ohsrm PART B
School of Molecular Bioscience.
HAZARDOUS PROCEDURE: Agarose gel electrophoresis.
Step 3. Assess the risk
Ref. #
1
2
3
4
Description of the hazard or hazardous job
Priority
Identification Date
4
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4
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5
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5
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Ethidium bromide use in DNA visualization. Potential for direct contact with skin and
eyes with harmful effects. Ethidium Bromide is a potent mutagen.
Heating agarose solutions: Superheated solution overflowing from container can
potentially cause significant burn injuries to eyes and to skin on arms, upper body and
face.
DNA Electrophoresis. Potential for serious electrical shock or electrocution due to
leaking chamber, faulty or corroded electrode cables, or faulty power supply.
UV light use in DNA visualisation, and DNA-Membrane Fixing. Potential for UV-C
exposure to skin and eyes. May cause tissue burns after a few seconds. May cause
blindness upon prolonged exposure to eyes. Symptoms of exposure may not be
immediately painful or visible.
What makes it hazardous? Consult with the workers to find out which factors are relevant:
 The nature of the hazard itself
This hazardous procedure is commonly used in DNA analysis. Failure to observe
safety measures exposes the user, and potentially other work colleagues, to significant
risk of physical injury, including tissue burns, eye injury, electric shock
 The individual(s) involved
Requires specific training by authorised staff in the safe use of the above listed
hazardous chemicals and equipment.
Record the names of those consulted when assessing the risk
Date
Nick Coleman, Peter Kerr, Joe Dimauro, Jenny Phuyal, Zia Ahmad, Angela Nikolic, Robert Czolij .
29/06/2010
Step 4. Control the risk(s)
Control the risks(s) by addressing the risk factors found in Step 3.
Consider the hierarchy of hazard control and record what controls will be used in the short term and longer term.
is responsible for implementing the control(s) and the due by date(s).
Describe the risk control(s)
Who is responsible for
implementation
ALWAYS wear personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout this procedure,
Individual researcher and
including: lab coat, Nitrile gloves (except for heating agarose solutions, use heat
their supervisor
insulating gloves instead), and safety glasses/goggles
Using ethidium bromide: ONLY purchase and use pre-made ethidium bromide
solutions - this removes the significant hazard of inhaling the toxic powder form of
ethidium bromide.
Individual researcher and
LIMIT ethidium bromide work to designated areas.
their supervisor
USE barrier/filter tips when aliquoting ethidium bromide to help prevent
contamination of pipettes.
Solutions containing ethidium must be disposed of as hazardous chemical wastes
to room 225, not down the sink
Heating agarose solutions: (See also MICROWAVE OVEN risk assessment)
ALWAYS wear thick heat-resistant gloves as part of your PPE.
NEVER exceed one-third the volume of a glass flask or bottle with your agarose
solution. NB: If you choose to use a lid ensure it is unscrewed to allow sufficient
Individual researcher and
ventilation – no lid is a safer option, as loose lids can become stuck on during the
their supervisor
heating process.
DON’T heat solution on greater than 50% power.
ALWAYS swirl solution occasionally and gently while it is heating to prevent
superheated overflow.
NEVER leave the heating of your agarose solution unattended.
Electrophoresis (Also see agarose gel risk assessment)
Inspect electrodes and cables for defects prior to use. DON’T use any
electrophoresis equipment that you suspect has an electrical fault or is damaged –
Individual researcher and
in this case, report item to supervisor/ lab manager/ safety officer for electrical
their supervisor
testing, repair or replacement.
Ensure area around electrophoresis chamber is free of spills or leaks PRIOR and
DURING the running of your gel.
Ensure the electrophoresis chamber has a secure LID which prevents accidental
contact with the electrified buffer solution in the tank
Record also who
Due by date
29/07/2010
29/07/2010
29/07/2010
29/07/2010
Ultraviolet light (Transilluminator)
If using an open transilluminator, WEAR UV-PROOF PERSPEX FACE SHIELD! If
using Gel-Doc, keep doors of GelDoc closed when UV is in use. Also refer to Risk
assessment / SOP for Ultraviolet Light Sources.
Proper training of staff and students is essential prior to performing this procedure.
Development and updating of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Consult SOP before performing this hazardous procedure, and observe all risk
control recommendations.
Refer to MSDS or consult safety officer if further information is required.
Individual researcher and
their supervisor
29/07/2010
Supervisor of researcher
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SMB Safety Committee
29/07/2010
Individual researcher and
their supervisor.
Individual researcher and
their supervisor.
29/07/2010
29/07/2010
Record the names of those consulted when deciding on risk control measures
Nick Coleman, Peter Kerr, Joe Dimauro, Jenny Phuyal, Zia Ahmad, Angela Nikolic, Robert Czolij .
PART B completed by:
Nick Coleman
Date:
29/06/2010
29/07/2010