Strand 5 (Bioscience Research & Development): Handling, Preparation, Storage and Disposal in Dental Technology Labs

Standard operating procedure (SOP)

A written, approved step-by-step method for performing a task safely and consistently.

Injury risks

Potential harm such as cuts, burns, punctures, and pressure-related accidents associated with laboratory work.

Contamination risks

The risk of microbial contamination of cultures/products or cross-contamination between samples.

Product quality failures

Issues arising from incorrect settings, poor cleaning, or wrong assembly of equipment.

Pre-use checks

Procedures to ensure device integrity, calibration, cleanliness, and safety features before use.

Correct operation

Ensuring the correct settings, sequence of operations, PPE, and loading of equipment are followed.

Post-use actions

Steps including cleaning, documenting, and reporting faults after using laboratory equipment.

Gas cylinders

Containers used to store compressed gases, which require careful handling to prevent leaks and accidents.

Environmental conditions

Factors like air quality, temperature, and humidity that must be monitored to ensure laboratory safety and product quality.

Safety data sheet (SDS)

A standardized document providing hazard and safety information about a chemical product.

Hazard identification

The process of recognizing the potential dangers associated with a chemical as outlined in an SDS.

Neutralization

A controlled chemical process that reduces the corrosivity of acidic or basic solutions for safe handling and disposal.

Clean room

A controlled workspace designed to limit contamination, especially important in bioscience research.

Environmental monitoring

The planned measurement and documentation of lab conditions that affect product quality and safety.

Calibration

The comparison of an instrument’s measurements against a known reference to ensure accuracy.

Preventive maintenance (PM)

Scheduled maintenance performed to prevent equipment failures and maintain performance.

Expiration date

The date beyond which a material is not guaranteed to meet specified conditions.

Chemical inventory system

An organized method for tracking chemical substances, their hazards, and storage requirements.

Manufactured products inventory

A tracking system for items made by the facility, ensuring quality and traceability.

Quarantine area

An isolated location for materials/products awaiting inspection or testing before approval for use.

Animal husbandry

The daily care and management of animals, ensuring their welfare and health according to SOPs.

Behavior monitoring

Routine observations of animal behavior to identify signs of distress or health issues.

Documentation

The process of accurately recording observations and actions taken in laboratory settings.

Traceability

The ability to track and document the history and status of materials used in laboratory processes.

Lot number

An identifier that links a product to its specific manufacturing batch for quality assurance.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Clothing and equipment worn to protect against hazards in the laboratory environment.

Sensitivity

A characteristic of chemicals that affects their stability based on factors like light, moisture, or temperature.