Laboratory Safety and PC2 Procedures Training - NSW … · Laboratory Safety and PC2 Procedures Training Northern Sydney Local Health District & University of Sydney

Laboratory Safety and PC2 Procedures Training

Northern Sydney Local Health District & University of Sydney

Kolling PC2 Training June 2015 Page 1

Contents INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Purpose and Scope .............................................................................................................................. 5

LABORATORY SAFETY .............................................................................................................................. 6

General Lab Safety .............................................................................................................................. 6

Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment (PPCE) ............................................................................. 6

Protective Clothing.......................................................................................................................... 6

Hand Protection .............................................................................................................................. 7

Eye Protection ................................................................................................................................. 9

Hearing Protection .......................................................................................................................... 9

Respiratory Protection .................................................................................................................. 10

Laboratory Cleaning .......................................................................................................................... 10

Infrashore Cleaning Personnel ...................................................................................................... 11

Cleaning of Benches and Equipment ............................................................................................ 11

Laboratory Waste Management ....................................................................................................... 12

General Waste .............................................................................................................................. 12

Biological Waste ............................................................................................................................ 12

Cell Culture Waste ........................................................................................................................ 13

Anatomical Waste ......................................................................................................................... 14

Chemical Waste ............................................................................................................................ 14

Radioactive Waste in the Lab ........................................................................................................ 15

Laboratory Safety Equipment ........................................................................................................... 15

Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations .......................................................................................... 15

Spill Kits ......................................................................................................................................... 16

Decontamination .......................................................................................................................... 16


Chemical Spills .................................................................................................................................. 16

Chemical Spill Response Procedures ............................................................................................ 17

Minor Chemical Spills (<10ml) ...................................................................................................... 17

Major Chemical Spills (>10ml) ...................................................................................................... 17

Mercury Spills ................................................................................................................................ 17

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY .............................................................................................................................. 18

Biological Safety Cabinets ................................................................................................................. 19

Biological Safety Cabinets ................................................................................................................. 19

Infection Control Program ................................................................................................................ 19

Management of Exposures ............................................................................................................... 19

Biological Spills .................................................................................................................................. 20

Spills Inside BSCs ........................................................................................................................... 21

Spills Outside BSCs ........................................................................................................................ 22

Small Spills ..................................................................................................................................... 22

Large Spills..................................................................................................................................... 23

Spills in Centrifuges ....................................................................................................................... 23

Disinfection and Decontamination Methods ................................................................................ 24

Storage of Disinfectants ................................................................................................................ 24

SECTION 2 ............................................................................................................................................. 26

PHYSICAL CONTAINMENT LEVELS (PC LEVEL) ....................................................................................... 26

Physical Containment Level 1 Facility (PC1 Facility) ......................................................................... 27

General PC1 Work Practices ......................................................................................................... 27

Physical Containment Level 2 Facility (PC2 Facility) ......................................................................... 29

Range of Activities ......................................................................................................................... 29

Obtaining Approval and Registering a Dealing ............................................................................. 30

GMO Work NOT Permitted in this Facility Type ........................................................................... 30

PC2 Lab Access Requirements ...................................................................................................... 30


PC2 Facility Managers ................................................................................................................... 31

Staff Training ................................................................................................................................. 31

Facility and Fittings Conditions ..................................................................................................... 32

Use of Lifts and stairs between PC2 Facilities ............................................................................... 32

Working with GMOs ...................................................................................................................... 33

Non-GMOs in the Facility .............................................................................................................. 33

Containment Equipment ............................................................................................................... 34

Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment ............................................................................... 34

Segregation of Special Areas ......................................................................................................... 35

General PC2 Work Practices ......................................................................................................... 36


Labelling ........................................................................................................................................ 39

Removal and Storage of GMOs ..................................................................................................... 39

Spills .............................................................................................................................................. 40

Physical Containment Level 2 Animal (PC2 Animal) ......................................................................... 40

Work Not Permitted in this Facility Type ...................................................................................... 41

General Conditions ....................................................................................................................... 41

Handling of Animals ...................................................................................................................... 41

Non-GMOs in the Facility .............................................................................................................. 41


Removal, Storage, and Escape/Spills of GMOs ............................................................................. 42

Dealings Involving GM Microorganisms ....................................................................................... 42

Personal Protective Clothing ......................................................................................................... 42

Containment Equipment ............................................................................................................... 42


Storage .......................................................................................................................................... 43

APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................................... 44


EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS ............................................................................................................ 44

APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................................................... 45

OTHER RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 45

Other Manuals .................................................................................................................................. 45

Web & Network Resources ............................................................................................................... 45

APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................................................... 46

REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 46

National Codes .................................................................................................................................. 46

Construction ...................................................................................................................................... 46

Safety Signs ....................................................................................................................................... 46

Personal Protective Equipment ........................................................................................................ 46

General Safety ................................................................................................................................... 47

First Aid ............................................................................................................................................. 47

Reporting and Recording .................................................................................................................. 47

Emergency Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 47

Laboratory Design ............................................................................................................................. 48

Chemical Safety ................................................................................................................................. 48

Radiation Safety ................................................................................................................................ 48

Biological Safety ................................................................................................................................ 48

Engineering Safety ............................................................................................................................ 49

Waste Disposal .................................................................................................................................. 49


LABORATORY SAFETY AND PC2 PROCEDURES TRAINING

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction The Office of Gene Technology Regulator, (OGTR) guidelines specify that all persons undertaking work in a Physical Containment Level 2, (PC2) laboratory are trained before they are permitted to work without supervision. This Laboratory Safety and PC2 training is intended to be used in conjunction with the Northern Sydney and Local Health District (NSLHD) Laboratory Manual for new and existing staff. The PC2 training outlines guidelines for the use of Genetically Modified Organisms, (GMO’s), and associated laboratory procedures in certified laboratories of the Kolling Institute. Although written specifically for the Kolling Building it can be adapted for use in any PC2 laboratory on the RNSH site. It does not cover requirements for PC2 Plant or Insect Containment facilities, nor for facilities higher than PC2. Its purposes are to:

• Outline the internal operational procedures to be used in relation to all dealings with GMOs

• Outline procedures for dealing with accidents and incidents

1.2 Purpose and Scope

All Kolling laboratory staff will be required to read (and sign off) once they have attended the training as part of their induction to the Kolling. Records of training will be held by the Kolling Facilities Office.

Additional laboratory specific training should be conducted under the guidance of the individual Laboratory Head relating to specific dealings in each laboratory. Records of this should be maintained by the Laboratory Head. The training is based on the Guidelines set out by the OGTR and these guidelines should be referred to as part of the ongoing training and work practices when working in PC2 laboratories.

To assist with quick references, the training manual has been separated into 2 main sections, General Laboratory Safety and PC2 Requirements. Each section has been further detailed with important information being written in RED for easy reference. Sections written in GREEN describe tasks or procedures to be followed.


2.0 LABORATORY SAFETY

2.1 General Lab Safety Laboratory safety is mandatory for all laboratories regardless of ‘PC’ status and is based around prevention, hazard and incident management. All persons working in the laboratory are responsible for laboratory safety and must conduct themselves in a manner which promotes and follows laboratory safety principles.

2.2 Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment (PPCE)

The selection of the right PPCE is important in order to provide the required protection to mitigate the risk, as far as possible, for the task being performed, when selecting PPCE, the nature of the hazard, the required degree of protection and the ease with which the equipment can be used should all be considered. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should always be consulted.

2.2.1 Protective Clothing • In a PC2 laboratory the minimum PPCE to be worn by all laboratory staff is a lab gown and sturdy, closed shoes.

• Gowns are permitted to be worn when travelling between research floors via the East Fire Stairs, taking care to avoid contact with persons not wearing a gown or coat.

• All visitors, contractors and service personnel are required to wear a laboratory gown when working in the labs.

• Laboratory gowns are never permitted to be worn in the goods lift

In a PC2 laboratory the minimum PPCE to be worn by all laboratory staff is a lab gown and sturdy, closed shoes. Foot protection should comply with AS/NZS 2210.1:1994-Occupational protective footwear. The shoes worn in the lab must completely enclose all sides of the foot including the top. Bare feet, sandals, thongs, ballet flats and open-toed shoes are not acceptable. The material of the shoe must also be sturdy leather or synthetic. Laboratory gown must be worn whenever working or entering the lab. This offers protection against splashes, contamination and dirt, keeping you from bringing contamination into the lab as well as from taking contamination from the lab. A gown tied at the back is required whenever working in a seated position such as at a Biological Safety Cabinet, (BSC). Where necessary to give further protection against spillage of chemicals or biological materials such as blood or culture fluids, liquid resistant aprons should be worn over gowns or laboratory coats. The hospital has infection control guidelines for wearing of PPE for minimising infection risk in the


clinical setting in NSCCAHS PR2009_204. Aprons of the appropriate type should be used for protection against heat (using autoclaves), cold (liquid nitrogen) or radiation (using X-Ray equipment) or when handling large volumes of chemicals. Separate laboratory gowns should be worn in “clean” areas of the lab such as for molecular biology or tissue culture. These should be mounted on coat hooks adjacent to such facilities and changed more frequently.

Service personnel, including maintenance staff, delivery staff and cleaners, must wear a uniform so that they do not bring their home clothes into the lab nor wear the same clothes home that have been worn entering the labs. They also must wear a gown when entering the labs and change the gown between floors.

Visiting contractors are required to wear a blue visitor’s gown when entering the laboratory and, if they are to handle any equipment in the lab (even though it should have been decontaminated by lab staff first), if there is risk of contamination to themselves from work being undertaken by others in the lab, or if the lab is at risk from them being a source of contamination (e.g. in designated “clean” rooms or tissue culture rooms).

Lab gowns should be kept hung on individual coat hooks. Gowns are not to be stored draped over chairs or any other furniture, or be carried out of the lab or into the lifts for any reason. Each gown hook should be labelled with a user’s name who must ensure the gowns are changed regularly (at least weekly). Gowns for visitors should not be kept hanging for more than a day. Gowns are permitted to be worn when travelling between research floors via the East Fire Stairs, taking care to avoid contact with persons not wearing a gown or coat.

2.2.2 Hand Protection • Gloves must always be removed, and hands washed before leaving the lab by any exit including the Fire Stairs and the Goods Lift, taking care not to contaminate any door handle or lift call button.

• Gloves must be removed before handling phones, using stationery with laboratory notebooks in segregated areas, accessing any bins, storage cupboards for clean glassware and equipment and any access to the storage compactus units.

• Appropriate PPE, including gloves, must be worn relevant to the highest risk group of work being performed.

