Reducing Fire Risks in Sterilization Procedures

Safe Practices

UC Berkeley Sterilization Procedure Accident

While plating bacteria onto a petri dish using ethanol and a Bunsen burner, a researcher’s bare arms and t-shirt caught fire as a result of spilling the ethanol. Flames were reported to be up to 0.6 m high. Other combustibles caught fire, as well. The researcher put out the flames on himself and cooled his burns using the safety shower. A colleague put out the other combustibles with a fire extinguisher. The researcher was transported to the hospital and treated for 1st and 2nd degree burns.

from “Lesson Learned - Ethanol Fire Burns Researcher”http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/lessons-learned/lesson-learned-ethanol-fire-burns-researcher

Photo of lab bench with burned ice bucket and

burned chair

Preventing Fires

Consider alternate sterilization procedures.

Keep stock bottle and dipping container ≥ 30cm from burner.

Slowly turn spreader in flame to prevent burning drops from falling.

≥ 30 cm

EtOH

Shielded Electric

Incinerator

Glass Beads

Disposable Spreaders

Preventing and Minimizing Spills

Recap EtOH stock bottle and dipping container btwn uses.

Use a capped stock bottle w/ a lower center of gravity.

Use only the minimum needed in dipping container.

≤ 10mL of EtOH

Burn Prevention

Keep safety shower and path to it clear of materials. Eyewash

Safety Shower

Min Dist’s Required of Clear Space Around Safety Showers

48”

30”

Navy Blue fire resistant

Royal Blue, Nomex MAX flame resistance

Wear flame resistant or retardant lab coat.

SOP for Spreading Bacteria Cultures