Department of Food & Tourism Management Food Safety & Physiology Microbiology Workbook – Re-sit 2013 Student Name: Student Number: Laboratory Operations & Safety Safety is an important consideration...

Department of Food & Tourism Management
Department of Food & Tourism Management
Food Safety & Physiology
Microbiology Workbook – Re-sit
2013
Student Name:
Student Number:
Laboratory Operations & Safety
Safety is an important consideration in any laboratory environment. Whilst the micro organisms you will encounter in the practical sessions are not pathogenic, it is important to observe the following procedures and safety points at every laboratory session:
GENERAL LABORATORY OPERATING PROCEDURES
1. Be prompt: Arrive in plenty of time for the start of your practical; instruction and demonstrations will be done at the beginning of each session. Ensure coats and bags are left in the lockers provided as they will not be permitted in the laboratory.
2. Be prepared: The practical booklets are arranged in the order that the sessions will be delivered, it is a good idea to read the introductory material ahead of the next session so you know what to expect and what is expected of you. Make sure you ALWAYS have your workbook with you and don’t forget pens/pencils and paper. It is advised that you keep the booklet in a ring binder or similar, the work you submit will be marked and returned to you and the complete workbook handed in at the end of the term. Don’t forget to put your student number and group on each sheet submitted. The use of mobile phones is not permitted in the laboratory, please ensure they are switched off before the session or left in the lockers.
3. Be responsible: Take care of your work area and equipment assigned to you. Keep your microscope clean and in good working order. Be aware of the proper containers for disposing of used laboratory items. After your laboratory session is finished, always leave your workstation in good order. Turn off Bunsen burners and ensure microscopes are cleaned and switched off after use. Ensure you have taken sufficient notes from the session and do not rely on another student collecting the results. Whilst you will complete most of the practicals with a partner or group, the write up MUST be submitted individually.
LABORATORY SAFETY
1. Never put anything in your mouth in a laboratory, this is a major route for microbes to enter the body. No eating or drinking is allowed in the laboratory. This includes chewing gum!
2. Laboratory coats are provided for your use during the practicals and MUST be worn, correctly fastened. Coats must be left in the ante room as you leave and must not be worn in any other location. Food lab coats are NOT to be worn in the laboratory.
3. ALWAYS wash your hands when you leave the laboratory. Remove your lab coat FIRST then wash hands thoroughly.
4. Be aware of the locations of fire extinguisher, eyewash station, first aid kit and emergency exits. Inform the lecturer/technician of any accident, spill or potential hazard.
5. Long hair must be tied back during practicals as this is a potential hazard when working over a Bunsen burner.
6. Listen carefully to the instructions given to you at the beginning of the practical. If you are in any doubt please ask the lecturer or technician.
Instructions to Student
You are to work through the workbook answering all the questions using the knowledge and information from the practical exercise you had during the first term. You may refer to previous practical notes or microbiology textbooks indicated on Moodle to help you complete the task.
Completed workbook must be submitted to the student life office through the submission box on or before 9th August 2013. Student must make sure student number is printed on each page of the workbook.
Aseptic technique
1. Why is not permitted to eat or drink in the laboratory?
Ans. Eating and dtinking is not permitted in the laboratory because there might be some harmful substances or chemicals might be present in the laboratory which might be ingested. Infectious agents might also be present which can cause infections through food.
2. What is the reason for flaming the bottles before and after each transfer?
Ans. Flaming the bottles before and after each transfer ensures that there is no contamination due to microbes present in the air. Flaming will kill any airborne microbe by directly killing and thus aseptic conditions will be maintained else it will lead to wrong results.
3. Why is it important to keep the pipette upright during use?
Ans. Pipette should be kept upright during use to prevent damage and cross-contamination.
4. Why is it necessary to touch the loop onto sterile agar after flaming?
Ans. Flaming the loop will sterilize the loop. Thus contaminated microorganisms will be killed and will not be allowed to grow on the agar. This will thus decrease chances of contamination.
5. Why are agar plates kept...