Introduction to Microbiology
Sterile technique, plating, streaking, staining, microscopy……… everything you need to know for the practical side of microbiology at A level and other post-16 courses.
Risk Assessment
| Activity | Hazard | Precaution | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aseptic techniques | Bunsen lit on bench whole time | • Tie back hair • No loose clothing • Safety flame unless another flame is specifically needed. | Low |
| Pouring plates | Hot agar | Use runner gripper to hold flask | Low |
| Microscopy | Glass slides potentially sharp | Handle slides carefully | Low |
| Flame-fixed slides | Burns | •Clear demonstration. •Hold slides with tweezers. | Low |
| Gram’s stain | Crystal Violet | Use 0.5% solution which is non-hazardous | Very low |
| Gram’s Iodine | Use 1% solution which is non-hazardous | Very low | |
| Saffranin | Non hazardous | None | |
| Propanone: flamable | Use over sink, away from naked flame on bench | Low | |
| Streaking | Only non-hazardous bacteria used | Low | |
| Final plates | Cultivation of pathogens | •Only simple agar used •Plates incubated at 30oC •Plates sealed and labeled immediately after inoculation. | Low |
