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What can I do to prevent problems in the laboratory?

Top five tips to prevent problems in your laboratory:

• Practice standard precautions and always assume material is potentially infectious. If your biosafety cabinet certification is more than one year old, contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department at safetyinfo@mcw.edu
   
• Store infectious and toxic waste properly. Do not let waste accumulate.
   
• Train your staff to work carefully and to minimize the creation of splashes and aerosols. Reduce the use of sharps such as needles and glass pipettes to limit potential injuries. If anyone gets injured, contact the Occupational Health Services for prompt follow up at 414-805-6699.
   
• Make sure study-staff wear their safety equipment (e.g., gloves, eyewear)
   
• Make sure all study-staff have reviewed the most current Institutional Biosafety Committee approved protocols. Contact the Biological Safety Officer for questions or problems at safetyinfo@mcw.edu.