TEST TUBE CULTURES
-Flame the mouth of the culture tubes before and after transferring.
4) Handle all microbes and wastes with care.
-Discard all disposables (cultures, plates, toothpicks, swabs, etc.) in BIOHAZARD CONTAINER.
5) Respect others and materials given to you.
-
Follow all microscope safety and care rules.-Use only your assigned microscope.
6) Be safe at all times.
BACKPACKS AND COATS
-Leave backpacks, coats and any other belongings at the back of the room on lab days.
-Bring only the necessary lab materials back to your area. (writing utensil, procedure, etc.)
BUNSEN BURNERS
-Make sure hair is pulled back.
-Make sure loose sleeves are rolled up.
-Never leave flame unattended. One person in your group should be there at all times.
-If you are not using your Bunsen burner, turn it off immediately.
ACCIDENTS
-Report them to the teacher immediately.
SPILLS
-Cover spilled cultures or broken tubes containing cultures with paper towels.
-Soak the paper towels with disinfectant for about 15 minutes
-Discard wastes in biohazard container.
BROKEN GLASSWARE
-Allow for the teacher to remove the broken glass.
-All broken glass should be discarded in broken glass trashcan.
Questions or Comments can be sent by e-mail to Moore Biology.