Hi everybody! Welcome to Addgene’s Intro to the Lab Bench.
I’m Raven Baxter, and I’m bringing this series to you, online
as a resource for you and all of the molecular biologists looking
to start their career in the lab.
Without further ado, let's get into our first lesson of...
So before we get into you actually doing experiments
and you working with chemicals and reagents
The number one thing we have to talk about is how to protect yourself
when you get started working in the lab.
Personal safety should be your numberone priority
once you get started in the lab.
There are four different types of biosafety levels, or BSLs
Biosafety level 1 and Biosafety level 2 are the most common.
Where this is little to no risk posed to humans that are working in the lab.
So, working with very low risk microbes that don't
necessarily have the potential to cause harm or disease in humans.
And BSL 2 includes all of the personal protective protocols that BSL1 has
But with some additional precautions, because the potential threats
to humans, and the risk of infection and potential diseases, etc.,
increase as you go up from one through four.
(angry grumbling)
This protocol is directed towards BSL 1 and BSL 2 labratories.
So let's get started with PPE!
And I'm going to tell you some things you should be keeping in mind
as you get started in the lab.
Number one: your lab coat.
Your lab coat should fit well, and snug to your body
and it should be also buttoned all the way.
This is to help protect from spills and potential accidents
that can happen in the lab.
You should be wearing gloves while working in the lab.
There should be different sizes of gloves accessible to you.
Be sure to try out different sizes of gloves to know your fit.
Your gloves should fit well enough so you can move your hand around
and do these intricate hand movements.
You need good hand mobility to use pipettes and different instruments
that we use in the lab.
So try out different sizes of gloves.
You should also not reuse gloves.
If you need a new pair, just get a new pair.
And make sure when you're finished using your gloves
dispose of them in the proper biohazard waste container.
For those who have latex allergies, please be aware that
some gloves are made with latex in them.
Make sure that you read the gloves's box, if it says latex free or not.
You definitely want to keep an eye on that.
Eye protection such as a face shield or goggles can be used as necessary.
For BSL 2 work, make sure that you are wearing your goggles
or a face shield at all times while in the labratory.
Now, we love the way you look in your goggles, your gloves and your lab coat.
But please make sure you are only wearing these things inside of the lab.
We don't want to see you anywhere else with them on.
Your lab coat should not be worn in common areas, such as
the bathroom, offices, or the lunch room.
Make sure you keep these items in the labratory and when you need
to leave the labratory, and you need to touch a door,
make sure that your remove your glove from one hand
and open the door with your bare hand.
And please!
Do not touch your face!
Here's a pro tip: if you tuck your sleeves into your gloves,
You can protect yourself, potentially, from spills or accidents.
And if you have a spill that's running down your hand,
it won't necessarily go into your sleeve,
and that is because your sleeve is tucked into your glove.
Your lower body should be completely covered in clothing to protect
yourself from hazards such asspills or other potential accidents
that can happen in the lab.
Make sure that you're wearing close-toed shoes,
and if you don't have closed toed shoes, you can use booties
to cover your feet while in the lab.
Sometimes scientists work really long hours in the lab,
and standing, if you're able to stand, can be uncomfortable.
So make sure that you're wearing comfortable shoes while working
and up on your feet.
Protecting yourself is important!
Although simple, following appropriate PPE protocol goes a long way.
It is the best thing to do to protect yourself in the lab while working.
Thanks for watching!
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