emf - 2 : facility policies

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facility policies : safety
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B. Safety

B.1 NO viable pathogenic organisms are to be brought into the EMF. This includes organisms that are known to be pathogenic to humans, animals, fungi, plants, and bacteria. It also includes potentially transferable viral transgenics. The EMF is not equipped or certified to handle pathogenic organisms. The EMF staff will work closely with researchers handling these organisms and provide fixatives for killing and preserving these organisms within researchers own laboratories (since they have the proper facilities for safe handling of the organisms) prior to their transport to the EMF laboratories.

B.2 NO use of radioisotopes within the EMF. The EMF is not equipped or certified to handle radioisotopes. The EMF staff will provide any assistance we can to those users wishing to utilize autoradiographic (and related) techniques.

B.3 NO use of molybdenum metal (i.e. grids) within the EMF. Pure molybdenum metal is toxic and absorbable on contact with the skin. Alternatives are available, see the EMF Staff.

B.4 Dispose of all broken glass, pipets, razor blades, hypodermic needles, etc. properly. There are glass disposal and sharps disposal containers located in all the EMF labs.

Chemicals B.5 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are located in the SEM and TEM Labs. There are copies of all the material safety data sheets for all the chemicals in the EMF, know what you are working with and how to handle it properly.

B.6 All Fixatives MUST Be Handled under the Hood Only!!!!

B.7 Use appropriate disposal procedures for all chemicals. There are labeled containers under the fume hoods for general EM preparation chemicals.

B.8 Label all chemicals, solutions, and samples. All chemicals and solutions prepared or transferred to unlabeled containers (i.e. flasks, bottles, beakers) must be labeled with contents, your name, and date. This includes water! A flask of H2O and a flask of concentrated HCl look the same.

B.9 NO sawing, filing, sanding or grinding of resins in EMF. Most components of microscopy resins are either known or suspected carcinogens, teratogens or mutagens, or immunologic irritants. Even when ‘polymerized’ resins retain free binding sites within their structure. The production of fine airborne particulates from sawing, filing, sanding or grinding of resins can result in unknowing inhalation of these toxic substances with potential serious health conditions. In order to provide a safe working environment for all our users all activities which may result in the production of resin dust are prohibited.

B.10 No volumetric measuring or mixing of resins in EMF glassware. It is nearly impossible to remove resin (polymerized or unpolymerized) from glassware. There are disposable containers available in the EMF for this.

B.11 Never dispose of unpolymerized resin down a sink drain! ( - this will only work for so long before the drain will have to be replaced - - ). Dispose of unpolymerized resin by polymerizing in at 65EC for several hours after which time it can be thrown away as non-hazardous waste.

B.12 Use your common sense.

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Policies Contents A. General Policy
B. Safety
C. Equipment
D. Darkrooms
E. Computers
F. Liquid Nitrogen
G. Guests, visitors, demonstrations, and tours of EMF

richard e. edelmann, ph.d.,
director
matt l. duley, m.s.,
emf specialist

questions? comments?
edelmare@muohio.edu
350 pearson hall
513.529.5712

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