It is important to exercise caution in the handling of microbial cultures. Open pressurized containers holding cultures under a chemical fume hood or a Bio Safety Cabinet. Perform centrifugation of cultures in tubes that are thick-walled and sealed prior to starting the process. When pouring a culture into a plate, for example, pour from as close a distance as possible, at a slow rate, to avoid the generation of an aerosol during the transfer. When heating a loop that holds the culture, insert it gradually into the flame rather than thrusting it into the hottest portion of the flame.
Cleaning equipment involves the use of water, steam or compressed air at high pressures to dislodge particles in hard-to-clean areas. However, on exposure to the high pressure of the water or compressed air, there is a likelihood of formation of an aerosol. Avoid the use of such operations without a prior prewash of the equipment in question. Train cleaning staff on methods of gentle sweeping and wiping movements as well as methods of waste disposal into the waste bin or drainage sink in the laboratory.
All areas where microbial culture handling takes place should be fitted with appropriate ventilation systems. Ensure that the exhaust system is sufficiently powerful to remove even small portions of the room's air that have become contaminated with an aerosol from the microorganisms. Adjust the flow rate of filtered air entering the room to avoid turbulence in airflow across the workstation used to handle cultures.
Instruct your staff working with microbial cultures to perform all activities at a slow and steady pace, avoiding rapid and jerky movements. Open culture containers carefully, without agitating them, or an aerosol can get generated as soon as the container contents get exposed to the atmosphere. Insist that your staff move deliberately within the area and avoid spilling or splashing of cultures.
In spite of all precautions, if there is a spillage, take immediate action to dispose of the spill. Wear a lab coat, goggles to protect the eye and disposable gloves, and cover the spill using a few paper towels. Pour a disinfectant solution around this region and over the paper towels, and leave it like this for a minimum of 10 minutes. Collect the paper towels, spilled culture, broken container pieces and gloves, and place them in a disposal bag and autoclave before further disposal.