After handling infectious materials, working in a biological safety cabinet and before leaving the laboratory, gloves must be removed and hands

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decontaminated. Used gloves must be discarded with contaminated laboratory waste. Hands should be washed with an antiseptic solution before putting on fresh gloves. Hands should be regarded as contaminated after wearing gloves and washed with antiseptic solution before leaving the laboratory. In addition, care must be taken when removing gloves to not grasp contaminated areas of the gloves and to avoid contaminating your gown sleeves with your gloves. They should be disposed of immediately and not allowed to come in contact with other surfaces including lab benches or lab gown pockets. The correct procedure for removing gloves has been sign-posted as pictograms in the laboratories over every wash station. Choose the correct type of glove for the purpose. Nitrile and vinyl are good alternatives for people with latex allergies. Latex gloves or many equivalents (vinyl, nitrile) are mainly biological barriers and do not provide any chemical protection. Some material such as neoprene may provide limited chemical protection (short time or small quantities). Generally a heavy duty rubber glove or equivalent is best for large scale chemical handling – check the MSDS for the correct type. The glove manufacturers will also detail information about the suitability of various gloves to various tasks. Heat-resistant gloves should be worn when handling autoclaves, glass washers and dryers or when heating items with flame, hotplate or microwave or when handling Liquid Nitrogen or items in minus 80°C freezers. Appropriate PPE, including gloves, must be worn relevant to the highest risk group of work being performed. It is recommended that this includes the highest risk group of work being performed in the area. Gloves are to be used when dealing directly with hazardous substances or biological products. In some high risk procedures, such as handling high dose unsealed radiation sources, double-gloving is recommended. Gloves should be removed and/or changed before entering or leaving inner laboratories such as Tissue Culture labs, with care taken not to contaminate the door handles. Gloves must be removed before handling phones, using stationery with laboratory notebooks in segregated areas, accessing any bins, storage cupboards for clean glassware and equipment and any access to the storage compactus units. A glove policy should be posted at all computer stations to indicate whether or not gloves should be used, and all keyboards and mice should be washable and cleaned and decontaminated regularly. Gloves must always be removed, and hands washed before leaving the lab by any exit including the Fire Stairs and the Goods Lift, taking care not to contaminate any door handle or lift call button. Correct Procedure for Removing Gloves


Pinch the glove at the wrist well before the end of the glove touches the gown. This may be difficult to grasp but by flexing the hand inward a loose patch of glove can be created to grasp

a. Slowly remove the first glove by unravelling it from the fingers taking care not to flick the glove off at the end

b. While holding the dirty glove with the other gloved hand carefully insert a finger under the remaining glove at the wrist taking care not to touch the outside of the glove.

c. Carefully unravel the second glove over the first one holding it from the inside (“clean”) part of the glove

d. Discard immediately into a bio-waste bin. Never put gloves into general waste even if you think they are not contaminated.

e. Immediately wash your hands

2.2.3 Eye Protection • Protective eyewear must be worn unless a documented risk assessment can justify a lesser requirement.

• Standard prescription glasses are not counted as safety glasses and do not provide impact or splash protection.

Protective eyewear must be worn unless a documented risk assessment can justify a lesser requirement. The choice of equipment to protect the eyes and face from splashes and impacting objects is dependent on the activity performed. The employer is bound to provide suitable eye wear for all employees. This means buying new sets if the existing ones don’t fit correctly.

Eye wear should comply with AS/NZS 1337:1992. Specific eye-wear has been designed for different hazards – impact, splash, UV, bright light, laser, etc.

Eye wear should fit well and be suited to your face. Standard prescription glasses are not counted as safety glasses and do not provide impact or splash protection. Over glasses or face shield is the safe solution.

2.2.4 Hearing Protection • Hearing protection is required when manually filling liquid nitrogen dewars from a tap.

• Hearing protection is required when using sonicators

Wherever possible noisy equipment should be isolated and controlled. Signs should be displayed wherever hearing protection is required, such as with noisy machinery or with a sonicator. Hearing protection is required when manually filling liquid nitrogen dewars from a tap or using a sonicator. A risk assessment should be undertaken to select the appropriate hearing protection and room location and a SWM should outline the procedure. When choosing ear muffs the level of noise (expressed as an A-weighted


noise exposure level) determines the class of ear muff required.

2.2.5 Respiratory Protection • “Face masks” used in health care are designed for medical, surgical and dental procedures but do not provide any respiratory protection from chemicals or air-borne hazards.

• Respiratory protective equipment must be used when carrying out highly hazardous procedures, e.g. when cleaning up a spill of material containing microorganisms transmissible by the aerosol route and handling animals infected with zoonotic agents transmissible by the respiratory route.

Work carried out in the laboratory may generate fumes, dusts, gases or aerosols. Mostly these should be contained by fume cabinet, snorkel exhaust, BSC and other equipment. Fume cupboards and recirculating fume cabinets or snorkel devices must not be used when working with infectious materials. Please note that “face masks” used in health care are designed for medical, surgical and dental procedures but do not provide any respiratory protection from chemicals or air-borne hazards. In some circumstances such as when handling large volumes of chemicals or dealing with a spill it may be necessary to wear a personal respirator.

Microbiological work should be planned to limit the reliance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Most laboratory work with microorganisms transmissible to humans by the respiratory route is conducted in containment equipment such as a BSC. Respiratory protective equipment must be used when carrying out highly hazardous procedures, e.g. when cleaning up a spill of material containing microorganisms transmissible by the aerosol route and handling animals infected with zoonotic agents transmissible by the respiratory route.

2.3 Laboratory Cleaning • Work areas shall be kept free from physical hazards that might cause spillages or breakages including items that may overhang the edge of benches.

• The floors should be uncluttered to allow ease of cleaning by cleaning staff.

Laboratory personnel are responsible for keeping their workbenches, reagent shelves, equipment benched, cabinets (storage, fume and BSC) and laboratory sinks and draining boards clean and tidy and provide a complete clean-up at the end of the working day or periodically as required. Work areas shall be kept free from physical hazards that might cause spillages or breakages including items that may overhang the edge of benches. The floors should be uncluttered to allow ease of cleaning by cleaning staff.


Paper or cotton towels used to catch spills during procedures should be removed and disposed of at the end of each day so that the bench tops can be properly cleaned and disinfected. Laboratory glassware and plasticware for washing and/or sterilization should be placed in the designated areas to be taken to the Level 10 washroom for processing.

2.3.1 Infrashore Cleaning Personnel

• Only laboratory or facility staff shall handle infectious materials and bins with biological waste unless these bins have been closed and disinfected ready for removal by the cleaners.

Special instructions for the cleaning of microbiological facilities shall be issued (particularly to cleaning contractors). Cleaning shall be carried out by trained personnel engaged for this purpose. Where cleaning contractors are used, their work should be confined to floor and window cleaning, cleaning hand wash stations and removal of clearly marked uncontaminated waste (general waste and hand towel waste). Only laboratory or facility staff shall handle infectious materials and bins with biological waste unless these bins have been closed and disinfected ready for removal by the cleaners. Walls and windows shall be cleaned periodically by cleaning staff, or when visibly dirty, by washing with a detergent solution. ISS cleaning staff will clean floors daily at a time of the day to be specified. Cleaning staff shall also do periodic cleaning of floors under benches and tops of under-bench cupboards – at least every 6 months. Floors are normally wet-mopped but they will be scrubbed periodically or as required.

2.3.2 Cleaning of Benches and Equipment

• Laboratory personnel are responsible for keeping equipment clean.

Laboratory personnel are responsible for keeping equipment clean. Apparatus such as centrifuges, water baths, incubators, refrigerators, deep freeze cabinets and liquid nitrogen storage vessels shall be cleaned and, if necessary, decontaminated at regular intervals and before servicing or being sent away for repair or disposal. Laboratory sinks and stainless steel surfaces in fume cabinets should be periodically (i.e. at least weekly) cleaned with detergent and a non-scratch scourer (such as Scotch-Brite No Scratch). Lab personnel need to work together to share cleaning task for common areas such as equipment benches, lab sinks, fume cabinets and chemical weigh areas. Open shelves collect dust and shall be cleaned routinely by laboratory staff and students. Frequently used reagent bottles and books collect little dust, but those seldom used may become dusty, and should be stored in closed


cupboards. Cleaning dust from benches or shelves must always be done using a damp cloth (with some detergent either neutral or disinfectant Trigene advance). Avoid dry sweeping as this drives dust into the air.

2.4 Laboratory Waste Management

A bank of 120L Sulo bins is located in a bay by the plant room on the East side of the building. The bins are colour coded and labelled for the appropriate waste stream.

Green Bin: general waste (equivalent to grey bins with black & white labels)

Orange Bin: plastic, metal, aluminium, glass

Blue Bin: recycled paper

Yellow Bin: Biological Waste

Purple Bin: Cytotoxic waste

Brown/burgundy Bin: Anatomical waste

2.4.1 General Waste • Cleaning staff will empty general waste bins provided they do not contain biological waste or rubber gloves.

General uncontaminated waste, e.g. paper towels from PC2 facilities, may be disposed of in the same manner as household waste. Cleaning staff will empty general waste bins provided they do not contain biological waste or rubber gloves. The cleaners will also empty the bin for paper towels from the hand wash stations provided that no other waste has been placed here.

2.4.2 Biological Waste • All biological waste must be placed in lockable bins destined for treatment by incineration or autoclaving.

• Flammable chemicals should not be placed inside any bins

• Dirty glassware and plasticware must first be rinsed and decontaminated before being sent to the wash room, (L10) for washing and/or autoclaving.

All biological waste must be placed in lockable bins destined for treatment by incineration or autoclaving. The yellow clinical waste bins are used for general biological waste. The brown and burgundy bins are used for anatomical waste, usually stored in the cold room at the loading dock. Purple bins are to be used for cytotoxic waste. All of these bins are treated by autoclaving at Redlam’s Wollongong plant.

Flammable chemicals should not be placed inside any of these bins.


Disposable sharps containers may be placed directly inside these bins for disposal – they are not to be taken out of the lab without secondary containment. Daniels re-usable sharps containers should not be placed inside the biological waste bins but locked and removed separately. These containers will need to be transferred to the main dock for pick up.

Procedure for handling Redlam waste bins

Lab staff: 1. Tie of the bag liner with a cable tie. Take care bags are not overfilled so that they can’t be tied off.

2. Clean the outside of the bin and lid with suitable disinfectant.

3. Apply one of the bar code labels near to the lid handle.

Cleaners: 4. Cleaners collect any bins that are bar-coded.

5. Bins are locked prior to removal from the lab, taken to the Loading Dock.

6. Empty bins are brought up to the lab as replacements.

Redlam: 7. Redlam collects bins daily from the Loading Dock (Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat mornings)

8. Redlam drops off more clean bins

Store unused bins and used (full) bins in the bin-bay at the East end of the lab. Do not store them in area just outside the Goods Lift as this is this area needs to be kept clear for ingress and egress via the front door or via the Goods Lift. A biological spill kit is located near the Goods Lift in case of a spill in the lift. If biological waste (and especially GMO waste) requires autoclaving, this should be done by lab personnel who have been trained in the use of the steam pressure equipment on level 10. Before being able to use the autoclaves for biological waste staff need to contact the Facilities Office to organise certification of the use of the autoclave. Dirty glassware and plasticware must first be rinsed and decontaminated before being sent to the wash room, (L10) for washing and/or autoclaving.

