Overview

Before starting the experiment, the team members received online training on laboratory safety. Each member watched the experimental safety video and passed the test managed by our team leader after the training. The training content covered topics such as pipette operation, bacterial culture, and use and protection of common reagents in the laboratory. Consistent with the iGEM Safety Policy, we ensure that the bacteria used in the experiment are not released into the environment and limit our research to E.coli, a bacterium that is considered safe for research purposes. In addition, we have held offline education meetings with our Biosafety Committee to strengthen safety protocols, and we strictly adhere to our biosafety guidelines, as detailed below. We are pleased to report that our adherence to these guidelines ensures our safety throughout the wet laboratory experiment, and no safety incidents occurred during the experiment.

Biosafety Committee

Our biosafety committee is composed of three biology teachers, who are responsible for supervising the work area, including the correct operation of the experiment and the proper handling of the garbage generated during the experiment. They provide specialized safety training for all team members to ensure a safe working environment.

Safety Training
  • Before entering the laboratory, we should wear experimental clothes to avoid skin contact with reagents and experimental materials.
  • When operating bacterial and chemical reagents, appropriate protective gloves should always be worn to prevent contamination and infection.
  • Use goggles to prevent chemicals or bacteria from splashing into the eyes, especially when hazardous chemicals are used.
  • In cases where aerosols or volatile chemicals may be produced, masks or face coverings should be worn.
  • Wear non-slip, chemical-resistant shoes to avoid the damage of liquid or sharp objects.
  • Understand the reagent safety data sheet ( MSDS ), before using any chemical reagent, should consult the relevant MSDS, understand its risk and treatment.
  • All reagent bottles must have a clear label, indicating the content, concentration and risk.
  • According to the requirements of the chemicals stored in the appropriate environment, flammable materials should be placed in the fire cabinet.
  • Avoid the use of expired reagents and ensure that the reagents are not expired, so as to avoid unpredictable reactions.
  • Chemical waste treatment, in strict accordance with the provisions of the disposal of chemical waste, not randomly into the sewer.
  • In the operation of Escherichia coli or other microorganisms, aseptic operating procedures should be strictly followed to prevent cross-contamination.
  • When dealing with samples that may contain pathogenic bacteria, it is necessary to operate in a biological safety cabinet.
  • Correctly handle sharp objects, the use of needles, blades and other sharp objects, take care not to harm themselves or others, and in accordance with the provisions of the treatment.
  • Avoid food and beverages, and diet is strictly prohibited in the laboratory to prevent food contamination by chemicals or microorganisms.
  • If liquid or chemical spill occurs, it should be immediately cleaned up with appropriate methods, and the accident should be reported.
  • Proper use of autoclave, autoclave temperature is extremely high after use, before opening must ensure that the pressure release is completed, in order to prevent burns.
  • When using a centrifuge, ensure that the sample is balanced to prevent equipment damage or sample splashing.
  • Before using electrical equipment ( such as PCR instrument, stirrer ), check the power supply and equipment is normal, avoid electric shock.
  • When operating an open fire ( such as an alcohol lamp ), avoid combustibles around and always keep the fire source under control.
  • Regularly inspect the equipment to ensure regular maintenance and inspection of the experimental equipment to reduce the risk of failure.
  • Work Areas

    General microbiology laboratory

    Microorganism

    Escherichia coli DH5α, BL21

    Risk Management Tools

    The incident reporting procedure should include an emergency cleaning device, an emergency medical box, an emergency phone number, and a designated laboratory warden. Appropriate personal protective equipment must always be worn during the experiment, such as lab coats, gloves, and goggles.

    Safety Regulations
  • When entering the laboratory, you must wear experimental clothes to prevent reagents or bacteria from touching the skin or daily clothing.
  • Wearing hands to operate any bacteria, chemical reagents must wear disposable gloves to prevent cross-contamination or infection.
  • Wear goggles to protect your eyes from damage when handling volatile or hazardous chemicals.
  • In experiments that may produce aerosols, wear a mask to prevent inhalation of harmful substances.
  • When entering the laboratory, can not wear slippers, should wear closed protective shoes, to avoid being hurt by chemicals or sharp objects.
  • When performing E.coli operation, strictly abide by aseptic operation procedures to prevent contamination of experimental samples or the environment.
  • Diet is strictly prohibited in the laboratory to prevent chemical or microbial contamination of food, leading to accidental poisoning or infection.
  • Use pipette correctly, avoid inhaling liquid with the mouth, and prevent accidental inhalation of chemicals or bacteria.
  • After the end of the experiment, according to the provisions of waste treatment, such as bacterial culture medium, sharps, waste liquid, etc., to avoid environmental pollution.
  • Keep the test bench clean, avoid chemicals, equipment confusion caused by the experimental accident.
  • Before using the reagent, we must read the label carefully to confirm the type, concentration and risk of the reagent.
  • When operating high-pressure sterilizers, follow the operating instructions to ensure that they are used under safe pressure and temperature and are opened after cooling.
  • Ensure that centrifuge samples are balanced and used in accordance with the centrifuge operating instructions to avoid sample spillage or equipment damage.
  • When using electrical equipment, ensure that the equipment is working properly, do not use wet hands to contact the power socket or electrical equipment to prevent electric shock.
  • After each experiment, you must wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you wear gloves during the experiment.
  • Reflection

    We did not have any accidents or safety hazards throughout the laboratory process. Although we face safety challenges during the experiment, we always abide by the procedures and put safety first. We not only have strong safety theory training, but also have made every effort to ensure the safety of students during the experiment. Looking forward to the future, we are committed to achieving high safety standards in all biological experiments and projects and creating a good laboratory atmosphere.