Do's & Dont's- Policies and Regulations
Like any organization or institute, labs at University of Toronto operate with strict rules and policies which everyone entering the lab must adhere to at all times while working. This is not just enforced by the university and the department but also by the Ontario government. Most of the bacterial strains used in the lab are at Biohazard level 1 and even though they are not potential pathogens, use of gloves and lab-coats is mandatory when handling them.
The basic safety rules are posted out side the door of each lab. No one is allowed to enter the lab without a lab coat. Lab coat must be worn buttoned up. Close toed shoes must be worn to protect the foot in case of any spill or accident. Use of cell phones is prohibited and any type of food or drink is strictly not allowed behind the doors.
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Laboratory safety rules posted outside the lab door. Behind this door is the preparation room where Lab manager Daniel works. Same posting is also found outside every lab. |
BIOC17 syllabus dedicates two pages to rules and safety guidelines.
There is a separate set of rules that needs to be followed when handling microscopes. They need to be cleaned properly with alcohol and stored in their appropriate places with their cover on. The stage should be lowered and the eyepiece turned in the direction of the neck of the microscope before storing. While working in the lab I helped the TAs check the microscopes before students put them away in the right cubby and in case they were found not cleaned, this would result in loss of participation credit for the students. The picture below is an excerpt from the syllabus indicating some of the rules and policies of the lab.
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Excerpt from BIOC17 syllabus which highlights the important rules that need to be followed while working in the lab |
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