Safety

Overview General Laboratory Safety Personal Safety Protection Experimental Safety References

Overview

Safety is a top priority throughout our project. We proactively identified potential risks associated with both laboratory work and project application, developing preventive strategies to mitigate these challenges. All of our experiments are designed and conducted in accordance with iGEM safety guidelines, institutional biosafety regulations, and best practices in synthetic biology in order to prevent harm of ourselves and the environment. We also consider the potential risks in the experiment and future application of our project and find the appropriate response to solve and prevent these risks.

General Laboratory Safety

  • Laboratory and Equipment

    • We conducted our experiments (excluding experiment of termites) in our iGEM lab which locates in the building of Faculty of Health Science is classified as BSL-2. For the experiment of termites, we conducted in the lab of South China Agricultural University. Safety principle compliance remains our top priority in every phase of our experiment and the equipment regularly inspected by the university in order to maintain in good condition. Our laboratory is equipped with the following safety facilities and emergency items:

    1. Chemical Fume Hood
    2. Emergency Button
    3. Oxygen Level Detectors and Lower Explosive Limit Detectors
    4. Fire Alarm system and Fire Fighting Equipment
    5. Emergency Eye Wash and Shower
    6. First Aid Box and Spill Kit
    7. Personal Protective Equipment (hands protection, eye protection, masks and respirators etc.)
  • Waste Disposal

    • In order to secure a better environment for our work, the manner in which we dispose of waste stands out as a vital process.

    • All biohazard waste should be disposed in the biohazard bin located in the laboratory.
    • Biologically contaminated waste should be added chemical disinfectant such as bleach before pouring.
    • Sharp, needles and syringes are disposed of in designated in a sharp bin.
    • Broken glass should be disposed in a broken glass box.

Personal Safety Protection

Before conducting the experiments in the lab, our team members should attend the safety tour and training, and need to pass the lab safety exam so as to ensure we understand the lab safety and survival in lab. The safety training and exam contains the content personal protective protocols, the identification of common hazards, and procedures for addressing incidents. Furthermore, we require that at least one instructor be present during all experimental activities to offer guidance and uphold continuous safety supervision for the full duration of the work.

We should obey the personal safety requirements when we work in the lab. First, we should wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coat, safety goggles and gloves, and always wash our hands thoroughly before leaving the lab. Second, we should have properly personal attire and appearance like wearing closed-toe shoes and tying back long hair. Third, we never eat, drink, smoke, or store food/drinks in the lab and keep the work area tidy and organized.

Experimental Safety

We have mentioned the potential project risks such as chemical hazard in our Safety Form and we pay attention on the safety through our experiment to avoid the harm for human health and team members or colleagues in the laboratory.

  • Prevention of Protocols’ hazards

    • As we have two parts of experiment in our project which are attracting termites and killing termites, we cultured the bacteria and used different chemicals which have potential risk for people. Therefore, we should give solutions for these hazards.

    Part 1: Chemicals for Attracting Termites

    This part involves the production of the attractants Hydroquinone (HQ) and its protector, Tea Polyphenol.

    • Benzene

      • Hazards:

      • Volatile liquid; inhalation of vapors is the primary exposure risk.
      • Chronic exposure can cause damage to bone marrow and significantly increase the risk of leukemia.

      Solutions:

      • Handle only inside a certified fume hood.
      • Use sealed, airtight containers for storage.
      • Wear appropriate PPE: nitrile gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses.
      • Monitor air quality if used frequently.
    • Phenol

      • Hazards:

      • Highly corrosive; causes severe chemical burns upon skin contact.
      • Vapors are irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract.

      Solutions:

      • Handle in a fume hood.
      • Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., neoprene), a lab coat, and safety goggles or a face shield.
      • Have an emergency spill kit specifically for phenol readily available.

    Part 2: Chemicals for Killing Termites

    This part involves the production, purification, and analysis of the protein toxins (ECTI, Melittin, Ligand-Hecate). This includes lab techniques like SDS-PAGE, protein purification, and Western Blot.

    • Acrylamide

      • Hazards:

      • Neurotoxin; can be absorbed through skin upon contact.
      • Repeated exposure can lead to nerve damage.

      Solutions:

      • Weigh solid powder entirely inside a fume hood to avoid inhaling dust.
      • Always wear double nitrile gloves and a lab coat when handling, both powder and solution.
      • Use dedicated trays to contain spills when transporting bottles.
    • Ethanol

      • Hazards:

      • Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
      • Vapors can accumulate and ignite if exposed to an open flame, spark, or heat source, leading to fire or explosion.

