SAFETY

CONTENT

Lab Safety

Bio-safety

Product Safety

Lab Safety

Laboratory safety is the foundation of successful scientific research and experimentation. It not only protects the health and lives of researchers but also ensures the reliability of experimental data and the sustainability of the laboratory environment. There are some laboratory safety rules we must follow:

  1. Personal Protection: Wear appropriate PPE (goggles, gloves, and lab coats. Do not wear sandals or shorts, and keep long hair tied back (not loose).
  2. No Eating, Drinking, or Fooling Around: This prevents the ingestion of chemicals or a spillage of reagents.
  3. Waste Disposal: Follow the chemical waste disposal guidelines when disposing of waste.
  4. Safety Equipment: Know the locations and proper use methods of fire extinguishers, safety showers, eyewash stations, and first-aid kits.
  5. Emergency Procedures: In case of burns or inhalation of harmful substances, seek medical assistance immediately.
Bio-safety

Bio-safety refers to the set of principles and practices designed to protect humans, animals, and the environment from biological hazards. Proper bio-safety measures enable the safe conduct of research and product development while preventing infections and contamination.

  1. The bacterial vector employed for protein production in this study, E. coli (strain K-12), is non-toxic, non-pathogenic, and widely utilized in molecular biology research and iGEM projects.
  2. Clearly label all culture media and samples containing E. coli with details including the bacterial strain, preparation date, and the name of the operator.
  3. Seal E. coli samples securely and package them in double layers; store the samples in dedicated containers or designated refrigerators to prevent leakage.
  4. Before disposal, decontaminate all relevant materials and equipment via autoclaving or appropriate disinfectants.
  5. All personnel must complete bio-safety training and maintain comprehensive records of experimental procedures, waste disposal processes, and any biosafety-related incidents.
Product Safety

Product safety ensures that products are safe for both consumers and the environment. Key safety measures include utilizing certified non-pathogenic strains, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, and conducting rigorous testing on final products to detect contamination or harmful residues.

  1. Only use certified non-pathogenic strains (K-12) for product production; avoid pathogenic strains.
  2. All production processes must comply with GMP standards to ensure that the production environment, equipment, and personnel meet the required safety criteria.
  3. During the production process, regular testing shall be performed on cultures and intermediate products to prevent bacterial contamination and the presence of toxic residues.
  4. Before release, products must undergo strict testing, including sterility checks, endotoxin assays, and other relevant safety evaluations.
  5. All waste generated during production must be properly disinfected and disposed of in accordance with regulations to prevent environmental contamination and exposure risks to personnel.