OWML: QA/QC

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manual: Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory

GENERAL LABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY- CONTROL PRACTICES

Safety
Detailed laboratory safety practices and responsibilities are described in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Safety activities include safeguards to avoid electric shock; prevent fire; prevent accidental chemical spills; and minimize microbiological dangers, facility deficiencies, and equipment failures.

Laboratory personnel that are isolating microorganisms from natural sources must be made aware that pathogens may be present in environmental samples.  Technicians are to wear disposable gloves and lab coats when handling samples that are likely to contain pathogens.  Safety glasses are worn if there is a chance of projectiles, aerosols, or other foreign matter entering the eye.  This includes when using positive-pressure air to blow out any remaining liquid during the ultrafiltration process for Cryptosporidium and Giardia.  Laboratory personnel will receive immunizations for pathogens on a project-specific basis.  Each project sending samples to the OWML is required to have a project safety plan--copies are available for OWML employees. Immunizations are offered to all OWML workers for Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis B virus, and tetanus. 

Safety equipment is tested at regular intervals.  Safety showers and eyewash stations are tested annually and recorded in the LIMS. Fire extinguishers are inspected annually.  The Chemical Hygiene Officer maintains a list of chemicals and arranges for a contract for disposal of hazardous waste.