1)Training

Before the start of the experiment, we carefully studied and read the Code of Laboratory Safety Practices and were assessed by the Laboratory Safety Manager on our knowledge of laboratory safety so that we could develop good habits and practices. The training aimed to create a neat, orderly and hygienic working environment in the laboratory to ensure our own safety and health. In addition, it also equips us with the knowledge of proper emergency measures. We firmly believe that only by ensuring safety can we devote ourselves to our research work and achieve greater success.

2)Dress

During our experiments, we will wear our own lab coats and gloves. In addition, volatile organic solvents (e.g. chloroform) will be used in the experiments, so we will wear KN95 masks during the experiments to ensure our safety to the greatest extent possible.

3)Sterility

Our experiments are mainly carried out in an ultra-clean bench to maintain sterility and minimize contamination. Because we use the main bacteria in its culture conditions, other strains are not easy to grow, less pollution, so before the experimental operation of the bacteria, we will use 75 % ethanol to clean the table many times. For other contaminating bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, the ultraclean bench will be disinfected by UV irradiation for at least ten minutes before the experimental operation. In addition, before we enter the bio-safety cabinet, the hand and all equipment and materials needed to spray 75 % ethanol. During the experiment, the alcohol burner was lit in the biosafety cabinet, and all our operations were performed within 10 centimeters of the flame. After the experiment, the ultraviolet lamp irradiation disinfection will be carried out again.

4)Hazardous reagent handling

When handling volatile or toxic reagents, ensure that protective equipment such as masks and gloves are worn. The entire operation should be carried out in a chemical fume hood with the fume hood flap positioned below the chest level.

1)Liquid waste

The organic waste liquid has a special red collection barrel, and the label is attached to warn the danger. Biological waste liquid, such as used liquid medium and discarded bacterial inclusions, should be discarded after centralized sterilization and disinfection, and treated by professionals.

2)Solid waste

Solid waste from experiments, such as used pipette tips, 96-well plates, and petri dishes, should be emptied into a special trash can with a yellow plastic bag. Sharp items such as needles, filter tips and syringes should be placed in disposable sharps boxes. Waste also needs to be collected and disposed of by staff on site.

3)Empty reagent bottle

We have specific boxes for collecting empty bottles and broken glass to ensure safety and prevent the leakage the chemicals. Hazardous waste labels are posted outside the cartons where empty bottles are collected. When the box is full, the professional staff will come and collect them together.

We also have fire extinguishers, fire hydrants and first aid kits at the laboratory entrance to prevent life-threatening accidents

Flammable, explosive and toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances should be stored in designated reagent cabinets. The cabinets are labeled and marked with warning signs to alert identification. To ensure safety, the principle of “two-person, two-lock system” is practiced in accessing these materials and access is under the supervision of the Laboratory Safety Officer.

Our use of TD80 is based on TD01 for domestication of sodium acetate use, which has a biohazard level of four. And in our program, the use of engineered organisms will be strictly limited to the laboratory environment. In addition, we use appropriate methods to safely inactivate or dispose of bacterial cultures and wastes.

The parts and products used in the experiment are non-toxic or low-toxic products, and the combination of components will not produce substances harmful to human body or environment.