Overview

Prior to commencing experiments, our team completed online safety training, which included watching instructional videos and passing quizzes supervised by our team leader. The training covered fundamental topics such as proper pipette usage and cell culture techniques. Adhering to safety regulations outlined by iGEM, we implemented stringent measures to prevent bacterial release into the environment, restricting our research activities to using S. cerevisiae and Escherichia coli DH5α, deemed safe for laboratory investigations. Additionally, we conducted in-person training sessions with the biosafety committee to reinforce safety protocols. As outlined below, our commitment to upholding these safety protocols has been instrumental in ensuring a safe working environment during our wet lab experiments, with no safety incidents reported.

Biosafety Committee

A teacher leads our biosafety committee, which consists of two research assistants. They are primarily responsible for overseeing the safety and hygiene conditions of the work area. They provide specialized safety training for all team members to ensure a safe working environment. They ensure the safety of our personnel and the proper use of equipment during experiments.

Safety Training

1.Adhere to laboratory safety regulations, safety manuals, and operating procedures to ensure orderly work in the laboratory.

2. Familiarize yourself with the locations of water, electricity, gas pipelines, valves, switches, firefighting equipment, emergency showers, eyewash stations, first aid kits, and emergency cabinets, and be knowledgeable about emergency response procedures and techniques.

3. Strictly prohibit unauthorized wiring connections; ensure reliable insulation of wire joints; avoid overloading electrical circuits; and disconnect power when electrical equipment is not used for an extended period.

4. Wear personal protective equipment that meets national or industry standards, such as lab coats or work clothes; wear laboratory gloves when conducting chemical or biological experiments; refrain from entering non-laboratory areas casually.

5. For experiments and operations involving hazardous chemicals or substances, ensure a minimum of two people are present, personnel must not leave their posts during the experiment, and promptly clean the laboratory bench afterward.

6. Do not store a large amount of hazardous chemicals and waste in the laboratory; categorize hazardous chemicals based on their properties, segregate and store them separately, and collect and store hazardous waste separately.

7. Avoid engaging in activities unrelated to experiments, such as eating, smoking, applying makeup, or sleeping; strictly prohibit individuals unrelated to the experiment from entering the laboratory.

8. Maintain cleanliness and tidiness in the laboratory environment; do not store unrelated items, debris, or waste; clear evacuation routes and safety exits.

9. After finishing the experiment, promptly close water, electricity, gas pipelines, valves, and switches and ensure cleaning and item placement.

10. When the last person leaves the laboratory, check and close water, electricity, gas, doors, windows, etc., to ensure laboratory safety.

These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel, prevent accidents, and facilitate the smooth conduct of experiments.

Work Areas

General microbiology laboratory

Microorganism

Escherichia coli DH5α, S. cerevisiae

Risk Management Tools

Accident reporting procedures should clearly outline the emergency contact number and the assigned instructor responsible. It is essential to always wear the necessary personal protective equipment, including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection, during all laboratory activities.

Reflection

We are happy to announce that our laboratory procedures were incident-free with no safety issues. While encountering challenges and achievements in our experiments, we strongly emphasized safety by following established protocols. We remain dedicated to maintaining elevated biosafety standards in all upcoming experiments and projects.