2.4.3 Cell Culture Waste • Liquid waste must be treated with the appropriate disinfectant inside a BSC to protect against the generation of aerosols.

Waste culture media generated in the BSCs in Tissue Culture should be collected in a side-arm trap with an in-line filter to the vacuum. The side arm flask should never be located outside the BSC as this breaches proper containment of aerosols. Always treat liquid waste with the appropriate disinfectant inside a BSC to protect against the generation of aerosols. Liquid cell culture waste, whether disinfected or not, should not be left in the BSC


overnight. eg. 1% final concentration of bleach, for 30mins, then disposed down the sink and flushed with running water.

2.4.4 Anatomical Waste • Brown/Burgandy bins containing anatomical waste should be kept locked.

• Anatomical waste should be placed in bags and frozen before being transferred to anrown/burgundy bin located inside the cold room at the loading dock.

• All biological waste must be transported to the loading dock in an unbreakable secondary container such as an Esky.

Anatomical waste, including body parts and animal carcasses, should be placed in bags and frozen before being transferred to a brown/burgundy bin located inside the cold room at the loading dock. Sulo bins containing anatomical waste should be kept locked. Laboratory staff must obtain a key for the bins before taking the waste down to the cold room on level 3. A bin key will be kept on each research floor as well as in the Delivery Dock Office with spare keys available at Facilities. Unless being transported in a locked Sulo bin (such as from the Kearns Facility or from the Clinical Skills Centre) all biological waste must be transported to the loading dock in an unbreakable secondary container such as an Esky. Please ensure the bins in the Dock and Cold Room are kept locked since they may contain GMO waste.

2.4.5 Chemical Waste • Chemical hazardous and dangerous liquids or solids are not to be poured down the sink.

• Chemical waste should be collected in appropriate containers and stored in a safe location prior to disposal.

As a rule chemical waste is to be disposed of by a chemical contractor. Chemical liquids or solids are not to be poured down the sink. However, low concentrations of non-dangerous and non-hazardous materials may be poured down the sink provided there will be no adverse chemical reactions due to incompatibilities, and that the levels are below the Sydney Water acceptance standards for non-domestic use.

Chemical waste should be collected in appropriate containers and stored in a safe location prior to disposal. Avoid multiple handling of chemicals such as decanting from smaller containers. The waste chemicals should not be stored in a container with the original label still intact. It should be clearly labelled as if it were a decanted hazardous chemical with dates when it was first set up and when it was last used. Waste should be stored till a critical quantity is achieved (Chemsal supply containers in 5L sizes) or a specified


period of time has elapsed (either monthly or bi-monthly clearing would avoid keeping waste for prolonged periods of time). The pick-up point for Chemsal will also be central (from the Loading Dock) to avoid contractors having to access the lab areas and transporting large quantities in the Goods Lift at one time.

Please note that the chemical waste room in the basement is not open for general access and is locked at all times.

Procedure For Removal Of Waste Chemicals From The Laboratories

You can organise removal of waste from the laboratory by sending an email to the Facilities Team at [email protected] indicating:

• The composition of the chemical waste by hazardous components (concentration or proportion)

• The dangerous goods class(s)

• The quantity (mL or g)

• The nature of the container

• The location for collection

• An MSDS including any special disposal or transport considerations from the MSDS.

2.4.6 Radioactive Waste in the Lab

Radioactive waste should not be pressure steam sterilized. Liquid waste is poured down a funnel into a lead-lined holding tank. This is held for 3 months during use then, after the drain has been switch over to the secondary tank, it is stored for a further 3 months minimum before being drained to the sewer. Solid waste is stored in lead bins in the hot lab for up to 6 months (or till full) before being transferred to the chemical waste room in the basement for storage for up to a year. When radiation levels reach background levels the solid waste is disposed of as general waste.

2.5 Laboratory Safety Equipment

2.5.1 Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations

• Safety Showers should not be used in the event of a biological or radiation spill as this would only spread the contamination.

• There should not be any porous containers (such as cardboard boxes) or other clutter on the lab floors

Safety Showers and EyeWash stations have been placed within 10 seconds of access time anywhere in the laboratories. Unpacking of dangerous goods

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must be done no farther than 10m and no closer than 2m from a Safety Shower/eyewash station. If there is a chemical spill requiring these facilities it is best to have someone on hand to assist – either to get you to an eye was station safely or to assist in removing contaminated clothing while the shower is running. Please note that there is no drain for water from these systems so as not to allow chemicals to drain to sewer. It does mean that the spill is managed by dilution and mopping up of the floors afterwards. As it is a PC2 lab there should not be any porous containers (such as cardboard boxes) or other clutter on the floors so there should be minimal damage to the lab and its contents. Safety Showers should not be used in the event of a biological or radiation spill as this would only spread the contamination. Eye wash stations should be plumbed in so that they can be used for up to 15 minutes as required for eye injuries. The eye wash stations are tested monthly by Thiess services and the safety shower every 6 months with log to be kept by each unit. In addition both safety shower and eye wash units should be certified annually.

2.5.2 Spill Kits • Appropriate kits relevant to work undertaken in the labs must be available and laboratory personnel aware of their location and how to use them

To deal with spills that may occur, all laboratories should have a spill kit prepared and in an accessible area. The contents of the kit should be determined after considering the materials and substances that will be used in the laboratory. Material Safety Data Sheets, and IBC approved protocols should provide information about the best method for dealing with chemical spills. These should be consulted and understood prior to starting work and the appropriate kits available and laboratory personnel aware of the location and response. Kit contents should be checked regularly to ensure it is all present and all substances are within their expiry dates.

2.5.3 Decontamination Decontamination involves one or more chemical reactions which are focused on reducing the hazard presented by a spill by converting the substance into a less harmful form. The most common chemical decontamination reactions are neutralisation, oxidation and reduction.

The principles of Risk Management need to be applied of identifying the agent involved, assessing the needs for the situation and implementing the appropriate controls to clean, neutralise or absorb the spillage need to be employed. Review of the MSDS’s, risk assessments and IBC protocols will determine the most suitable method of decontamination in the event of a spill

2.6 Chemical Spills A spill in the laboratory may range from a minor incident to a potentially hazardous situation that may pose a danger to both workers and the environment. Priority should be given to establishing safe storage and


handling procedures so that the possibility of a spill occurring is minimised.

Chemical Spill Response Procedures Evacuate the laboratory and seek expert help (dial 33 NOTE: CODE YELLOW, to call the Incident Response Team & Hazmat) if any of the following is true:

• you have any doubts about what the spill consists of

• you have no MSDS information available

• you have any doubts about how to respond

• there are no personnel trained to manage the spill

• the spill is assessed as a major hazard (identify the chemical involved and use information from the MSDS or the container label to advise internal response team)

Minor Chemical Spills (<10ml) In the event of a minor chemical spill:

• Identify the chemical involved and use information from the MSDS or the container label to advise internal response team

• Remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear.

• Use emergency showers to wash affected areas of the body avoiding spreading the exposure to unaffected areas of skin.

• In case of chemical injury to the eye the affected person must be assisted to the nearest eye wash station. Flushing the eye surface should be done for a minimum of 20-30 minutes.

Major Chemical Spills (>10ml) In the event of a major chemical spill;

• Immediately evacuate the laboratory and dial 33 NOTE: CODE YELLOW, to call the Incident Response Team & Hazmat

• Follow all instructions issued by the internal response team, IRT. This may include providing information on what the chemical spill contained, how the spill occurred and any additional information which will assist the expert team with the clean-up operation.

2.6.1 Mercury Spills • Any person involved in mercury clean-up should use the appropriate personal protective equipment, including clothing protection and gloves.

• Materials contaminated with mercury should be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.


The most common metallic mercury spills in the laboratory involve broken thermometers and implosion of pressure measuring equipment, such as manometers. The majority of these spills do not pose a high acute risk. Any person involved in mercury clean-up should use the appropriate personal protective equipment, including clothing protection and gloves. Commercial mercury clean-up kits and sponges are also available. When used according to directions, these are an effective method for dealing with mercury spills. The clean-up of a major mercury spill or gross contamination (e.g. ejected mercury from manometers) of laboratory surfaces and equipment should be carried out by trained professionals. Decontamination of work surfaces and environmental monitoring may also be necessary in these circumstances. The common practice of treating mercury spills by covering them with sulphur powder is not recommended. The resulting waste creates a more serious disposal problem and the system is not as effective as using a commercial spill kit. Metallic mercury waste should be placed in a suitably labelled container for subsequent reclamation or recycling. Materials contaminated with mercury should be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.

Mercury Spill Response Procedure

The initial response to such an event should be to isolate the immediate area and begin the clean-up procedure. There is usually no need to evacuate the whole laboratory but evacuation should be considered if there is gross contamination of the majority of the laboratory area and equipment, or if the laboratory ventilation is inadequate. If the spill involves only a few small droplets, the mercury may be picked up on wet towelling, adhesive tape or by a vacuum pump. If the spill is more significant, the clean-up should begin with collecting the large droplets. These can be consolidated using a scraper or piece of cardboard. The resulting pool of mercury can be removed with a special vacuum pump or an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a charcoal filter trap.

3.0 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY


3.1 Biological Safety Cabinets Two classes of biological safety cabinets are in common use, Class I and Class II. Class I and Class II cabinets, complying with AS 2252.1 and AS 2252.2 respectively, offer an equivalent degree of protection to the operator. They are designed to be freestanding units, and not be connected directly to ducting that vents to the atmosphere, as wind effects may interfere with containment. Exhaust air from these cabinets, which has been passed through a HEPA filter, may be discharged either into the facility or exhausted through the building exhaust system. All cabinets must be checked for containment efficiency and safety before initial use, after any modification including change of HEPA filters, after relocation and on an annual basis. Testing is arranged via Thiess Services. Clean workstations (laminar flow clean benches) conforming to AS 1386.5 do not provide operator protection as do biological safety cabinets. Clean workstations provide HEPA filtered air to protect the work in a vertical (downflow) direction or in a horizontal (crossflow) direction. Part or all of this air moves towards the operator. These workstations cannot be used when handling microorganisms of Risk Groups 2 or higher or hazardous materials. They are most often used as a clean area for molecular biology work.

