Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Health Protection and Safety Precautions
Analyst health and safety must be an important concern in seed laboratory management. Occupational safety
and health regulations require rigid standards of health safety for analysts. Protection must be provided for
analysts working with hazardous chemicals by exhaustion through hoods and other exhaust systems, also
gloves, goggles, and masks. These provide protection from chemicals such as fungicides, insecticides or
acids, as well as from dust and mold spores which can cause allergic reactions. Such protection should be
provided whenever hazardous materials are encountered.
Laboratories are required to have special areas for chemical storage. This requires a well-ventilated
area with good security and easy access. They must also provide Material Safety Documentation Sheets
(MSDS) on each chemical used in the laboratory. These must be iled in a prominent, well-identiied place
in the laboratory with easy access to all analysts. Phone numbers of toxic centers and hospitals should be
kept in an easy-to-see place as well.
EQuIPMEnT And fACILITIES
receiving Samples and Entering data
The sample receiving area may share as a reception area for receiving visitors as well as samples through
the mail or other delivery systems. It should have convenient access from parking areas to facilitate sample
delivery. Depending on the size of the laboratory and the volume of business, one or two persons may be
needed, or an analyst may be able to take care of this area on a part-time basis. There should be adequate
space for receiving and arranging samples that are waiting to be logged in, which normally should be done
daily. A computer terminal should be used for the logging-in process and should include a printer for gener-
ating lab test cards on which test information will be recorded. Samples must be well sealed to protect their
identity and prevent contamination among samples. Some laboratories have special database programs to
enter sample information and test results where customers can get instant access to their results as soon as
the lab inishes them. This can help customers make quick decisions about marketing their seeds.
Mixing, Subdividing and Sample Preparation
The mixing, subdividing and sample preparation area should be adjacent to the receiving area and con-
venient for the overall sample low. This is the area where samples will be thoroughly homogenized and
appropriate subsamples obtained for the various tests according to the seed testing rules. It should have
adequate space for dividers, blowers, screens, balances, envelopes to place sample components, and for
samples awaiting analysis. This area should be equipped with compressed air so that all equipment can
be thoroughly cleaned between samples to prevent contamination. Good lighting should be provided from
both natural and artiicial light.
Seed Testing rules and other reference Material
AOSA and ISTA testing rules and other references should be kept current and made readily available
for analysts. Some standard reference materials, such as the USDA Plants and GRIN databases and the
Australian classiication database, are available only in online format, so access to an Internet-connected
computer terminal should be provided if these references are used frequently.