General Safety

• Prior to beginning our laboratory experimentation, every team member was required to pass an examination regarding general laboratory safety.
• Our laboratory, which is located in the Lewis Thomas Laboratory within Princeton University adheres to Biosafety Level 1 and Level 2 protocols as specified in the Biosafety Training and Bloodborne Pathogens for Researchers training provided by Princeton University. Biosafety Level 1 refers to a laboratory setting with low risk microbes that pose little to no threat of infection to healthy adults. The majority of our lab work is conducted in the Level 1 lab space which is designated for bacterial work while mammalian cell experimentation is conducted in the Level 2 lab space.
• We are working with Escherichia coli, stellar competent cells, and HEK mammalian cells. All proper safety procedures were followed, and mammalian cells were only handled inside a class A2 laminar flow fume hood.
• While several potentially hazardous chemicals such as sodium-dodecyl sulfate (SDS) running buffer, ethanol, binding buffer NTI, and lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) which can be dangerous if mishandled were used, proper caution was always exercised. One safety precaution we followed is the practice of proper labeling and separation. This ensures that contaminated substances are disposed off properly and that carcinogens remain within a specified lab area. Proper personal protective equipment protocol was also followed when in the vicinity of laboratory equipment and benches. Furthermore, our mentors were easily accessible which provided us with valuable support when addressing unforeseen challenges. These safety precautions allowed us to stay vigilant and effectively respond to possible risks.

Equipment

Fire Safety

Safety Shower