Standard Operation Procedure

Standard Operation Procedure

STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE

Assessor:Katy CressyDate of assessment: June 2017

Approved: Alan Richardson

1. Title of the procedure:Use of an aspirator

2. Hazard Assessment :

  • Cuts/lesions: The waste trap consists of a glass bottle which could be hazardous if broken
  • Fire: The pump used could overheat which would be a fire risk
  • Biological: Contents of the waste trap contains biological agents which are a potential hazard if adequate disinfectant has not been used
  • COSHH: Virkon is -
  • Harmful if swallowed
  • Harmful in contact with skin
  • Harmful if inhaled
  • Causes serious eye damage
  • Toxic to aquatic life

3. Precautions and Personal Protection Equipment :

  • Glassware must be inspected before use to ensure that it is not damaged
  • You must ensure that the waste trap is stable to avoid it from falling over and the content leaking
  • The pump must be turned off when it is not in use
  • You must ensure that the waste trap is emptied once it becomes ¾ full. If it fills more than this, the content may enter the pump which could cause harmful vapours to enter the lab
  • You must ensure that the correct amount of Virkon is added to the waste trap to ensure that the content is disinfected. You must handle the waste trap with care to ensure that the content does not contact you. A lab coat and gloves must be worn while handling the waste trap
  • When handling Virkon:
  • Avoid breathing any dust/fumes produced
  • Always wear a lab coat and gloves
  • Wash skin thoroughly after use
  • Follow the instructions on the container to adequately dilute the Virkon

4. Specific Procedures:

  • Aspirators are available to use with each biological safety cabinet, and can be used to remove excess liquid
  • To use the aspirator, turn the pump on using the on/off switch on the pump
  • The tube attached to the pump should be attached to a waste trap (glass bottle). Another tube should be attached to the waste trap which should be put inside the biological safety cabinet through the side port.
  • When the pump is turned on, a vacuum is created which is used to extract excess liquid through the tube inside the cabinet
  • An aspirator adaptor, which may be in the form of a pipette tip or serological pipette, can be attached to the tube to improve the liquid extraction
  • The extracted liquid is removed into the waste trap. The waste trap should contain diluted Virkon in order to disinfect the content
  • When the waste trap is ¾ full, the contents should be emptied. To do this, unscrew the lid and empty the content into the sink
  • Diluted Virkon should then be added into the waste trap, and the lid should be screwed back on

6. EIA:

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