Health, Safety, Handling, and Disposal Information

Restriction Enzyme Digests

1. Chemical and Health Hazards
a. Risks
i. None of the reagents present significant chemical or health hazards in
routine laboratory use.
ii. MSDS sheets are not required for restriction enzymes and their
buffers, Lambda DNA, acetylated BSA.
iii. MSDS sheets are available for stock solutions of food colorings. None
present significant chemical or health hazards. In addition, these will
be used in diluted form.
iv. Dyes may temporarily stain skin.
b. Precautions
i. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
ii. Do not ingest. In case of ingestion, rinse mouth and drink water.
iii. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
2. Physical Hazards
a. Risks
i. Micropipette tips are sharp, but present no more hazard than a pen.
ii. Common laboratory glassware presents cut hazards when broken or
chipped.
b. Precautions
i. Do not use equipment inappropriately.
ii. Do not use damaged glassware. Caution should be taken when
cleaning up broken glassware.
3. Spills, Clean up, and Disposal
a. None of the reagents are chemically reactive and none present significant spill
risks. Clean up spills with paper towels and wash area with water. Dyes may
require more washing to clean area.
b. Normal washing with soap and water for reusable glassware and plasticware.
c. None of the reagents require special disposal. Solutions can be sinked. Small
volumes of liquids in tubes and tips present little risk and can be included with
normal laboratory trash.