SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Date 12

							           UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
      SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES

              STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Date         12/7/99
Version      1

ETHIDIUM BROMIDE

1.    PURPOSE AND SCOPE.

      The purpose of this procedure is to outline the general procedure for handling
      ethidium bromide with reference to its use in agarose gel electrophoresis. Thes
      procedures must be followed by all staff, post-graduate and undergraduate students to
      minimise risk of toxic effects.

2.    REFERENCES.

      School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences Safety Code.
      Chemwatch MSDS.

3.    PROCEDURE.

      3.1    General Considerations.

             3.1.1. Ethidium bromide should be weighed out using the balance shield.
                    (Room 2-07). Eye protection , laboratory gown and gloves must be
                    worn to minimise exposure. It should be aliquotted into small
                    containers and frozen, unless staining is to take place after the gel has
                    been electrophoresed.

             3.1.2. Glassware should be rinsed before washing with detergent.

             3.1.3. Disposal must be via the Biological waste bins in the basement
             in a Biological waste bag. Do not autoclave as the persons operating the
             autoclave will be exposed to the steam which may contain residues. Excess
             solution must be disposed of in the same way.

             3.1.4. It should be noted that prolonged exposure may seriously damage
                    health, and may cause genetic damage (limited evidence). It is toxic by
                    inhalation, ingestion and skin contact.

             3.1.5. Accidents must be reported in the usual way.

             3.1.6. Spills must be cleaned up with water, and any contaminated material
             disposed of in the Biological waste.
            3.1.7. When transporting gels to be photographed, wear a glove only on one
                   hand, so that door handles, lifts etc are not contaminated. Wipe all
                   surfaces after use.

            3.1.8   Undergraduate students must not handle the chemical in its powder
                    form, and must be strictly supervised when making and running gels.

4.   FIRST AID.

     In case of contact with eyes or ingestion, contact Doctor or Poisons Information
     Centre immediately.


Prepared by: ……………………………….                        Date:…………………….
             Helen Adams
             Technical Officer

Checked by: ……………………………….                         Date:…………………….
            Dr. Ieva Stupans
            Senior Lecturer

Authorised by: ……………………………….                      Date:……………………
               Prof. Lloyd Sansom
               Head of School