Safety
Introduction/overview
We believe that safety is one of the most important aspects of our iGEM projects. Not only are safe laboratory practices significant for the quality of our results but, most importantly, for the well-being of ourselves, our coworkers and the surrounding environment.
Environmental safety and waste management
Before starting our laboratory work we consulted Mikael Olsson, an environmental chemist at Uppsala University regarding waste and environmental safety. Research projects generate a lot of waste and it is of utmost importance that it is handled correctly, not only due to biohazards and sharp objects, but also to recycle as much as possible. His expertise ensured that our work is as environmentally friendly as possible. We were taught the principles of waste management as practiced by Uppsala university. Particular emphasis was on differentiation between primary and secondary waste products and how that knowledge can be implemented in proper waste disposal practices.
Introductory course in Biosafety
To ensure that we are safe when working with genetically modified organisms we consulted Henrik Gradstedts, biosafety coordinator at Uppsala University. His introduction to biosafety prepared the team for working as cleanly and safely as possible, furthering our work ethics. In the course we were taught the importance of safety equipment and learning where to find it, for example how to properly use an eye shower or fire extinguisher. The course involved a demonstrative practical moment which showcased how important it is to maintain good laboratory practice through the use of UV-fourescent liquids. One of the practical challenges was to remove protective gloves without contaminating your skin, or pipetting without contaminating your lab bench. This made us reflect on the fact that traces of hazardous material/chemicals are not always visible and that one must always be cautious when working in the laboratory.
Biological safety
C. reinhardtii is a microalgae and is not pathogenic for humans. It is therefore considered
biosafety level 1. It is in fact so safe that the American Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved
it for consumption[16]. Working with this organism is safe, but lab safety should still be observed. It
is also important that algae containing plasmids with antibiotic resistance is not released into the
environment. Before disposal the algae cultures were therefore neutralized with bleach.
The E. coli strain used in this project was DH5-alpha, BL21 and GM109 competent cells which
are non-pathogenic to humans. These are also considered biosafety level 1 organisms. Just as for
C. reinhardtii it is important that E. coli does not spread into the environment,
especially if they contain antibiotic resistant plasmids. There is always a risk that these organisms
can contribute to horizontal gene transfer to the environmental E.coli strains, contributing to an
increased risk to human health in case of infection. All bacterial cultures were therefore
neutralized with jodopax, an antiseptic disinfectant, before disposal. This is also relevant for all
materials that could contain traces of E.coli strains, such as the Erlenmeyer flasks and
pipettes. Non-reusable material was stored as biohazardous waste while reusable material was
disinfected and sterilized.
Physical safety
It is important to minimize risks for physical injuries in the laboratory. Lack of knowledge
regarding use of laboratory equipment, as well as improper behavior in the laboratory, constitutes
a potential hazard. Therefore, before operating any new equipment or machine we always had an
introduction on proper usage. Before starting the experiments for our iGEM project we practiced
pre-lab training. This meant getting familiar with the laboratory spaces, practicing basic
laboratory skills and techniques, such as transformation of competent cells and how to streak
bacteria on agar plates. This ensured that we knew exactly where to find the materials and equipment
needed when starting with the actual project in the lab. This training not only ensured that we
were prepared and qualified to work in the laboratory space but also increased the quality of our
experimental results in the future.
Another important element of laboratory safety is to keep the workspace clean and tidy, minimizing
the risk of slipping on spillage or tripping over equipment. Glassware was handled with care and in
case of breakage it was sorted with cutting and puncturing waste.
Chemical safety
When encountering new chemicals we did risk assessment to know how to properly handle them. When
handling hazardous chemicals we always worked in fume hoods and wore protective equipment such as
lab coats, gloves and glasses.
If possible we always replace dangerous chemicals with safer ones, such as using TAE buffer instead
of TBE buffer. Another example is substituting ethidium bromide with Sybr Safe when making agarose
gels.
Security
As we used the university’s laboratory facilities only our iGEM team members received access to the
laboratory spaces. No unauthorized personnel were allowed in. For both safety and security reasons
we also ensured that no member was working alone in the laboratory, so at least two people were
present in the laboratories.
All of our protocols and the results of our experiments were placed in Labfolder, an electronic lab
notebook that could only be accessed by our iGEM members. All data is stored in Germany and ensures
the highest standard of quality and data security. Since we did not have any sensitive information,
we decided not to host our own server.
Summary
General laboratory precautions are important for all aspects of safety and are implemented every day to minimize all biological, chemical and physical and security risks.
- Laboratory coats were worn at all times in the laboratory.
- Consumptions of food and beverage was strictly prohibited in the laboratory.
- Access to the laboratory was restricted to authorized personnel (our iGEM team only).
- Work surfaces such as lab benches were disinfected with 70% ethanol before and after experimentsWork surfaces such as lab benches were disinfected with 70% ethanol before and after experiments.
- Using protective glasses in experiments involving UV lights.
- Work involving hazardous chemicals was carried out inside a fume hood.
- Proper handwashing and use of gloves to maintain hygiene in the laboratory.
- Proper disposal of biological and non-biological waste.