Biosafety Guidelines

Informed consent

Before entering the lab, all student members must sign a consent form that clearly outlines their roles and responsibilities. They are informed about the potential biosafety risks associated with synthetic biology work and are trained to recognize and manage these risks responsibly. Each participant understands the importance of proper lab conduct, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Lab training

All team members are required to complete a two-month biosafety and lab safety training program before participating in any wet lab activities. This training not only covers basic knowledge on cloning, but also essential topics such as understanding biohazards, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures for incidents like spills or exposures. Additionally, members receive hands-on instruction in handling E. coli and other organisms commonly used in the lab, ensuring they are well-prepared to work safely and responsibly.

Biosafety exam

Additionally, every wet lab member has to take and score full marks on an intricate bio safety exam. This enables us to make sure students have fully understood lab safety and minimize potential risks.

Risk Identification

Chemicals

To prevent chemical-related accidents, every wet lab member is thoroughly trained in chemical handling protocols before entering the lab. Each chemical used in our project is documented with its corresponding Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and storage complies with NFPA 704 standards. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, lab coats, and goggles, is worn at all times when handling hazardous substances. Any spills are managed according to the 3C protocol: Control, Contain, and Clean up. Additionally, high-risk chemicals are handled within a Biosafety Cabinet to minimize exposure and ensure safety.

Physical injuries

To prevent mechanical and physical injuries, our team implements several safety measures. All members receive training on the safe operation of laboratory equipment, including autoclaves, centrifuges, and electrophoresis tanks. Proper clothing, such as closed-toe shoes and long pants is mandatory to minimize the risk of injuries from spills or falling objects. In addition, emergency equipment, including eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits, is clearly labeled and easily accessible throughout the lab.

Thermal hazards (heat/cold)

To prevent thermal hazards caused by heat or cold, our team follows strict safety protocols. Heat-resistant gloves are used exclusively when handling high-temperature equipment or autoclaved materials to protect against burns. Additionally, no member is permitted to operate thermal equipment without first receiving proper training and a demonstration to ensure safe and correct usage.

Waste management

Our project involves the use of engineered biological organisms which, although non-pathogenic, could pose theoretical risks if accidentally released into the environment. To prevent this from happening, all liquid bio-waste is treated with 10% bleach for at least 30 minutes before disposal. Solid bio-waste, including contaminated gloves and culture plates, is autoclaved before being discarded in separate biohazard bags. All laboratory work is conducted under Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) conditions to ensure safe handling and containment.

Safety in the Lab

Safe Lab Environment

Our lab provides a safe environment by installing multiple professional experiment facilities and fire extinguishers.

Photos of facilities

Safety signs

Safety signs alert people to potential hazards, promoting safety and preventing accidents.

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are used to put down small fires if an accident happens.

Eye wash station

The eye wash station provides immediate removal of hazardous substances that enter an individual’s eyes.

Spill kit

The Spill kit in the laboratory is used to clean up spills, especially chemicals and other liquid substances. The kit provides the necessary tools that can handle the spill as fast as possible.

Biosafety cabinet

The biosafety cabinet provides protection to the environment and also to individuals. The cabinet prevents cross-contamination and the spread of hazardous material to the surroundings.

Waste bins

Two identical waste bins serve different purposes in our laboratory. The biohazardous waste bin is for the disposal of contaminated materials and other biohazardous wastes. On the other hand, the general waste bin is for the collection of non-hazardous waste.

Fire Blanket

Fire Blankets are used to extinguish small fires. It works by cutting downthe oxygen supply and therefore stops the fire.

Lab coat place

description for Lab coat place

First aid kit

The first aid kit provides immediate treatment for common injuries in the lab.

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Dress code rules

Every individual who enters the lab must wear not only PPE but also stick to the dress code rules. Shorts and slides are not allowed; instead, we have to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, long hair should be tied while entering the lab. These dress codes minimize potential injuries that can happen during experiments.

Research Design

E. coli strain poses minimal risks

In our team, we used Escherichia coli strains DH5α and BL21 (DE3) for cloning and protein expression. These strains are widely recognized as safe for laboratory use under Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) conditions. A study done by Chart et al. (2000) evaluated the pathogenic potential of DH5α and BL21, along with other E.coli strains that are commonly used in laboratory. The research found that neither DH5α nor BL21 carries genes that are with pathogenicity, including those responsible for toxins or the ability to invade host cells. Also, they cannot survive in animal tissues or the bloodstream, which means they are quickly removed by the immune system. Due to their lack of harmful traits and disability to cause infection, DH5α and BL21 are widely used and trusted in research and laboratories around the world.