Working in the lab

Lab induction

Welcome to the Hardikar Lab at the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University! You will need to be inducted to work in the lab. This will require around an hour to hour and half of your dedicated time. Please enquire in advance to find out the exact time of your lab induction/training. Be sure to make an appointment in advance and read through all the documentation and resources provided to you via the lab induction folder. Make sure you are inducted to safely perform your duties without putting yourself and/or others at risk. Students and staff with access to labs and PC2 facilities will need to work with Sonja for induction, biometrics and training, to access these facilities. All lab protocols, instumentation induction materials and risk assessments are avalable through the Diabetes & Islet Biology Group Teams site. Please email Prof. Hardikar to join this team, once you complete your induction.

Lab Safety

WHS reporting

As you would realize following induction training, lab safety and safe work practices are followed very seriously. Remember to -
  • Follow the instructions
  • Know the location of safety equipment
  • Dress for the lab
  • No eating/drinking in the lab
  • Do Not taste or sniff chemicals
  • Be prepared for accidents and plan your response (participate in U Syd training and check re VR videos to prepare emergency response)
  • Leave lab experiments, data and recordings in the lab (no phones with gloves)
  • Discuss lab safety with your staff on a regular basis
RISKWARE LOGIN
Priority level (1 is high, 5 is low)
Please enter a priority level and brief description of the issue raised in the meeting.
Are there any actionable items for next meeting?

Lab reagents and chemicals

All lab reagents/chemicals (as well as biological samples) should be logged on to the Excel sheets on the networked drive available to our group.
  • Know your SOPs and identify your risks/hazards
  • Know the flammables and controlled reagents you need to use
  • Remember - safety data sheets are in the lab/online

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Familiarize yourself with the appropriate PPE for your work. Safety glasses, lab coats and appropriate gowns/caps/masks and shoe covers are available in all areas of the labs in the building. You should wear compliant shoes to work in labs, as indicated on all lab doors.

Lab Ordering

All lab purchases are to be chanelized through me. I will let you know who follows up with specific ordering. You are responsible for timely and accurate description of your reagents for any orders related to your project. Please see me for any ordering through the WSU procurement system.