Final answer:
Laboratory bench tops must be disinfected both before and after work involving bacterial cultures to prevent contamination. Spills should be thoroughly saturated with disinfectant and left to sit before cleanup. Contaminated waste requires proper disposal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lab bench tops should be cleaned with disinfectant solution both before and after working with bacterial cultures to maintain a safe and sterile work environment. This is critical to prevent contamination and to ensure that all microbial life that could potentially cause harm or affect experimental results is effectively inactivated. Moreover, in the event of an accidental spill involving a bacterial culture, it is essential to saturate the spill area with disinfectant, cover with paper towels, and leave it to sit for 10 minutes before cleaning up. This helps to ensure that all potential pathogens are killed, reducing the risk of infection and cross-contamination. It's also important to handle all contaminated waste accordingly, by methods such as incineration or autoclaving.