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Safety

Identifying Risks, Eliminating Risks​

At iGEM Düsseldorf, safety is an essential foundation of our work. We continuously assess potential hazards and take proactive measures to prevent them. Our goal is to identify risks early, eliminate or minimize them, and ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone involved in our project. What is Safety? According to iGEM, safety covers all procedures, practices, and measures designed to prevent accidental harm. This includes protecting people and the environment from unintended exposure or release of biological materials. In other words, safety means implementing all necessary steps to avoid accidents in the lab or unintended release of genetically modified organisms.

Lab Safety​

Before any wet lab work began, all team members underwent extensive training and safety instruction to comply with both iGEM’s safety policies and our university’s regulations. This included:

  • Lab introduction by our Principal Investigator (PI) Guido Grossmann, Michaela Gerads and our Advisors.
  • Introductory course on the use of basic lab equipment, infrastructure and safety.
  • Hands-on tutorials of experimental techniques held by our advisors or experienced team members.

In addition, the team members were able to do an entire week in supervised training, practicing the techniques used throughout the project. This helped us become familiar with our laboratory environment, the equipment, and possible hazards and taught us how to prevent accidents and respond appropriately to emergencies. All training was conducted under the close supervision of our PI, Lab assistance and Advisors. Before beginning work in the lab, all members of our iGEM team were required to complete a variety of lab safety courses and pass examinations based on their content. We became familiar with our lab space and the different equipment within it to be well informed of potential hazards and vigilant about how to prevent them. When working in the lab, all members continuously wore appropriate PPE and dressed according to regional and university’s standard protocol. Members followed aseptic techniques during experiments, including washing and disinfecting hands when entering, exiting the lab and in between, disinfecting lab benches before and after use, regularly cleaning the lab, and maintaining an organized and sterile environment. To ensure a safe and well-organized laboratory environment, we implemented strict cleaning, sterilization, and waste management procedures. Eyewash stations, emergency kits and fire extinguishers were identified at the beginning of our work to guarantee immediate access in case of an emergency. Also we consistently follow the four-eyes principle. No team member is allowed to work alone in the lab at any time. This rule ensures that assistance is immediately available in case of an accident or emergency and helps maintain a safe and responsible working environment.

Biological Safety​

Specialized training ensured the safe handling of cell cultures, bacteria, and phages, covering the correct classification of biological materials (e.g., S1 waste), proper disinfection and decontamination of workspaces, and the safe, compliant disposal of biological and chemical waste according to institutional guidelines. We primarily relied on Escherichia coli K12 cell lines (such as DH5α) under Biosafety Risk Group 1. While E. coli is a commonly used bacterial strain, our team rigorously adhered to safety protocols when working in the lab. We made sure to wear appropriate PPE, use biosafety cabinets or designated areas, sterilize lab equipment and surfaces with appropriate disinfectants, autoclave all materials that came into contact with GMOs, and dispose of biohazardous waste in designated containers following institutional protocols. All operations involving E. coli were carried out exclusively at designated lab benches to prevent the spread of biological material, and any items that came into contact with the bacteria were not allowed to leave the laboratory. Materials such as glassware, pipettes, and culture media that could have been exposed to bacteria were regularly autoclaved to maintain cleanliness and enable safe disposal. All autoclaving tools, including bags and bins, were clearly labeled to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel. Furthermore, all equipment and surfaces were routinely sterilized using industry-approved disinfectants. Used Petri dishes and culture samples were discarded in specially marked containers in accordance with institutional guidelines. Although no major breakages occurred, all team members were well informed about the procedures for safely disposing of broken or contaminated glassware should such incidents arise.

Chemical Safety​

All work involving hazardous chemicals was performed inside certified fume hoods to minimize exposure to vapors and fumes. Chemicals were stored in fire-proof cabinets, including designated flammable liquid cabinets for solvents such as ethanol. Proper labeling, inventory management, and secure storage were integral components of our laboratory organization. We strictly followed established protocols for spill response, waste disposal, and equipment maintenance to ensure continuous safety. In addition, all team members received comprehensive training on the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Routine cleaning procedures and the immediate reporting of any incidents further supported a safe working environment and ensured full compliance with institutional and regulatory safety standards.

Safety: Instruments and Machines​

Working with laboratory instruments and machines requires strict adherence to safety procedures to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment. All team members received formal training and individual instruction for each device they operate. Before using any machine, a supervisor or experienced instructor provided a hands-on introduction, covering proper operation, potential hazards, and emergency procedures. For every instrument in the lab, the corresponding official operating instructions (Betriebsanweisungen) are readily available near the device. This ensures that safety protocols, troubleshooting guides, and emergency contacts can be consulted at any time. We strictly follow the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements specified for each device. Additionally, safety checks are regularly performed by authorized personnel. By following these measures, we minimize any potential risks associated with laboratory equipment and maintain a safe environment for all team members.

Dry Lab Safety​

Safety is not limited to biological work. In our dry lab, team members received special instruction in working with electronics and electricity. To minimize potential hazards, we ensure that low voltages are used whenever possible.

Commitment to Safety​

Our safety culture is continuously reinforced throughout the project. By integrating biosafety principles into every stage of our work and closely following iGEM’s rules and policies, we ensure a responsible approach to synthetic biology that protects both our team and the wider community.