# SOP: General Laboratory Safety
## ENTM 201L - Molecular Biology Laboratory
### University of California, Riverside

**Version**: 1.0
**Effective Date**: Fall 2025
**Author**: Luciano Cosme

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## Objective
Ensure safe laboratory practices during molecular biology experiments with mosquito specimens.

## Scope
All students and instructors in ENTM 201L molecular biology sessions (Weeks 5-8, 10).

## Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
**Required at all times:**
- Lab coat (buttoned)
- Safety glasses
- Closed-toe shoes
- Nitrile gloves (when handling specimens or chemicals)
- Hair tied back if below shoulders

## General Safety Rules
1. **No food, drinks, or cosmetics** in the laboratory
2. **Wash hands** before leaving and after removing gloves
3. **Know locations** of:
   - Eyewash station
   - Safety shower
   - Fire extinguisher
   - First aid kit
   - Emergency exits
4. **Report all accidents** immediately to instructor
5. **Label everything** clearly with contents and date

## Chemical Safety

### Our Key Innovation: Pre-Aliquoting Strategy
**All hazardous chemicals are pre-aliquoted by instructor before class:**
- Students receive sealed tubes with exact volumes needed
- No direct handling of stock chemicals
- Significantly reduces exposure risk

### Primary Hazard: BioDynami Lysis Buffer
- Contains guanidine thiocyanate (corrosive)
- **NEVER mix with bleach** (produces toxic gas)
- **Students never handle** - instructor adds to samples

## Emergency Contacts
- **Emergency**: 911
- **UCR EHS**: (951) 827-5528
- **Instructor**: Luciano Cosme (luciano.cosme@ucr.edu)

## Waste Disposal
| Waste Type | Container |
|------------|-----------|
| Chemical waste liquids | Chemical waste container |
| Pipette tips (all) | Red biohazard bag (autoclaved) |
| Tubes with DNA | Red biohazard bag (autoclaved) |
| Sharps (glass, needles) | Sharps container |
| Clean paper towels | Regular trash |

## Emergency Procedures
### Chemical Spill
1. Alert others
2. Small spill: Notify instructor for cleanup
3. Large spill: Evacuate and call EHS

### Chemical Exposure
- **Skin**: Flush with water 15 minutes
- **Eyes**: Use eyewash station 15 minutes
- Seek medical attention

### Fire
1. Alert others
2. Evacuate via nearest exit
3. Pull fire alarm
4. Meet at designated area

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**Questions?** Contact: Luciano Cosme | ENTM 325