I. Chemical Safety and Disposal
1. During the part of the experiment that will be performed at the school, sulfur dioxide will be used in accordance with the MSDS.
2. The use of sulfur dioxide will be done while wearing gloves, aprons, and goggles.
3. Sulfur dioxide fumes will be placed under the fume hood to prevent the release of fumes into the classroom.
4. A fire blanket, fume-hood, fire extinguisher, eyewash station, and shower are available for use.
5. Upon leaving the lab, hands will be washed and all chemicals will be stored in a locked ventilated chemical storeroom.
6. Disposal of Sulfur Dioxide: According to the MSDS, excess quantities of sulfur dioxide will be disposed of after autoclaving.
7. When able, remove from autoclave and transport to dumpster.
II. Biological Hazard: Cleaning Up
1. After each day of experimentation, clean the lab counter with 10% bleach.
2. Wash hands with 10% bleach.
3. Clean with 10% bleach all glassware and related items. Auto clave new equipment as needed.
4. Petri dishes and other disposable equipment will be placed in a plastic bag and autoclaved for 30 minutes at 20 psi, 120 degrees Celsius and disposed of.
5. All related glassware and related equipment would be autoclaved for 30 minutes at 20 psi, 120 degrees Celsius.
III. Biological Hazard: Disposal
1. Items of biological hazard (i.e. lichens) must be disposed of after autoclaving.
2. Put on protective equipment (goggles, gloves, aprons).
3. Gather biological items to be autoclaved prior to disposal.
4. Put items in autoclavable bag. Put bag in autoclave.
5. Autoclave for thirty minutes at 20 psi, 120 degrees C.
6. When able, remove from autoclave and transport to dumpster.
IV. Other Safety Precautions
1. When working with glassware, safety techniques will be practiced and goggles will be worn.
2. When working with a scalpel, safety techniques will be practiced and gloves will be worn.
3. When working with heat, eye protection, gloves, and an apron will be worn.
V. Autoclave
1. Always wear goggles and aprons when using the autoclave.
2. The bottom of the auto clave should have about 2 inches of cleaned distilled water before operation.
3. Check the pressure release value prior to use (it should be clear)
4. Use potholders when opening or handling hot surfaces.
5. Opening the autoclave can be done only after the sterilizer after it has cooled (gauge should read zero.) and the all steam has been allowed to escape.
6. Place the control knob in the straight up position. This allows the unit to operate at 16-21 psi range.