3.2 Biological Safety Cabinets The basic principle when handling human blood, blood products, body fluids and associated materials is to regard them as potentially infectious. Good microbiological practice and an infection control program are fundamental to preventing workplace infection. Although it was the emergence of HIV that initially alerted laboratory workers to the hazards of human materials there are many other diseases that can be transmitted by specimens handled in laboratories. The most common of these are brucellosis, Q fever, tuberculosis, hepatitis and insect-borne diseases. This is due to the low infectious dose of the causative micro-organism or the mode of transmission being by the respiratory route.

3.3 Infection Control Program The recommended approach is to use the hazard identification, risk assessment, and control model to take into account the unique tasks, equipment and environmental conditions in the workplace. Where risk assessment has indicated a substantial risk of being exposed to particular diseases, for which an effective vaccine is available, a vaccination program should be included in the control program.

3.4 Management of Exposures If a worker has a parenteral exposure, for example needle-stick or a cut, or


mucous membrane exposure, to blood or other body fluids, it should be considered serious and action taken immediately.

Procedure for Management of Biological Exposures

• Treat the puncture wound or cut by liberal washing with soap and water and/or dilute hypochlorite solution.

• If the face is splashed with blood, rinse the, eyes and mouth (which present exposed membranes) gently with water to minimise the risk of infection.

• Ensure that the incident is reported to the laboratory supervisor, that any incident/accident documentation has been completed, and that medical attention is sought.

• Consult with OHS Nurse for follow up in normal working hours or approach Accident and Emergency out of hours as per NSH protocol.

• If possible, identify the source material and test for the presence of HIV or hepatitis B. If the source material tests positive or is unknown:

• The worker should be counselled regarding the risk of infection and should be clinically and serologically evaluated.

3.5 Biological Spills • Minimizing the spread of the contamination and preventing the production of aerosols are the guiding principles for protecting personnel

• Emergency showers that are provided for chemical spills in laboratories are not suitable for decontamination of personnel who have been exposed to biological material.

• Eyewash stations or hand-held drench hoses can be used when there is contamination of the eyes/face/mucous membranes with infectious material or chemicals.

Each spill of microorganism culture should be assessed as to the risk level of the microorganism, the amount and concentration of the spill and whether the spill has occurred within containment equipment such as a biosafety cabinet. Staff should be trained in cleaning up minor spills (<10ml) and, in the event of larger spills a specially trained spills clean-up team should be employed. With large volume (>10ml) or highly hazardous microbiological spills, minimizing the spread of the contamination and preventing the production of aerosols are the guiding principles for protecting personnel. Leaving the area to avoid inhalation of infectious aerosols is the primary consideration. Allow at least 30 min for aerosols to settle or be removed by the air handling system before attempting to clean up the spill. Any contaminated PPE is left in the area where the spill occurred. Refresher training for staff should be done on a regular basis to ensure


competence is maintained. Emergency showers that are provided for chemical spills in laboratories are not suitable for decontamination of personnel who have been exposed to biological material. Such showers will spread the contamination and create more aerosols. This can be exacerbated by the lack of drains underneath most emergency showers. Eyewash stations or hand-held drench hoses can be used when there is contamination of the eyes/face/mucous membranes with infectious material or chemicals, as waste can be contained in a sink. If the level of contamination necessitates a shower, then this can be taken in a regular shower after initial rinsing with a hand-held drench hose.

3.5.1 Spills Inside BSCs Spills inside a biological safety cabinet are generally considered to be a lower hazard than those outside the cabinet as they are contained and aerosols are swept away by the cabinet air stream. Clean-up may be commenced immediately and may be done by the workers themselves.

Procedure For Decontamination Of Biological Spills In a BSC

Small spills- (droplet-size spills or those < 10 mL)

May be treated easily by wiping with disinfectant-soaked absorbent material or flooding with a suitable disinfectant solution. Allow adequate time for the disinfectant to take effect (e.g. 1% final concentration of bleach for 30min)

Larger spill or breakage- (>10ml)

• ensure that the cabinet remains operating to retain aerosols

• Place absorbent material wetted with suitable disinfectant or proprietary absorbent materials that release hypochlorite over the spill. Allow approximately 30 min to effect disinfection. Do not spray disinfectant directly onto the spill as this may serve to spread the spill further.

• Disinfect gloved hands and remove protective gloves in the cabinet. Remove any contaminated clothing for decontamination and wash hands and arms. Replace with clean gloves and protective clothing, including eyewear for carrying out the remainder of the clean-up.

• After initial disinfection of the spill, remove any sharp objects with forceps and discard as contaminated sharps then remove excess fluid with absorbent material and discard into a container for decontamination. Discard culture bottles, Petri dishes and solid material associated with the spill into the appropriate container. Decontaminate cultures, media and disposable materials adjacent to the spill.

• Wipe down the work floor, cabinet work zone and remaining items of equipment with fresh disinfectant solution. For BSC Class II cabinets, disinfect both sides of the front grille and work floor within the cabinet. Check that the spillage has not contaminated the sump. If the


sump is contaminated, add sufficient disinfectant solution to completely cover the sump floor. If the spill is large, use sufficient disinfectant to dilute and inactivate the infectious material.

• Consider whether the cabinet should be decontaminated before further use. The safety officer should be consulted for guidance.

• Complete an incident

3.5.2 Spills Outside BSCs Spills outside biological safety cabinets may be of varying degrees of complexity, ranging from spills where a limited number of persons work to those occurring in high access areas such as corridors. Spills can involve amounts of material ranging from 1mL or less, to more than 100mL. The amount spilled, the physical characteristics of the material and how the spill occurred are important factors in determining the area of involvement and the course of action required. Spills in confined areas, especially cold-rooms, require special considerations e.g. the air-conditioning system and air flow direction.

3.5.3 Small Spills Local staff should be trained to clean up small (<10mL) of infectious materials that are spilled outside a BSC. Larger volumes may be cleaned up provided it is deemed low hazard (as determined by the risk assessment) infectious material that is spilled without generating significant aerosol, and does not contain a human pathogen spread by the respiratory route.

Procedure For Decontamination Of Small Spills Outside A BSC

These spills should be cleaned up with a paper towel or other absorbent material soaked with an effective chemical disinfectant, then cleaned up by the workers using the following procedure. It will take at least 2 people to do the clean-up.

• First put on all the PPCE – gown, respiratory mask (rated at least PC1) eye protection and gloves. One person will handle the spill while the other will assist by handing clean absorbent paper or “pillows” to the other, and by holding the biohazard waste bag ready to receive the contaminated towels.

• Shut the laboratory door and place appropriate signs to warn other people of the hazard.

• Place absorbent material wetted with suitable disinfectant around the spill to contain the spread, then more absorbent material directly over the spill. Pour an appropriate disinfectant slowly, (in most cases, hypochlorite, phenolics or iodophor solutions are suitable. Do not pour the disinfectant straight onto the spill as this procedure can result in the generation of more aerosol. Alternatively, proprietary


absorbent materials which release hypochlorite may be used.

• Allow at least 30 min to effect disinfection. Remove any sharp objects with forceps and discard as contaminated sharps.

• Use the same disinfectant solution to wipe over the area likely to have been contaminated, allowing 10 min for disinfection time. Carefully mop up the spill and disinfection solution, and transfer all contaminated materials for decontamination by pressure steam sterilization or high temperature incineration. Do not autoclave any materials which have been soaked with hypochlorite solution due to the risk of toxic gas being produced.

• Remove protective clothing and place disposable PPE (gown, gloves, mask, etc.) into bio-waste bins. Decontaminate hands. If it is suspected that shoes are contaminated, remove and place in a separate biohazard bag.

• Do not allow anyone to re-enter the area for at least 30 minutes so that the aerosol has a chance to settle

• Complete an incident report form

3.5.4 Large Spills • The site emergency number ‘33’ should be called immediately and a code Yellow be reported. The IRT will manage the incident and all direction given by the team must be followed.

A spill external to a BSC of a large volume (i.e. over 10ml) of high risk (as determined by the risk assessment) infectious material with the generation of aerosols will require evacuation of the area and clean-up by a trained spills clean-up team. Once a spill of this type has occurred, the area shall be evacuated immediately and sufficient time allowed (generally 30 min) for aerosol particles to be dispersed before contaminated surfaces are disinfected. The site emergency number ‘33’ should be called immediately and a code Yellow be reported. The IRT will manage the incident and all direction given by the team must be followed.

3.5.5 Spills in Centrifuges • Spills in centrifuges must be decontaminated and cleaned immediately to prevent possible contamination to other personnel

Procedure for Decontaminating Centrifuge Biological Spills

• Sealed rotors or buckets that can withstand high temperatures- Thermally decontaminate intact at 121°C for a minimum of 15 min.

• Rotors and buckets not able to withstand high temperatures-

• Where breakage or spillage is observed, allow 30 min for aerosols to settle.

• Place the rotor or bucket in an appropriate non-corrosive disinfectant


solution. If the disinfectant is corrosive, wipe internal surfaces with water or detergent at the end of the contact time.

• The use of glass centrifuge tubes should be avoided. If a glass centrifuge tube has broken, remove larger pieces of broken glass to the sharps container with forceps and use material such as cotton wool moistened with disinfectant to pick up the finer pieces.

• Wipe internal surfaces of the centrifuge bowl with disinfectant.

3.5.6 Disinfection and Decontamination Methods

• The disinfectant chosen must be effective against the organisms targeted (if known).

• Prior to any form of disinfection or decontamination, equipment and surfaces should where possible be cleaned free from organic material and grease.

The AS/NZS 2243.3:2010 Appendix F outlines the guidelines for the use of chemical disinfectants. Prior to any form of disinfection or decontamination, equipment and surfaces should where possible be cleaned free from organic material and grease. Chemical disinfection is often the only practical method of decontamination of large spaces or surface areas and for heat-labile materials or equipment. Mechanical brushing and rubbing and the aid of detergents facilitate the action of chemical disinfectants. Microorganisms vary in their susceptibility to chemical disinfectants as detailed in Table F2 of the AS/NZS 2243.3:2010 standard. The disinfectant chosen must be effective against the organisms targeted (if known). A material safety data sheet should be available for all chemical disinfectants to be used. Ensure that the recommended safety precautions are followed and the correct protective equipment is worn when mixing and using disinfectants.

3.5.7 Storage of Disinfectants • Working solutions of disinfectants should be frequently replaced with freshly prepared dilutions from stock solutions.

Working solutions of disinfectants should be frequently replaced with freshly prepared dilutions from stock solutions. This applies particularly to those disinfectants which are subject to inactivation by organic or other materials, loss of stability or significant dilution through the introduction of wet instruments. Otherwise, the inactivated, exhausted or diluted disinfectants may become contaminated and may even support the growth of the bacterial contaminants. The containers or dispensers used should also be emptied and decontaminated between batches and their contents not merely ‘topped up’.



SECTION 2

4.0 PHYSICAL CONTAINMENT LEVELS (PC LEVEL)

• All the requirements of PC1 laboratories are also applicable to PC2 laboratories.

