tective face mask will provide additional defense against acciden tal exposure of the face and eyes Latex gloves The wearing of protective gloves is a good idea if the skin on the hands is abraded or raw. It is very important to wear protec- tive gloves if a pathogen is being handled. Some people's hands can be irritated by the powder on many types of latex gloves. Most can be obtained in powder-free form. Less fortunate individuals are allergic to the latex in the gloves. Cloth glove inserts are available that can prevent contact of the latex with skin Heavy-Duty Protective Glove For those individuals handling pathogens and sharps simulta neously, such as during inoculation of an experimental animal, it is a good idea to wear a heavier rubber glove over the latex glove. Removal of the last 0.5 to 1 inch of the finger tips of the heavy glove will afford the worker with the dexterity to handle instru ments or other items with efficiency, and still provide protection to the bulk of the hand Safety e nt and Supplies The two most important pieces of safety equipment in any lab are the eyewash station and the emergency lab shower. These two equipment stations months)to be sure they are fully operative Know their location In the event of the splashing of a microbial suspension in the eye, if possible, go directly to the eyewash station and flush the eye thoroughly with water. Then seek medical attention immediately Even small numbers of microbes can permanently damage the eye if it is left untreated. The lab shower is very useful in the case of a chemical spill, and a large spill of a serious pathogen on the body shower.Again, seek medical attention folon sing under the lab stance. Finally, every lab should have a well-stocked first-aid kit for treatment of minor mishaps, and to provide intermediate care for more serious accidents. Take it upon yourself, or appoint a lab safety officer, to be sure the first-aid kit is stocked and the wash stations are operative Are You Aware of the Potential Hazards during the setup, Execution, and Cleanup of the Planned Experiment? In the microbiology lab there are physical, chemical, and micro- bial hazards. When handling a hazardous material or performing Working Safely with Biological Samplestective face mask will provide additional defense against acciden￾tal exposure of the face and eyes. Latex Gloves The wearing of protective gloves is a good idea if the skin on the hands is abraded or raw. It is very important to wear protec￾tive gloves if a pathogen is being handled. Some people’s hands can be irritated by the powder on many types of latex gloves. Most can be obtained in powder-free form. Less fortunate individuals are allergic to the latex in the gloves. Cloth glove inserts are available that can prevent contact of the latex with skin. Heavy-Duty Protective Gloves For those individuals handling pathogens and sharps simulta￾neously, such as during inoculation of an experimental animal, it is a good idea to wear a heavier rubber glove over the latex glove. Removal of the last 0.5 to 1 inch of the finger tips of the heavy glove will afford the worker with the dexterity to handle instru￾ments or other items with efficiency, and still provide protection to the bulk of the hand. Safety Equipment and Supplies The two most important pieces of safety equipment in any lab are the eyewash station and the emergency lab shower. These two equipment stations should be regularly tested (every 6–12 months) to be sure they are fully operative. Know their location. In the event of the splashing of a microbial suspension in the eye, if possible, go directly to the eyewash station and flush the eye thoroughly with water. Then seek medical attention immediately. Even small numbers of microbes can permanently damage the eye if it is left untreated. The lab shower is very useful in the case of a chemical spill, and a large spill of a serious pathogen on the body surface also could be removed in part by rinsing under the lab shower. Again, seek medical attention following such a circum￾stance. Finally, every lab should have a well-stocked first-aid kit for treatment of minor mishaps, and to provide intermediate care for more serious accidents. Take it upon yourself, or appoint a lab safety officer, to be sure the first-aid kit is stocked and the wash stations are operative. Are You Aware of the Potential Hazards during the Setup, Execution, and Cleanup of the Planned Experiment? In the microbiology lab there are physical, chemical, and micro￾bial hazards. When handling a hazardous material or performing Working Safely with Biological Samples 119