Laboratories, equipment and chemicals

• First Aid
• Courtesy and efficiency
• Use of radios
• Chemicals
• Animal experimentation
• Biohazards
• Radio isotopes
• Equipment

All personnel are expected to keep their work areas tidy, safe and clean, and to keep all common research areas in pristine condition.

First aid:

Basic first aid kits and eyewash stations are prominently located on each floor of the building. Emergency showers are located on each floor of the new wing. Numerous members of the Institute have been trained in first aid and CPR. The Director should be contacted in any real emergency. All accidents should be reported on the accident/incident/occupational disease report forms available at the Environmental Safety Office website. These should be forwarded to the Environmental Safety Office (3534 University Street) within 24 hrs of the accident.

Courtesy and efficiency:

Every laboratory contains equipment which is both specialized and generalized. At no time should any person enter another's laboratory to remove or use ANYTHING without prior permission. This principle should be extended to the 'borrowing' of slides and reagents. This latter, apparently trivial point, can cause great disquiet and everyone is requested to take particular note of it. When a project is finished or a piece of apparatus is not fully used, it can be released for a more pressing project in another laboratory once the proper permission has been obtained. The general awareness of a cooperative effort between all those at the Institute will assure economy, efficiency and the best science possible.

Use of Radios:

A few people choose to work against a background of music; this is their privilege, but they must be considerate of other members of the laboratory. The volume must be low enough that the telephone can be heard. As a rule, close your door if you wish to have a radio playing.

Chemicals:

Be aware of the specific dangers and the precautions necessary to use safely any laboratory chemical. Consult the McGill Laboratory Safety Manual. McGill Safety Data Sheets are kept in the reference section of the Institute's Library.

Solvents and acids are stored in the basement and a sign-out roster is kept there, supervised by Mr. G. Bingham. To minimize the risk of fire or explosion, more than one week's normal supply of flammable materials should not be stored in laboratories. Have great respect for solvents, and always work with volatile compounds in a fume hood.

Procedures for the disposal of chemicals are generally established for routinely-handled substances in each lab; if in doubt, ask your research director. DO NOT pour organic solvents down the drains (for disposal of used solvents, see Dr. G. Faubert or Mr. G. Bingham).

Animal experimentation:

No animal experimentation may commence without the prior approval of the University Animal Care Committee. An application for the experimental use of animals must be submitted to the Macdonald Animal Care Committee one month before the proposed start of a new project or the expiry of a previously-approved application. The approved protocol MUST be followed, as failure to comply with these regulations may entail the withholding of funding by the granting agency. It is the student's responsibility to be acquainted with experimental procedures approved by the Animal Care Committee for his/her research. Should a new procedure be required a new or amended application should be made. The student should discuss this with his/her supervisor. Electronic version of the most recent application forms can be downloaded.

Biohazards:

Correct protocol must always be observed when handling the potentially infective stages of certain parasites. Individuals working with hazardous chemicals or pathogenic organisms are required to undergo WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training as required by law and McGill policy. It is essential that the procedures and protocols outlined be followed without fail. You can register for WHMIS training online.

Radio isotopes:

Great care must be exercised when using radio isotopes because contaminated surfaces and instruments are not obvious to co-workers entering the area. You must insure that you are licensed and trained to use radio isotopes and adhere to the appropriate rules and protocols (click here for more information).

Equipment:

Contact Mr. Bingham for instructions on how to use the following equipment before using it for the first time.

Dishwasher:
The dishwasher (basement) is available for your convenience but if it is loaded incorrectly glassware can easily be broken. In addition, interfering with the normal wash cycle can also result in damage to the machine.

Refrigerators:
There are a number of refrigerators and freezers in the Institute. ALL material placed within them must bear your name and the date. NEVER alter the temperature settings. Do not use the refrigerator for explosive solvents unless the refrigerator is equipped with an explosion-proof switch. The -80oC freezers should NOT be opened if the temperature has risen above -65oC.

Autoclaves:
There are two autoclaves which are used by all staff and students. Adhere to the correct operating instructions and please write your name and the time your material will be removed from the autoclave on the white board provided. If you have any problems or the machine does not appear to be working properly then see Gordi Bingham.