ohsrm PART B
Department or Unit Name: School of Molecular Bioscience
Hazardous procedure:
DNA or RNA extraction using spin columns
Step 3. Assess the risk
Ref. #
Description of the hazard or hazardous job
Priority
Identification Date
1
Eye damage if corrosive chaotropic salts contact eyes
4
24/5/2010
2
Poisoning if chaotropic salts ingested
5
24/5/2010
3
Skin damage if chaotropic salts contact bare skin
5
24/5/2010
4
5
24/5/2010
6
24/5/2010
6
Environmental damage if chaotropic salts disposed of incorrectly
(eg. down sink)
Environmental damage if recombinant DNA is disposed of
incorrectly (eg. down sink)
Injury due to incorrect use of centrifuge
5
24/5/2010
7
Fire or electrocution due to centrifuge malfunction
5
24/5/2010
5
What makes it hazardous? Consult with the workers to find out which factors are relevant:
 The physical activity required
 The work environment
X The nature of the hazard itself Toxic and corrosive chemicals are used in the kit. Samples may contain
recombinant materials. Centrifuges spin at extremely high speed, and
incorrect use (eg. using the wrong tubes, failing to balance tubes, failing
to attach rotor correctly) can lead to catastrophic failure, and potentially
serious injury to the user.
X The individual(s) involved
Requires specific training in use of this kit
Not safe for use by untrained individuals
Record the names of those consulted when assessing the risk
Peter Kerr, Joe Dimauro, Jenny Phuyal, Zia Ahmad, Angela Nikolic, Robert Czolij, Craig Jackson
Date
24/5/2010
Step 4. Control the risk(s)
Describe the risk control(s)
Who is responsible for
implementation
Due by
date
Wear personal protective equipment – lab coat, gloves, proper footwear
(always), safety glasses (at stages where ‘binding buffer’ is used).
Individual user, their
supervisor
24/6/2010
Read the kit instructions carefully before use, including MSDS for any
hazardous components (typically this is the binding buffer, which is
either guanidine thiocyanate, guanidine HCL, or sodium perchlorate)
Individual user, their
supervisor
24/6/2010
Don’t add spin column waste to strong acids or to bleach – this can
convert thiocyanates into deadly hydrogen cyanide gas.
Individual user, their
supervisor
24/6/2010
Don’t put spin column waste down the sink – it should be disposed of by
autoclaving (if recombinant DNA present) or as hazardous chemical
waste (via room 225).
Individual user, their
supervisor
24/6/2010
Do not use the centrifuge unless an experienced user, preferably the
equipment custodian, has given you a thorough demonstration of how
to use it correctly and safely
Individual user, their
supervisor, the
equipment custodian
24/6/2010
Check the rotor for signs of wear and tear before use, and retire rotors
that are excessively scratched or damaged. (check with the equipment
custodian).
Individual user and
their supervisor, the
equipment custodian
24/6/2010
Always balance the centrifuge tubes (by weight, not just by eye), and
put the balanced tubes in opposing positions in the rotor.
Individual user and
their supervisor
24/6/2010
Do not exceed speed rating of the rotor – this varies from one rotor to
another; large rotors cannot be spun as fast as small ones. Ensure that
the rotor is firmly attached to the spindle before starting the machine.
Individual user and
their supervisor
24/6/2010
Clean up any spills in centrifuge immediately! These contribute to
corrosion of rotors, and pose a threat to other users. Use 80% ethanol
to clean up biological spills, and wipe dry with paper towel.
Individual user and
their supervisor
24/6/2010
Proper training of centrifuge users
Supervisor, and the
equipment custodian
24/6/2010
Development of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
SMB Safety Commitee
24/6/2010
Reading and following the SOP
Individual user and
their supervisor
24/6/2010
Record the names of those consulted when deciding on risk control measures
Peter Kerr, Joe Dimauro, Jenny Phuyal, Zia Ahmad, Angela Nikolic, Robert Czolij, Craig Jackson
PART B completed by: Nick Coleman
Date:
22/3/2010