      Solutions:

      • Use in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
      • Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use.
      •  Have a fire extinguisher (Class B) and fire blanket easily accessible.
    • NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)

      • Hazards:

      • Strong base; highly corrosive.
      • Causes severe burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of dust or mists irritates the respiratory tract.

      Solutions:

      • Always wear splash-proof goggles, a lab coat, and gloves.
      • When diluting, always add pellets slowly to cold water (never water to solid) to avoid violent boiling and splashing.
      • Work in a fume hood when handling concentrated solutions or powders.
    • SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate)

      • Hazards:

      • Powder is an irritant; inhalation can cause respiratory irritation (coughing, shortness of breath).
      • Skin contact can cause dryness and irritation.

      Solutions:

      • Weigh powder in a fume hood to avoid creating airborne dust.
      • Wear a dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses when handling the powder.
    • β-mercaptoethanol

      • Hazards:

      • Has an extremely strong, unpleasant odor.
      • Toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Can cause damage to the respiratory system and central nervous system.

      Solutions:

      • Handle exclusively in a fume hood.
      • Use sealed containers and ensure bottles are tightly closed immediately after use.
      • Wear double gloves, a lab coat, and safety glasses.
    • Methanol

      • Hazards:

      • Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
      • Toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin; can cause blindness organ damage.

      Solutions:

      • Handle in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
      • Wear appropriate PPE: gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses.
      • Always use a pipette aid.
    • TRI reagent

      • Hazards:

      • Contains phenol and other corrosive components.
      • Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Vapors are irritating.

      Solutions:

      • Handle all steps involving the reagent in a fume hood.
      • Wear nitrile gloves, a lab coat, and safety glasses.
      • Use tubes with secure caps to prevent leakage during shaking/centrifugation.
    • IPTG (Isopropyl β - D - 1 - thiogalactopyranoside)

      • Hazards:

      • Generally considered low toxicity.
      • Accidental ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

      Solutions:

      • Standard laboratory hygiene: wear gloves and a lab coat.
      • Avoid creating aerosols.
    • Imidazole

      • Hazards:

      • Irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

      Solutions:

      • Wear standard PPE: gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses.
      • Handle powders in a fume hood to avoid inhaling dust.
    • Triton X – 100

      • Hazards:

      • Causes skin and eye irritation.

      Solutions:

      • Wear standard PPE: gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses.
      • Avoid skin contact and aerosol formation.
    • Coomassie Blue

      • Hazards:

      • Powder and solution can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

      Solutions:

      • Weigh powder in a fume hood.
      • Wear a dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses when handling powder.
      • Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling the staining solution.
    • ECL reagents (Enhanced Chemiluminescence reagents)

      • Hazards:

      • Components are toxic and may be carcinogenic.
      • Harmful by skin contact or inhalation.

      Solutions:

      • Handle with gloves in a well-ventilated area to minimize vapor exposure.
      • Change gloves immediately after handling to prevent contamination of other surfaces.
    • EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

      • Hazards:

      • Can chelate metal ions in the body if ingested in large quantities.
      • May cause mild skin irritation.

      Solutions:

      • Standard laboratory hygiene: wear gloves and a lab coat.
      • Avoid creating dust when weighing the powder.
    • Potassium acetate

      • Hazards:

      • Powder may irritate the respiratory tract and skin.

      Solutions:

      • Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat.
      • Handle powders in a fume hood or wear a dust mask to avoid inhalation.
  • Lab risk scenario and response plans

    • For any case of accidents, we should report to our supervisor and the Faculty Office as soon as possible.

    Risk Scenario Immediate Response
    Chemical Spill
    1. Evacuate the area immediately and alert everyone nearby.
    2. Ventilate the area by opening windows or turning on the fume hood.
    3. Contain the spill with absorbent pads or spill kits if safe to do so.
    Fire
    1. Alert everyone and activate the fire alarm.
    2. Evacuate the area immediately and close all doors behind you.
    3. Use a Class B fire extinguisher only if the fire is very small and you are trained.
    4. Call emergency services from a safe location.
    Skin or Eye Exposure to a Corrosive Chemical
    1. Flush affected area immediately with running water for at least 15–20 minutes.
    2. Remove any contaminated clothing while flushing.
    3. Seek immediate medical attention after flushing.
    Cut or Laceration from Broken Glassware
    1. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
    2. Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
    3. Seek medical attention for deep cuts or if bleeding does not stop.
    4. Dispose of broken glass in a designated sharps container.
    Minor Burn
    1. Cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes.
    2. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing.
    3. Seek medical attention if the burn is large, deep, or blistered.

References

In, S. W. S. (n.d.). HSEO Guidelines. Office of Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs │ University of Macau. https://hseo.um.edu.mo/hseo-guidelines/

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