• All work done in a laboratory of a specific level must follow all the procedures prescribed for that level of physical containment.

• The laboratories in the Kolling building are all designed to PC2 containment level and require adherence to all PC1 and PC2 procedures.

Physical containment (PC) levels are defined under Standards Australia classification and specified in the AS/NZS 2243.3:2010 Safety in laboratories – Microbiological safety and containment. This standard sets out four physical containment levels for laboratory work with microorganisms. It details requirements and recommendations for facilities, protective equipment, training and supervision, and work practices in laboratories where work with micro-organisms is carried out. The physical containment levels are:

• Physical Containment Level 1 (PC1) - This level of facility with its practices and equipment is appropriate for student and undergraduate teaching and for food industry laboratories. It is suitable for work with micro-organisms where the hazard levels are low, and where laboratory personnel can be adequately protected by standard laboratory practice.

• Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) - This level applies to clinical, diagnostic, industrial, teaching and other premises where work is carried out with indigenous, moderate-risk agents present in the community, and which may be associated with animal, plant or human disease of moderate severity. Diagnostic samples, human blood, and body fluids from humans or animals would normally be regarded as Risk Group 2 and must be handled in PC2 facilities. If a microbial pathogen is isolated from, or suspected to be present in, a specimen, the specimen must be handled according to the requirements of the corresponding risk group, and at the appropriate physical containment level.

• Physical Containment Level 3 (PC3) - This level applies to clinical, diagnostic and other premises where work is carried out with indigenous or exotic agents where there is a risk of serious infection to plants, animals or humans.

• Physical Containment Level 4 (PC4) - This level of facility with its practices and equipment is applicable to work with dangerous agents that pose a high individual risk of life- threatening disease and may be readily spread in the community.


AS/NZS 2243.3:2010 also classifies microorganisms into risk groups numbered 1-4. These risk groups correspond to the relevant PC levels required as follows:

• PC1/Risk Group 1 - Non-pathogenic organisms not capable of infecting humans (eg work with tissue culture)

• PC2/Risk Group 2 – Organisms that may infect people if not handled in a proper facility with good laboratory practice (e.g. work with cancer genes, HIV etc)

• PC3/Risk Group 3 – Organisms that will infect people and cause harm if allowed escape

• PC4/Risk Group 4 - Organisms that will infect people and cause serious harm or kill anyone who comes in contact with the organism.

Practices and procedures for the different containment levels are cumulative. That is, all the requirements of the levels below apply to higher levels with more stringent conditions being added at higher levels. Therefore all the requirements of PC1 laboratories are also applicable to PC2 laboratories. All work done in a laboratory of a specific level must follow all the procedures prescribed for that level of physical containment. The laboratories in the Kolling building are all designed to PC2 containment level and require adherence to all PC1 and PC2 procedures. The labs are also OGTR accredited which means that certain GMO dealings can take place provided there is appropriate IBC approval. OGTR PC2 involves additional procedures to standard PC2 so it’s important to define which lab areas GMO dealings are to be undertaken.

4.1 Physical Containment Level 1 Facility (PC1 Facility)

4.1.1 General PC1 Work Practices

Laboratory personnel must observe the following work practices: • Public access to the laboratory should be restricted to laboratory

staff. Visitors or service personnel should be properly inducted and accompanied by a member of the laboratory staff. No children are allowed in these areas at any time. Access doors must be locked when the facility is unattended.

• Food or drink for personal consumption must not be brought into the laboratory or stored in the laboratory refrigerators. Eating, drinking, smoking, shaving and applying cosmetics are prohibited in the laboratories.

• Special precautions must be taken to ensure that reading and writing materials do not become contaminated. Hands, pens and pencils, which can become contaminated from dirty surfaces, liquids and


aerosols, should be kept away from the face. Do not take pens and pencils used in the labs back into the office areas.

• Mobile phones, music listening devices with ear-pieces, hands free, and personal devices are not to be used in the laboratory. Mobile phones shall not be used to make calls in the laboratory. Always wash hands and proceed to the office area before making any phone calls. Mobile phones must not be carried inside lab gown pockets or attached to gowns and can only be carried, but not operated, under lab gowns.

• Gloves must be removed before answering the fixed laboratory phone.

• Staff must remove laboratory gowns and thoroughly wash their hands and fingernails before moving to areas outside the laboratory, such as a canteen, refreshment room or toilet.

• Significant spills and accidents must be reported immediately to the laboratory supervisor. A written record of accidents must be prepared and maintained. The IIMS and Riskware reporting methods should be used.

• Laboratory reagents that may be toxic must be handled with appropriate protective equipment and containment.

• Cultures must be clearly identified, dated and appropriately stored. Cultures should not be stored for long periods on the bench, but should be transferred to a dedicated storage area, such as a refrigerator or part of a cold room.

• Where work is carried out on the open bench, care must be taken to minimise the production of aerosols.

• Because airborne fungal spores can spread in a similar manner to aerosols, Petri dish cultures of fungi should be sealed with tape to prevent dispersion of spores which may be allergenic or contaminate other cultures. Where shedding of spores occurs, dedicated incubators must be allocated for specific use in fungal work.

• Care must be taken to prevent the dissemination of material while flaming a wire loop, by drawing the loop gradually from the cooler to the hotter parts of the Bunsen burner flame, or by using a hooded or an ‘electric’ Bunsen burner. Disposable loops may be used as an alternative.

• Mouth pipetting is prohibited. Rules for the correct use of pipetting devices and syringes must be followed. Blowing out residual volumes from pipettes creates aerosols; therefore it is preferable to use pipettes calibrated to deliver. Manipulation of embryos for in vitro fertilization procedures is excepted.

• Diagnostic kits, control sera and products manufactured from microbiological sources shall be handled with care as infectious microorganisms may be still present.


• Decontaminate work benches at least daily and after all work involving microorganisms. Work benches must be decontaminated following any spills.

• Staff shall be trained in the clean-up of microbiological spills. Spills shall be contained, any affected personnel attended to and the area cleaned up and decontaminated with appropriate disinfectant.

• Facilities, separate from the work bench, should be provided for reference documents and for writing reports.

• Items such as door handles, fridges, telephones, keyboards, reading and writing materials shall be regularly decontaminated. Keyboards and mice for computers in the lab should be of the washable kind or covered in a washable plastic cover. Use Trigene advance wipes in preference to alcohol which can damage plastic and rubber materials.

• Reckless behaviour in the laboratory must be strictly forbidden.

• Labels must not be moistened with the tongue. The use of adhesive labels is preferred.

• Long hair should be tied back as it is both a fire and a contamination hazard.

• Liquid laboratory waste should be decontaminated prior to disposal. See notes on chemical disinfectants above for options.

• The smelling or sniffing of bacterial cultures for odours is prohibited.

• Personnel who wish to transfer material between institutions are advised to pay particular attention to the various statutory requirements regarding transport of biological materials which may be regarded as infectious.

Dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals and sources of radiation in the laboratory should be handled according to the NSLHD Risk Management guidelines.

4.2 Physical Containment Level 2 Facility (PC2 Facility)

4.2.1 Range of Activities A Physical Containment Level 2 facility is suitable for work with microorganisms in Risk Group 2 (see OGTR for grouping) and incorporates all facilities, equipment and practices for Containment Level 1 (PC1). Due to the increased potential hazard, extra conditions of access, safety equipment and staff training requirements apply. This level of facility with its practices and equipment is applicable to clinical, diagnostic, industrial, teaching, and other premises where work is carried out with indigenous, moderate-risk agents present in the community, and which may be associated with animal, plant or human disease of moderate severity. With good microbiological techniques, work with these agents may be carried


out on the open bench, provided that the potential for producing aerosols is low. If the potential for aerosol production is high, primary containment equipment (e.g. BSC) must be used. The work that can be conducted in a facility that is certified as a Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) Laboratory Facility includes work with GMOs that present only a moderate potential risk to people and/or the environment, some work with plant tissue culture, and some small scale work with GM animals. It should not, however, include the housing of animals in the facility or the growing of whole plants in the facility. For the definition of a GMO, approval requirements and types of GMO’s, and the purpose of certification please refer to the Office of Gene Technology Regulators website: http://www.ogtr.gov.au.

4.2.2 Obtaining Approval and Registering a Dealing

• All work involving microorganisms a risk assessment needs to be carried out and registered in the Kolling Database. Access can be arranged via the Kolling Facility Office.

• For all potential GMO dealings approval must first be sought from the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

Required forms and meeting dates and closures are available on the NSLHD research Office website http://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/AboutUs/Research/Office or by contacting the Research Office on Level 13.

4.2.3 GMO Work NOT Permitted in this Facility Type

The following work must not be conducted in this facility:

1. Dealings with any GMO that under the conditions of a licence requires containment in any physical containment level higher than PC2;

2. The housing/keeping/rearing of any animals, arthropods, or aquatic organisms for longer than the minimum time required to complete laboratory procedures on them;

3. The growing of any plants (except those in tissue culture, or contained in a plant growth cabinet or other containment device approved in writing by the Regulator);

4. Dealings with GMO cultures greater than 25 litres; or any other work notified in writing by the Regulator

4.2.4 PC2 Lab Access Requirements

• Persons working in the facility must have a good knowledge of the physical operation and design of the facility. They must be familiar with the protocols specific to the operation of the facility as set out in this PC2 facility manual.

• All PC2 facility personnel must be trained in the requirements of the

http://www.ogtr.gov.au/

http://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/AboutUs/Research/Office


OGTR PC2 Laboratory Facility guidelines. Only trained personnel are to clean contaminated equipment and surfaces, or handle hazardous material.

• Access to the laboratory must be limited to laboratory personnel and individuals specified by the laboratory management. Access doors must be closed when work is being carried out and locked when the PC2 facility is unattended.

• Kolling Laboratory staff wishing to work in a laboratory other than their own should first inform the floor PC2 Floor Manager of any GMO dealings or hazardous tasks that they wish to undertake before proceeding to work. They must assure the PC2 Floor Manager that they have IBC approval for any GMO work to be undertaken in the shared facility. This excludes routine use of shared equipment that does not involve a GMO dealing or the use of dangerous goods.

• Visiting scientists from outside the Kolling either from other parts of RNSH or from other organisations must first be inducted into the Kolling PC2 labs by Facilities staff or the floor PC2 Manager (see Appendix 3). The work they can do in the lab must be restricted until they complete a certified biosafety training course.

• Visiting students including work experience students must be inducted by the Facilities staff or PC2 Facility manager on the floor they are going. Work experience students are not permitted to work unsupervised. All students and visitors need to have been in contact with the Kolling personnel officer prior to starting at the Kolling.

