Vacuum system with inline filter, dual flasks, stable and disinfected immediately

Corrective actions:

Make sure HEPA filters and a dual flask system is utilized as well as a secondary container to avoid any potential spill. Add disinfectant to the vessels daily and empty at the end of the working day.

An example of a suitable disinfectant is bleach at final concentration of at least 10% (use concentrated bleach and calculate volume necessary based on volume of the flask).

Vacuum System for Biological Materials

Additional information:

Vacuum lines must be protected by High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. A dual flask system should be utilized. Flasks should be stabilized within a vessel that can contain a potential spill. Flask should contain appropriate disinfectant to decontaminate waste and be emptied at the end of work that day.

Alternatively, vacuum canisters with automatic shut-off valves may be used.

References:

  • NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019. Appendix G-II-C-2-o.
  • BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859
  • MSU Biosafety and Security Manual

 

Lab Safety Inspections