
Operating in a Safe Environment — The Laboratory
In the iGEM competition, safety is always our top priority. To ensure the safety of personnel and the environment during experiments, all operations must be conducted in a controlled and secure environment. We have established a systematic safety management system covering pre-experiment training, operational supervision, and emergency response, with regular safety knowledge updates and drills. Given that wet lab team members are still becoming fully proficient with experimental operations, we conducted comprehensive laboratory safety training for all members before experiments began. This training covered biosafety, chemical handling, equipment usage protocols, and emergency procedures. All researchers are required to strictly follow established safety regulations and operating procedures, maintain a stable experimental environment, and take appropriate protective and emergency measures when necessary. Through a rigorous attitude and standardized operations, we strive to minimize potential risks and ensure the smooth progress of experiments. The following are detailed prevention and control measures we have implemented for various safety hazards:
Risk Prevention and Control Measures
1. Risk of Engineered Bacteria Escape and Prevention Measures
If engineered strains were to accidentally escape, they could pose serious threats to public health and the ecological environment, including but not limited to: Infecting humans and animals; Causing spread of infectious diseases; Disrupting ecological balance; Horizontal transfer of exogenous or resistance genes leading to gene pollution; Spread of antibiotic resistance
To minimize these risks, we have:
1. Strictly selected host strains to ensure engineered bacteria can only survive in specific hosts and significantly reduce their ability to survive in external environments
2. Conducted all operations in designated safe areas
3. Sterilized all materials at high temperatures after experiments
4. Implemented regular environmental microbial monitoring
2. Operational Standards and Risk Control for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is highly infectious to immunocompromised individuals, especially when operators have wounds or incomplete protective equipment.
We have implemented:
Health screening and specialized training for all personnel handling this bacterium.
Strict PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) inspection system. Such as proper use of lab coats, gloves, goggles, and masks.
All operations conducted in Class II Biosafety Cabinets.
High-pressure sterilization of all labware and waste after operations.
Thorough disinfection of work surfaces with effective disinfectants.
3. Fire Hazard Prevention and Emergency Response
Common fire hazards include improper alcohol lamp use, electrical equipment aging, short circuits, and high-temperature equipment operation errors.
We conduct regular inspections and maintenance of all electrical equipment in the laboratory, and all equipment complies with national safety standards. The unauthorized installation of electrical wiring and overloading of electrical circuits are strictly prohibited. Personnel must receive proper training and certification before operating high-temperature equipment, and must clearly understand the usage specifications and emergency procedures. Adequate fire extinguishers, fire sand, and fire blankets are placed in prominent locations throughout the laboratory. All members are familiar with the emergency evacuation routes and fire alarm procedures, and fire drills are organized quarterly to minimize fire risks to the lowest possible level.
4. Chemical Safety Storage and Usage
The experiments involve various chemical reagents, including highly toxic, strongly corrosive, flammable, explosive, and other hazardous substances. Proper storage and handling of these chemicals require operators to meet high safety standards.
We have established a chemical classification, storage, and management system. All chemicals are clearly labeled and accompanied by Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for immediate reference. Hazardous substance cabinets are managed under a dual-person, dual-lock system. All personnel must receive specialized training and master the properties of the relevant reagents, as well as the necessary protective measures and emergency response procedures. During experiments, strict ventilation requirements are implemented, and specialized protective equipment must be worn when handling hazardous chemicals to ensure the safety and standardization of chemical use throughout the experimental process.
5. Explosion Risks and Equipment Operation Standards
Certain laboratory equipment, such as high-pressure sterilizers and centrifuges, may cause explosions if operated improperly. For example, abnormal pressure in the sterilizer or unbalanced loading of the centrifuge are both considered high-risk behaviors.
All relevant operators must complete equipment operation training, master the key points of use and safety precautions, and strictly follow standard operating procedures. High-pressure sterilizers undergo regular safety valve and pressure gauge inspections, while centrifuges require strict balance checks before use. No flammable or explosive materials are allowed near the equipment, and emergency response plans are posted in prominent locations to ensure the safe operation of the equipment.
6. Experimental Waste Disposal Procedures
All waste generated during the experiment, including uncontaminated solid culture media, liquid culture media, and pipette tips, must be collected uniformly and discarded only after high-temperature sterilization to prevent environmental contamination outside the laboratory.
Sharp waste is stored separately in puncture-proof containers, while chemical waste liquids are collected by category according to their properties and entrusted to qualified environmental protection units for unified disposal. We strictly implement a waste disposal record system to ensure the entire process is traceable and compliant.
7. Safety Supervision and Continuous Improvement
The team has established a dedicated safety officer position responsible for daily safety inspections and operational supervision. Regular safety meetings are held to review potential risks and implement corrective measures.
Team members are encouraged to proactively report safety hazards and near-miss incidents, fostering a safety culture with full participation from all members. This approach continuously optimizes the laboratory safety management system, ensuring compliance with iGEM competition requirements and international safety standards.
8. Laboratory Safety Conditions and Equipment Assurance
Our laboratory is built and managed in strict accordance with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) standards, featuring the following key safety facilities:
Class II Biosafety Cabinets: All operations involving potential bioaerosols are conducted in these cabinets to effectively prevent microbial escape and personnel exposure.

Independent Ventilation System: Ensures air circulation and reduces accumulation of harmful gases.



High-pressure Sterilization Equipment: Used for thorough sterilization of experimental waste, culture media, and instruments.

Specialized Chemical Storage Cabinets: Classified storage of flammable, explosive, corrosive, and toxic chemicals, managed under a dual-person, dual-lock system.

Comprehensive Fire Suppression Equipment: Including fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire sand, and smoke detection systems, regularly inspected and updated.



Clear Safety Signage and Evacuation Indicators: Ensures rapid identification and evacuation in emergencies.


These facilities provide the fundamental safety for conducting various experiments, complying with internationally recognized laboratory safety management standards.