• Visiting contractors and service personnel must be inducted into the building by Thiess Services before commencing any work affecting “hard-FM” aspects of the building and they must be inducted into the PC2 Facility (using the form in Appendix 4) before working in any of the laboratories. All equipment must be decontaminated prior to being serviced or repaired and the area cleared of any hazards before allowing entry of service personnel. Assurance must be given by laboratory personnel on site or via labelled certification of all equipment.

• Equipment to be moved between floors via the Goods Lift must first be decontaminated by wiping down with disinfectant. Equipment for disposal (via the Goods Lift to the Loading Dock) shall likewise be decontaminated prior to removal. It should be labelled as “Certified Decontaminated”.

4.2.5 PC2 Facility Managers The Kolling Operations manager will act as overall PC2 Manager for all the PC2 facilities. Each floor should have an appointed PC2 Manager by their Laboratory Head, who is to work closely with Kolling Facility Manager and the IBC in order to work toward maintaining OGTR PC2 compliance.

4.2.6 Staff Training • All new staff will be inducted into Lab Safety and PC2 procedures


before commencing work in the laboratory. The initial induction will be performed by the Kolling Facilities office staff. Induction courses will be run on a monthly basis depending on demand. A record of training to be kept in a central register (Kolling Database) which will be periodically uploaded into Pathlore.

• The PC2 Manager of the floors will follow up this training with practical training and information relating to all relevant SWMs and specific lab procedures and protocols.

• The Facility Office in conjunction with the IBC committee will hold annual refresher training for existing staff. Participants will sign an attendance sheet and access to the laboratories will be dependent on completing this training.

4.2.7 Facility and Fittings Conditions

The following fittings are provided and or required as part of the PC2 accreditation:

• Negative pressure in the laboratories is maintained only when doors between pressure zones are kept closed. It is therefore essential that doors remain closed at all times and not be propped open.

• The facility must be operated so that open spaces between and under benches, cabinets and equipment in the facility can be accessed for decontamination when required.

• Eye wash facilities must be used and maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Eye wash stations are frequently integrated with a Safety Shower. A Safety Shower is not to be used in the event of a biological (or radioactive) spill – they are only meant for chemical spills. The water from these showers is not drained and pools and spreads on the floor of the lab potentially spreading any contamination.

• Where dealings in the facility with GMOs that require PC2 containment produce aerosols containing GMOs, then the facility must continue to contain a biological safety cabinet (BSC), or other equipment specifically approved in writing by the Regulator that is designed to contain aerosols. NOTE: Procedures with GMOs such as centrifuging and vortexing that use sealed tubes need not be carried out in a biological safety cabinet, provided that the tubes are opened in a biological safety cabinet.

• A strategy must be in place to control pests in the facility. Any issues with insects, birds, rodents or possums should be immediately reported to Thiess Services.

4.2.8 Use of Lifts and stairs between PC2 Facilities

• The goods lift, whilst not certified as PC2 itself can be used to transport infectious materials from one floor to another provided the infectious materials are either double-bagged, (the outer bag of which should be sealed during transport) or placed in a secondary


sealable, unbreakable container for the transport and the outside containment decontaminated prior to transport.

• No laboratory gowns and gloves can be worn in lifts.

• The eastern fire stairs that connect only to PC2 areas are classified as PC2 spaces since they do not allow any public access up from level 7.

• Gloves are not to be worn in stairways. There is a need to restrict access to the PC2 areas, including via lifts and stairs, preventing the use of laboratories as thoroughfares and ensuring that eating and drinking is prohibited in the entire PC2 area. The goods lift, whilst not certified as PC2 itself can be used to transport infectious materials from one floor to another provided the infectious materials are either double-bagged, (the outer bag of which should be sealed during transport) or placed in a secondary sealable, unbreakable container for the transport and the outside containment decontaminated prior to transport. Laboratory gowns and gloves shall not be worn in lifts. Inward air flow to the PC2 areas from lifts and lift shafts shall be maintained. This requires attention to cater for the pressure fluctuations and air movements caused by movement of the lift car in the shaft (‘piston effect’). Laboratory personnel should be reminded that the lift is used by non-laboratory staff and therefore precautions must be taken to ensure it is not contaminated.

The eastern fire stairs that connect only to PC2 areas are classified as PC2 spaces since they do not allow any public access up from level 7. Users shall be made aware that wearing potentially contaminated laboratory gowns in stairs, though permitted, can be a source of cross-contamination. Infectious materials must be double-bagged, the outer bag of which should be sealed during transport, or placed in a secondary sealable, unbreakable container for transport. Gloves are not to be worn in stairways.

4.2.9 Working with GMOs The facility must be inspected at least once every 12 months by a person/s qualified to assess the facility’s compliance such as the IBC committee members. An inspection report which records the extent of compliance with those conditions must be made. Corrective actions are required if any report is unsatisfactory or non- compliance noted.

4.2.10 Non-GMOs in the Facility

Persons undertaking work on non-GMOs in the facility while a GMO dealing is occurring are subject to these requirements unless: • Procedures are implemented to ensure that the non-GMO work is not


cross-contaminated with GMO dealings;

• The above procedures are documented; and

• The outermost container must be free of contamination with GMOs prior to being transported out of the facility.

4.2.11 Containment Equipment Any procedures in the facility with GMOs requiring containment in a PC2 facility that produce aerosols containing GMOs must be performed in the biological safety cabinet of Class 1 or Class 11. Provision must be made to decontaminate the biological safety cabinets, independently of the rooms, with formaldehyde gas and for the gas to be purged to atmosphere upon completion of the procedure. Where large volumes, or high concentrations of infectious material are used, a centrifuge fitted with either sealed rotors or safety cups must be used. These should be left for 15 minutes for aerosols to settle and opened inside a BSC. Portable centrifuges should never be used within a BSC due to the air turbulence negatively impacting on the air curtain. Any freeze drying should be carried out in areas where the containment is suitable for the organisms be handled. Freeze-dried ampoules of organisms should be opened in a BSC. Where possible liquid nitrogen storage of organisms should be in vapour phase since liquid phase storage allows the possibility of cross contamination. Special precautions need to be taken when handling and storing liquid nitrogen.

4.2.12 Personal Protective

Clothing and Equipment • The minimum PPCE in the lab (PC1 or PC2) is lab gown and enclosed

shoes. Any other PPE depends on the specific work practice. These should be identified by Risk Assessment and SWPs.

Protective clothing to protect the front part of the body must be worn by all persons conducting laboratory procedures in the facility and must be removed before leaving the facility. A laboratory gown is the only way to get effective protection for the front of the body. The gown should have full length sleeves and gloves (working in BSC) should overlap the wrist of the gown. Protective clothing must not be stored in the same locker as street clothing. They should not be draped over the backs of chairs or doubled up on a single coat hook. This will result in contamination of the inside of the coat/gown. Fully closed footwear must be worn. Footwear that exposes toes or heels or the top of the foot is not suitable. Slip-on shoes that you can easily “walk out of” in the event of stepping into a sticky solution on the floor are not suitable. It is preferable to keep a change of shoes in the laboratory to avoid walking potential contamination into the office areas or taking contaminated shoes home.


Gloves must be worn for work undertaken in a biological safety cabinet. In addition, gloves should be worn when handling blood and body fluids or infectious materials. Gloves must be worn when dealing with GMOs which fit into the classification of Risk Group 2 or higher, as described in AS/NZS 2243.3:2010 Section 3.2 The hands must be thoroughly washed after gloves are removed, as minute holes may allow micro-organisms to enter the gloves. Gloves must not be reused and must be discarded with laboratory wastes. Goggles or visors must be used where appropriate to protect the eyes from contaminated or dangerous materials, or from ultraviolet light damage. Personal protective clothing must be removed before leaving the facility. This does not apply if moving directly to another containment facility, certified to at least PC2 by the Regulator, that is directly connected to the facility or is connected by a corridor that is not a public thoroughfare and in which there is negligible risk of cross-contamination should other personnel be encountered or contacted in the corridor. Protective clothing storage or coat hanging provisions must be provided within the facility, within 3 meters of the access doors.

4.2.13 Segregation of Special Areas

Separate areas away from normal bench work shall be provided for the following: • Preparation of media

• Collection of specimens from patients, if relevant

• Receipt of samples and goods

• Holding of materials awaiting washing up or sterilization

• Storage of sterile articles

• Clerical work

• Where practicable, lab books and computer keyboards should have a plastic, washable cover to aid in decontamination in areas where Risk 2 micro-organisms are being used.

• Reading and writing material must not be used inside a biological safety cabinet. BSCs provided have a glass side panel so that protocols can be followed from notes positioned outside the cabinet.

• Procedures for collecting specimens from patients must follow Infection Control guidelines

• Appropriate sterile equipment must be provided, and used, to ensure the safety of the patient and of the laboratory staff.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Conent/icg-guidelines-index.htm


• All clinical specimens must be regarded as potentially hazardous. Leaking containers must be disinfected, sterilised and discarded, except where a replacement is obtainable.

Special care must be taken in handling blood, serum, other body fluids and substances that are visibly contaminated with blood, as these may contain hazardous viruses, such as hepatitis B or HIV. This risk extends to human sera and derivatives such as control reagents (both positive and negative) in diagnostic and other procedures. Note: Although existing test methods for hepatitis B virus are very sensitive, they do not entirely preclude the possibility of viral contamination. The fact that a serum sample is used as a negative control for some particular test does not necessarily mean that it is free of hepatitis viruses.

4.2.14 General PC2 Work Practices

All the requirements of PC1 laboratories are also applicable to PC2 laboratories.

Operations which may generate aerosols must be done in a biological safety cabinet. The installation of and use (including fumigation) of the biological safety cabinet must comply with the requirements and recommendations contained in the latest version of AS/NZS 2647: Biological safety cabinets - Installation and use. A period of at least 5 minutes must be allowed for any aerosols to settle after the procedure is completed and before opening homogeniser or sonicator containers in a biological safety cabinet or other approved equipment. Containers for infectious materials and a supply of clearly labelled disinfectants for decontamination purposes must be available.

Live animals, not involved in the work being performed, are not permitted in the facility. Laboratory staff must advise cleaning, maintenance and service personnel of the special microbiological hazards in the laboratory. For manipulations such as shaking, mixing, and ultrasonic disruption, a biological safety cabinet (BSC) or other equipment designed to contain the aerosol must be used. A period of at least five minutes must be allowed for aerosols to settle before opening homogeniser or sonicator containers in a biological safety cabinet. Note: Large items of equipment will interfere with the airflow pattern in a Class II BSC. The subculture of certain Risk Group 2 organisms requires special precautions. These include eye protection or subculture in a BSC and the use of gloves and vaccinations. Care must be taken when carrying material likely to contain live organisms between laboratories or to autoclaves within the building. Any container of viable organisms must be transported within a second unbreakable and


closed container which can be readily decontaminated.

