Safety

Before using the lab

All members of the team have previous experience from being in a lab and have gone through the general safety training which is required. The main lab we have utilized during our project is of biosafety level 2 and warrants appropriate consideration for safety protocols. All members were familiar with the meaning and implications of this and were given instructions in regard to how to act accordingly and were given approval before utilizing the lab.

Of particular risk

We have been working with genetically modified bacteria which involves the use of antibiotics. The development of antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to human health with potential long term implications on a global scale and should not be taken lightly. All bacteria which have been exposed to the utilized antibiotics were disposed of and contaminated equipment were either disposed of or cleaned in accordance to established safety protocols.

Everyday safety

  • Washing hands when entering and leaving the lab.
  • Disposing of chemicals, biological agents and contaminated equipment in designated containers.
  • Wearing appropriate safety equipment when working with bacteria and chemical reagents.
  • Using fume hood when working with toxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic chemicals as well as strong acids and bases.
  • Carefully planning experiments before starting anything in the lab.

SOPs

His-tag protein purification.