As is universally known, laboratory safety is the primary factor we must take into serious consideration. We strictly adhere to the safety requirements of iGEM and comply with relevant laboratory safety regulations.
Furthermore, we have identified potential risks associated with the experiment and its future applications in advance, and proposed corresponding countermeasures. Before the experiment commences, we provide all team members with comprehensive safety training and skill development courses. Throughout the entire experimental process, we consistently follow established safety guidelines and legal protocols to create a safe working environment. In addition, we dynamically adjust procedures as needed and maintain phased summaries of issues to ensure the overall safety of the experiment.
Our laboratory operates at BSL-II, adhering to the General Biosafety Standard for laboratories handling pathogenic bacteria in the People's Republic of China. We implement fundamental safety protocols, which include requiring all personnel to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, lab coats, and gloves while working in the lab. Protective goggles are also mandated when necessary. Additionally, all sterile procedures are performed within a Biosafety Cabinet to ensure a controlled environment. Furthermore, there is a strict separation between the experimental area and the office space to minimize contamination risks.
Fig 1.Experimental area display
Fig 2.Experimental area display
The main safety features of our laboratory include:
1.Some common safety facilities and emergency devices
Fig 3.First aid kit
Fig 4.Chemical Waste Storage Area
2.Biological safety cabinets
Fig 5.Biological safety cabinets
3.The classified garbage bucket: the black garbage can mainly contains unpolluted garbage (e.g., sealing film), and the yellow garbage bucket contains biochemical drugs and other wastes such as culture medium, and test tubes.
Fig 6.The classified garbage bucket
4.Sufficient personal protective equipment and a counter for storage.
Fig 7.Personal protective equipment and a counter for storage
5.Mechanical ventilation system
Fig 8.Mechanical ventilation system
6.Entry and exit registration
Fig 9..Entry and exit registration
7.Safety assurance documents: laboratory safety codes, laboratory procedures manuals, etc.
Fig 10.Standard for Laboratory Standardization
Fig 11.Laboratory Operation Management Practices Ⅰ
Fig 12.Laboratory Operation Management Practices Ⅱ
Fig 13.Laboratory Management System
Fig 14.Precautions for the use of the sterilizer
Fig 15.Fire extinguishing equipment
Biosynthetic research carries inherent risks due to its nature. To ensure a safe working environment for both the team and the progress of the project, we have implemented various safety protocols in our laboratory work. Prior to commencing experiments, we conduct comprehensive safety training and skill development for every team member. Throughout the experimental process, we meticulously document all operations performed, with faculty members supervising project safety. After each experimental phase, we compile a summary to evaluate and enhance safety measures, ensuring that the overall experiment is conducted as safely as possible.
1. Personal protection training
Through our laboratory safety training, we ensured operational safety, preventing any leakage of engineered bacteria containing antibiotic resistance genes.
Prior to the commencement of the practical project, team members underwent three months of laboratory safety training. In alignment with the safety protocols established by the CUG Lab, comprehensive safety instructions were provided before the project began and were strictly adhered to throughout. Each team member was equipped with protective gear, including a lab coat, mask, and disposable gloves, to maintain a safe working environment.
Fig 16.Laboratory Safety Courses and Tests Ⅰ
Fig 17.Laboratory Safety Courses and Tests Ⅱ
2.Supervisors to support us in managing risks
In our laboratory, safety is overseen by two designated teachers, Zhou Jiang. If we identify any hazards or risks during our project, we promptly consult with Zhou Jiang, and our supervisors for assistance. Additionally, we ensure that all safety concerns are communicated to the laboratory director, Huanying Pan, for further confirmation and guidance.
Management:
we provided comprehensive safety training and experimental skill development for all team members prior to the experiment. During the experimental process, we meticulously documented each operation and had supervisors monitoring safety protocols. After completing each stage, we conducted summaries to enhance overall safety.
Measures:
1. Accident reporting
A robust accident reporting system is essential to our operations. We have instituted a protocol requiring that any exposure to hazardous materials or incidents involving genetically engineered organisms be reported immediately. Each incident must be documented and assessed to facilitate the initiation of appropriate corrective measures. This ensures that we maintain a safe working environment and continuously improve our safety practices.
2.Wearing protective goggles, etc.
Fig 18.Wearing protective goggles
3. Inventory controls
Strict inventory management is enforced to monitor the use and storage of all hazardous substances and engineered organisms. Regular audits ensure accountability and prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
4. Physical access controls
Limited access to laboratory areas containing hazardous materials or genetically modified organisms is strictly regulated. Access is granted only to authorized personnel, and all entries and exits are logged.
5. Data access controls Sensitive data regarding our genetically engineered bacteria and experimental procedures are protected with secure access protocols. Access is restricted to personnel on a need-to-know basis, safeguarding our research.
6. Lone Worker or Out of Hours policy A policy is in place to ensure the safety of individuals working alone or outside regular hours. This includes designated check-in procedures, emergency contact information, and panic alarm systems.
7.Medical surveillance Regular health check-ups are mandatory for all team members working with hazardous materials or engineered organisms. This proactive measure monitors the health of our team and provides immediate response in case of exposure.
8.Waste management system
Fig 19.Waste management system.
Lab：
Throughout the entire experimental process, we used sulfuric acid to adjust the pH value. To neutralize the reaction between sulfuric acid and substances in the waste water, we added alkaline materials such as sodium hydroxide and limestone. Beyond that, we did not use harmful pollutants like heavy metals. All experimental operations were conducted in accordance with standardized procedures, and we proactively carried out risk assessment and integration. From start to finish, we always adhered to the principle of prioritizing safety.
Fig 20.Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist
human practices：
In all our human practices and public engagements, we uphold the highest standards of safety and ethics. For educational outreach targeting audiences from kindergarten to high school, we strictly avoid displaying live engineered bacteria, utilizing only models, animations, and inactivated samples to ensure zero risk of public exposure. Our dialogue with shuizhiguo reinforced our commitment to physical containment design, as their commercial principle of "not using live engineered bacteria in products" aligns with our safety-by-design philosophy. Our project is conducted strictly under laboratory containment, with no environmental release planned, in full compliance with China's Biosafety Law and other national regulations. Furthermore, we proactively disclose our safety design and risk mitigation measures through this Wiki and other channels, aiming to build public trust through transparent communication.