Potentially contaminated re-usable glassware must be autoclaved or chemically disinfected prior to washing and re-use. The laboratory washers will incorporate a high temperature disinfection cycle for glassware – a special lower temperature cycle may be used for plasticware.

If reading or writing materials are required in the PC2 facility a separate, dedicated bench must be provided. Strict segregation should be maintained with no paper or items which cannot be decontaminated removed from the lab. Electronic lab books are recommended however the equipment should be left in the laboratory for the duration of use or decontaminated prior to leaving the laboratory.

4.2.15 Decontamination • Any unintentional release of GMOs from the laboratory must be reported to the IBC and Regulator as soon as practicable.

• GMOs must be rendered non-viable prior to disposal if the method of disposal is not also the method of decontamination.

• Where a chemical disinfectant treatment is used for decontamination, the treatment must be known to be effective for the proposed use.

• Any person involved in, or observing, a spill or any other accident or incident involving GMOs must report this to the Facility Manager who must notify the IBC.

Any unintentional release of GMOs from the laboratory must be reported to the IBC and Regulator as soon as practicable. All decontamination procedures must be carried out by trained personnel. GMOs must be rendered non-viable prior to disposal if the method of disposal is not also the method of decontamination. Wastes containing GMOs must be decontaminated prior to disposal unless decontamination is by incineration off-site. In that case, biological waste must be placed inside a sealed secondary container which is locked prior to removal from the lab. Work benches, surfaces and equipment where procedures involving GMOs have taken place must be decontaminated when the dealings are completed. All work surfaces and equipment, in relevant areas of the facility, must be decontaminated before maintenance is carried out. Equipment used for handling GMOs or material contaminated with GMOs, must be decontaminated prior to leaving the facility by autoclaving, a chemical


disinfectant treatment, or any other method specifically approved (in writing) by the Regulator. Animals and plants not used in the work performed in the facility must be regarded as waste on removal from the facility and decontaminated by pressure steam sterilisation or incineration. All open spaces between and under benches, cabinets and equipment must be kept sufficiently unencumbered to enable these areas to be easily cleaned and/or decontaminated. Where a chemical disinfectant treatment is used for decontamination, the treatment must be known to be effective for the proposed use. Liquids can be disinfected with either sodium hypochlorite or iodine provided that the final concentration of available chlorine or free iodine is at least 0.1% and exposure time must be at least 30 minbefore disposal. If sodium hypochlorite solutions are used, they must be prepared freshly and changed daily. Commercial chemical disinfectant preparations (eg Virkon S viricidal, Decon 90, Biogram) must be used at concentrations specified by the manufacturer. A supply of disinfectants for decontamination purposes must be available in the facility. The disinfectants must be clearly labelled including their concentration and date of preparation. The procedures for decontamination of surfaces will not necessarily be appropriate for dealing with spills. Any person involved in, or observing, a spill or any other accident or incident involving GMOs must report this to the Facility Manager who must notify the IBC. Records of such incidents should be kept by the IBC and made available if requested. Protective clothing contaminated with or suspected to be contaminated with GMOs must be taken off as soon as practicable and decontaminated prior to reuse. Protective clothing that has not been contaminated with GMOs may be washed using normal laundry methods. Gloves must be disposed of. Incineration must be performed in a high temperature, high efficiency incinerator that has been approved by the relevant government authority in the jurisdiction where the incinerator is located. Decontamination can take place in the facility, or at another location, providing the GMOs, equipment, waste or clothing are transported to the decontamination site in accordance with any transport guidelines and other relevant guidelines issued by the Regulator. The sterilisation facility is located on level 10. They can only be operated


by trained users or wash room staff. Decontamination of biological waste will however be managed by the laboratory generating the waste. Solid microbial waste (eg agar cultures) is to be placed in Autoclave bags provided and steam-sterilised with the bag open. In most cases biological and GMO waste can be disposed directly into bins provided they are of the Purple/Burgundy waste stream designated for incineration . These bins must be locked before removal from the facility. However, infectious waste of significant quantity or particular hazard must first be autoclaved. For chemical disinfection, pipettes must be placed in a disinfectant solution, tip-first and fully immersed, to minimise the production of aerosols. If pipettes are to be autoclaved, a detergent solution is acceptable.

4.2.16 Labelling All cultures of GMOs must be clearly labelled. Any unlabelled viable material must be treated as a GMO and handled in accordance with these conditions.

4.2.17 Removal and Storage of GMOs

• All GMOs, and waste potentially contaminated with GMOs, being transported out of the facility (including to decontamination or disposal facilities) must be transported in accordance with the “Guidelines for the transport of GMOs” (see OGTR website).

• Transport logs must be completed prior to ordering GMO’s and when they arrive/leave the Kolling.

All GMOs, and waste potentially contaminated with GMOs, being transported out of the facility (including to decontamination or disposal facilities) must be transported in accordance with the “Guidelines for the transport of GMOs” (see OGTR website). All cultures of GMOs being stored inside the facility must be sealed during storage to prevent dissemination of the GMOs. All cultures of fungi and other spore-dispersing organisms must be sealed during storage to prevent dispersal of spores. All cultures must be clearly marked as to their contents and the date of inoculation GMOs or organisms containing GMOs may be stored outside the facility in a storage unit (freezer, fridge, controlled temperature room or other container). A biohazard symbol must be posted on the storage unit. The storage unit must be locked when not in use, unless access is restricted to the room or area where the storage unit is located. Access to the storage unit must be restricted or controlled to prevent unintentional release of GMOs into the environment. GMOs or organisms containing GMOs being stored outside the facility must be double-contained. The primary container must be sealed to prevent the escape or release of the GMOs and must be labelled. The primary container must be stored in an unbreakable secondary container.


In the case of a small storage unit such as a fridge, freezer or liquid nitrogen container, the secondary container may be the storage unit. In the case of NLRDs, the notifying organisation must authorise the storage of GMOs outside of the facility. Freezers, refrigerators, incubators and/or other storage units within the facility used to store GMOs must be posted with the universal biohazard symbol, available from standard laboratory suppliers. Where freezers or refrigerators are used by multiple personnel, it is recommended that the names and telephone numbers of the users are displayed on the front of the unit. Transport logs must be completed prior to ordering GMO’s and when they arrive/leave the Kolling. The forms must have all the information included and be stored with the Kolling Facilities Office. (See Appendix 6).

4.2.18 Spills • Any real or suspected unintentional release of GMOs outside the facility, including spills, must be reported to the Regulator as soon as reasonably possible.

Documented procedures must be in place to decontaminate any spills involving GMOs inside or outside the facility. The procedures must be made available to the Regulator if requested. If a spill of GMOs occurs inside the facility, the spills procedures must be implemented to decontaminate the spill as soon as reasonably possible. If a spill of GMOs occurs outside the facility, the spills procedures must be implemented to ensure that all spilt material is recovered and any contaminated surfaces are decontaminated. Any real or suspected unintentional release of GMOs outside the facility, including spills, must be reported to the Regulator as soon as reasonably possible.

4.3 Physical Containment Level 2 Animal (PC2 Animal)

The major issue to consider when planning to undertake GM work with animals is that the consequences of insertion of novel genetic material into the animal genome is unpredictable, both in the expression of new genetic material and the effects on adjacent genes. When assessing the requirements for the design of animal facilities, the guidelines define 4 levels of containment: • PC1 - large Grazing Animal Facility

• PC2 – animal facility

• PC3- animal facility

• PC4 – animalfacility


Any work with animals must comply with the NH&MRC/CSIRO/AAC Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Experimental Purposes (1989), and be assessed by the institution’s Animal Ethics Committee. The work that can be conducted in a facility that is certified as a Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) Animal Containment Facility includes work with GM animals, and/or animals containing GMOs, that present a low to moderate potential risk to people and/or the environment.

4.3.1 Work Not Permitted in this Facility Type

The following work must not be conducted in this facility: • Dealings with any GMO that under the conditions of a licence

requires containment in any physical containment level higher than PC2;

• The housing/keeping/rearing of any arthropods, or aquatic organisms, for longer than the minimum time required to complete procedures on them;

• The growing of any plants;

• Dealings with GMO cultures greater than 25 litres; or

• Any other work notified in writing by the Regulator.

4.3.2 General Conditions The conditions of a PC2 animal facility are identical to those listed for the PC1 and 2 laboratories. The Kearns Facility due to the open nature of the procedure rooms assumes that all animals held within the facility may have the potential to come into contact with a GM animal or organism and therefore precautions are taken for ALL animals held within the facility.

4.3.3 Handling of Animals Handling of the GM animals or animals containing GM micro-organisms, and any experimental procedures conducted on the animals, must be carried out in a way that minimises the chance of escape of the animals. When not being handled, the GM animals or animals containing GM micro-organisms must be kept in cages designed to prevent the escape of the animals being contained. NOTE: The facility physical boundaries alone are not sufficient for containment. All animals or cages of animals must be labelled. Cages must be labelled to enable identification of the animals being contained and to indicate the number of animals in the containers. Some documented system of accounting for the number of animals in the facility must be used. The documentation must be made available to the Regulator if requested.

4.3.4 Non-GMOs in the Facility Persons undertaking work on non-GMOs in the facility while a GMO dealing is occurring are subject to these requirements unless:


a) Procedures are implemented to ensure that animals involved in non-

GMO work are not mixed with animals involved in GMO dealings;

b) The above procedures are documented; and

c) The outermost container must be free of contamination with GMOs prior to being transported out of the facility.

4.3.5 Decontamination Decontamination requirements are the same as those for PC2 laboratories.

4.3.6 Removal, Storage, and Escape/Spills of GMOs

In addition to the requirements of general PC2 laboratories; • All GMOs, animals containing GM micro-organisms, GM sperm, GM

ova, GM embryos or animal tissue and body fluids containing GM micro-organisms being transported out of the facility must be transported in accordance with any transport guidelines and other relevant guidelines issued by the Regulator.

• Whole live GM animals (excepting GM sperm, GM ova and GM embryos) cannot be stored outside of the facility.

• If a GM animal or animal containing GM micro-organisms escapes within the facility, trapping devices must be used to capture the animal and the animal must be returned to its container or cage or euthanased.

Any real or suspected unintentional release of GMOs outside the facility, including spills, must be reported to the Regulator as soon as reasonably possible.

4.3.7 Dealings Involving GM Microorganisms

If any of the dealings proposed to be conducted in the facility will involve GM micro-organisms, the behavioural training must encompass the following requirements in addition to all other requirements listed.

4.3.8 Personal Protective Clothing

PPCE required as a minimum to enter the facility is rear closing long sleeved gown, shoe covers and a hair net. Gloves should be worn when handling the animals and GM organisms.

4.3.9 Containment Equipment Any procedures in the facility with GM micro-organisms that require PC2 containment that produce aerosols containing GM micro-organisms must be performed in the biological safety cabinet or other aerosol containment equipment approved in writing by the Regulator.


