Handling Biological Materials

The Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Protocols

Protocol for handling biological material

Is your idea of the process the best and safest option to achieve your goals? If not, consider the alternatives:

1. Consider using the Protocol layout given. Alternatives are possible, but they should contain the information and logic detailed in the given attachment. You may wish to incorporate the information into your current protocol along with chemical and other safety information.
2. Draw attention to your laboratory's / School's / Area's / ANU's policies for laboratory work.
3. List the biological materials that will be used.
4. List the likely genetic variants that may be produced in the experiment.
   
   Mark the hazardous (or non-hazardous) biological materials in the list.
   
5. Check AS/NZS 2243.3 for information on the Risk Groups of microorganisms used and for information on spill clean up.
6. List hazards associated with each biological material. For example human blood may contain viruses.
7. Relate the hazard with likely routes of exposure:
   • Inhalation
   • Penetration through broken skin
   • Ingestion
   • Inoculation
     
     Remember that the HAZARD is the intrinsic property of the material, while RISK is the ability of the material / hazard to do harm.
     
8. Document the steps in the experiment to be carried out:
   • Remember to consider each hazard and likely exposure or risk to health and safety. If the risk of exposure is likely — say so and suggest how to avoid it. e.g. if manipulation can produce an infectious aerosol then it should be done in a biological safety cabinet.
   • Is there a combined biological and chemical risk? If so, consider how the step can be carried out to reduce / eliminate exposure to both risks.
   • If the hazard cannot be totally eliminated, is it acceptable? If not, the step / equipment / process needs to be modified. Consider control methods discussed in the biological safety notes.
   • Ensure the equipment chosen is suitable for the task.
   • Document any personal protective clothing and equipment requirements. Safety glasses are required (no excuses!) due to the ANU eye protection policy, available at: http://info.anu.edu.au/Policies/_DHR/Procedures/Eye_Protection_Procedures.asp. If a significant splash hazard exists then recommend a face shield as well.
   • Remember to include as much information as possible to reduce the risk of steps being misinterpreted or modified. It is advantageous to produce a detailed protocol with reasons why a step is being conducted in a particular way. This can help avoid the experiment being modified or simplified at a later date — which could increase the risk of exposure. Hopefully this will also ensure the integrity and reproducibility of the experiment, and also adds to the learning experience.
     
     Ensure the health and safety controls you have chosen in each step are practical. If you run out of ideas or aren't quite sure how to improve the situation — ask your colleagues, other academics, your local safety officer or the OHS Unit.
     
9. Consider what to do if things go wrong.
   • How would you handle a spill or release of the biological material, do you have the necessary clean-up materials?
   • What could be done to extinguish a fire if one occurred?
   • What facilities are available for emergency shower and eye bath?
   • What first aid and decontaminants are required to treat exposure to the hazardous biological materials and any chemicals that may also be involved?
10. Consider disposal of all the waste material. Is there a current ANU approved disposal route (see the hazardous waste disposal guidelines on the web at: http://info.anu.edu.au/Policies/_DHR/Procedures/Disposal_of_Hazardous_Waste.asp? If not, can the material be made safe by inactivation, or can it be sent out to a waste contractor. If not — think whether you need to do this experiment, or can it be done another way that doesn't produce intractable waste.
11. Distribute the proposed documents for comments and suggestions. Other people may have some good ideas to contribute.
12. The academic supervisor in charge needs to sign and date the protocol.
13. Regularly review the procedure, and modify it as necessary.
14. Keep the document for 5 years after its last change.

Protocol for handling biological material

More information can be obtained from the OHS Unit, G Block, Old Admin Area

For further information contact:
Stephen Altree-Williams, e-mail: Stephen.Altree-Williams@anu.edu.au