4.3.10 Decontamination In addition to those required by general PC2 practices;

• Equipment, pens, cages or bedding contaminated with GM micro-organisms must be decontaminated before being removed from the facility.

• Carcasses of animals containing GM micro-organisms must be decontaminated once dealings are completed by autoclaving, incineration or any other method approved in writing by the Regulator.

4.3.11 Storage All cultures of GM micro-organisms being stored inside the facility must be sealed during storage to prevent dissemination of the GMOs. NOTE: The type of container necessary to prevent the GMOs from escaping will vary depending on the type of organisms being stored.


APPENDIX A

5.0 EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

All emergencies: Internal phones extension ‘33’

Contact Extension Number No. Alternate Contact No.

Security x38544 0408 356010

Fire Safety (Karl) 0401 562 076

Work Health & Safety (WHS) x29438

x29439

x29430(Needlestick)

Infrashore Helpdesk 1800 767 477

Thiess Duty Officer 0407 873390

Kolling Chief Operating Officer x 64974

Kolling Facilities Manager x64540

Kolling Facilities Office x64770

Institutional Biosafety Chair (IBC) X64828


APPENDIX B

6.0 OTHER RESOURCES

6.1 Other Manuals • NSAHS Radiation Protection Manual (copy in Hot Lab 6080046) • CCH Laboratory Safety Manual subscription:

http://www.cch.com.au (Hard copy in Facilities Office) • CCH Hazard Alert Manual subscription: http://www.cch.com.au

(Hard copy in Facilities Office) • OH&S Policy with Hazard Register & Dangerous Goods Register

(Copy per floor )

6.2 Web & Network Resources • The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) • Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act) • NSLHD WHS Workforce Support Services • OH&S, Risk Management & Learning Solutions training (USyd) • Riskware (USyd) • CCH Online • RNSH Manual Handling Training • Copies of Australian Standards referenced in this manual are held

in the Douglas Piper Library Contact the librarian for a copy. PDF copies expire after 2 days. University staff can download directly from the USyd Library Link

• IIMS (NSLHD) • ChemAlert (USyd) • ChemAlert (RNSH) • Hazardous Substances Information • MSDS Online • Radiation Protection Management • Kolling Home Page • Kolling Facilities Booking System (ACLabs) • Kolling File Server • Kolling Database • Animal Biosafety Videos (USA) • Gene Technology & Biosafety (Melbourne Uni) • OH&S (UNSW) • MSDS for Microorganisms

http://www.cch.com.au/

http://www.cch.com.au/

http://www.ogtr.gov.au/

http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/legislation-2

http://intranet.nsccahs.nswhealth.net/corpsupport/workforce/aboutus/operations/hsi/ohs

http://sydney.edu.au/ohs/

https://riskware.sydney.edu.au/

http://intelliconnect.wkasiapacific.com/

http://intranet.nsccahs.nswhealth.net/corpsupport/workforce/aboutus/training/TrainingResources/learnops/Pages/Option1.aspx

http://icu-web.org/icuweb/servlet/icuweb/?site_id=Library

http://www.saiglobal.com.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/online/autologin.asp

http://intranet01.nsahs.nsw.gov.au/area/iims

http://chemalert.ucc.usyd.edu.au/

https://chemalert.rmt.com.au/nswhealth/

http://hsis.ascc.gov.au/

http://www.msdsonline.com/

http://nsccrnsap50/rpms/admin/login.asp

http://www.kolling.usyd.edu.au/

http://book.kolling.usyd.edu.au/

http://www.absa.org/resanimal.html

http://www.research.unimelb.edu.au/genetech/home

http://www.ohs.unsw.edu.au/

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/msds-ftss/


APPENDIX C

7.0 REFERENCES

7.1 National Codes National Code of Practice for the Control of Scheduled Carcinogenic Substances [NOHSC:2014 (1995)].

National Code of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:2007 (1994)].

National Code of Practice for the Control of Work-related Exposure to Hepatitis and HIV (blood-borne) Viruses [NOHSC:2010 (2003) 2nd Edition

National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets, 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2011 (2003)]

National Code of Practice for the Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous Goods NOHSC:2017 (2001)]

National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1011 (1995)]

National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances [NOHSC: 2012 (1994)]

National Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Ethylene Oxide in Sterilisation/Fumigation Processes [NOHSC:2008 (1992)]

7.2 Construction AS/NZS 2982.1-1997 Laboratory construction

7.3 Safety Signs AS/NZS 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment

7.4 Personal Protective Equipment

AS/NZS 1336-1997 Recommended practices for occupational eye protection.

AS/NZS 1337-1992 Eye protectors for industrial applications.

AS/NZS 1716-2003 Respiratory protective devices.

AS/NZS 1800-1998 Occupational protective helmets - Selection, care and use.

AS/NZS 1801-1997 Occupational protective helmets.

AS/NZS 2161.1-2000 Occupational protective gloves - Selection, use and maintenance.

AS/NZS 2161.8-2002 Occupational protective gloves - Protection against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination.

AS/NZS 2210.1-1994 Occupational protective footwear - Guide to selection,

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/swa/HealthSafety/OHS%20standards/

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/swa/HealthSafety/OHS%20standards/

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/swalHealthSafety/OHSstandards/


http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/HealthSafety/OHSstandards/

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/HealthSafety/OHSstandards/




care and use.

AS/NZS ISO 6529:2006 Protective clothing - Protection against chemicals Determination of resistance of protective clothing materials to permeation by liquids and gases.

7.5 General Safety AS/NZS 2243.1-1997 Safety in laboratories - General.

AS/NZS 1668.2-2002 The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control.

AS/NZS 1680.1-2006 Interior lighting - General principles and recommendations.

AS/NZS 1680.2.1-2008 Interior and workplace lighting - Specific applications Circulation spaces and other general areas.

AS/NZS 1680.2.2-2008 Interior and workplace lighting - Specific applications Office and screen-based tasks.

AS/NZS 1680.2.3-2008 Interior and workplace lighting - Specific applications Educational and training facilities.

AS/NZS 1680.3-1991 Interior lighting - Measurement, calculation and presentation of photometric data.

AS/NZS 2830.1-1985 Good laboratory practice - Chemical analysis.

7.6 First Aid AS/NZS 2675-1983 Portable first aid kits for use by consumers

7.7 Reporting and Recording AS/NZS 1885.1-1990 Describing and reporting occupational injuries and disease (known as the National Standard for workplace injury and disease recording).

AS/NZS 1885.1 Supplement 1-1991 Describing and reporting occupational injuries and diseases – recording form

7.8 Emergency Procedures AS/NZS 3745-2002 Emergency control organization and procedures for buildings, structures and workplaces.

AS/NZS 2293.1-2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings – System design, installation and operation.

AS/NZS 2293.2-1995 Emergency evacuation lightingfor buildings –Inspection and maintenance.

ASINZS 2293.3-2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings – Emergency escape luminaires and exit signs


7.9 Laboratory Design AS/NZS 2982.1-1997 Laboratory design and construction – General requirements

7.10 Chemical Safety AS/NZS 1216-2006 Class labels for dangerous goods.

AS/NZS 1894-1997 The storage and handling of non-flammable cryogenic and refrigerated liquids.

AS/NZS 1940-2004 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.

AS/NZS 2243.2-2006 Safety in laboratories - Part 2: Chemical aspects.

AS/NZS 2243.10-2004 Safety in laboratories - Part 10: Storage of chemicals

AS/NZS 2210.1-1994 Occupational protective footwear - Guide to selection, care and use.

AS/NZS 2508 (Lst) Safe storage and handling information card.

AS/NZS 2714-2008 The storage and handling of organic peroxides.

AS/NZS 2927-2001 The storage and handling of liquefied chlorine gas.

AS/NZS 3780-2008 The storage and handling of corrosive substances.

AS/NZS 3833-2007 The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods, in packages and intermediate bulk containers.

AS/NZS 4484-2004 Gas cylinders for industrial, scientific, medical and refrigerant use - Labelling and colour coding.

AS/NZS 4681-2000 The storage and handling of Class 9 (miscellaneous) dangerous goods and articles.

7.11 Radiation Safety AS/NZS 2211.1-2004 Safety of laser products- Equipment classification, requirements and user's guide.

AS/NZS 2243.4-1998 Safety in laboratories - Part 4: Ionizing radiations.

AS/NZS 2243.5-2004 Safety in laboratories - Part 5: Non-ionizing radiations Electromagnetic, sound and ultrasound

7.12 Biological Safety AS/NZS 2243.3-2010 Safety in laboratories - Part 3: Microbiological safety and containment.

AS/NZS 2252.1-2002 Biological safety cabinets (Class I) for personnel and environment protection.

AS/NZS 2252.2-2004 Biological safety cabinets - Laminar flow biological safety cabinets (Class II) for personnel, environment and product protection.


AS/NZS 2567-2002 Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets.

AS/NZS 2639-1994 Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets - Installation and use.

AS/NZS 2647-2000 Biological safety cabinets - Installation and use

7.13 Engineering Safety AS/NZS 1076-1977 Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of electrical apparatus and associated equipment for use in explosive atmospheres (other than mining applications).

AS/NZS 1200-2000 Pressure equipment.

AS/NZS 1210-1997 Pressure vessels.

AS/NZS 60204.1-2005 Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines General requirements.

AS/NZS 2243.6-2010 Safety in laboratories - Part 6: Plant and equipment aspects.

AS/NZS 2243.7-1991 Safety in laboratories - Part 7: Electrical aspects.

AS/NZS 2243.8-2006 Safety in laboratories - Part 8: Fume cupboards.

AS/NZS 2243.9-2003 Safety in laboratories - Part 9: Recirculating fume cabinets.

AS/NZS 2381.1-2005 Electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres - Selection, installation and maintenance - General requirements.

AS/NZS 60079.10-2004 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres Classification of hazardous areas.

AS/NZS 2939-1987 Industrial robot systems - Safe design and usage.

AS/NZS 3000-2007 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules).

AS/NZS 60320.1-2004 Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - General requirements.

AS/NZS 3112-2004 Approval and test specification - Plugs and socket-outlets.

AS/NZS 3191-2003 Electrical flexible cords

7.14 Waste Disposal AS/NZS 4031-1992 Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharp medical items used in health care areas.

AS/NZS 4261-1994 Reusable containers for the collection of sharp items used in human and animal medical applications


Further information on Australian Standards Further information is available from: Standards Australia GPO Box 476 Sydney NSW 2001 Tel: 1800 035 822 Website: www.standards.com.au, http://www.saiglobal.com.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/online/autologin.asp

http://www.standards.com.au/

http://www.saiglobal.com.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/online/autologin.asp

Documents

Laboratory Safety and PC2 Procedures Training - NSW … · Laboratory Safety and PC2 Procedures Training Northern Sydney Local Health District & University of Sydney