Team:Bioriidl Somaiya/Safety

Safety

Safety!

Students' Safety

The students working in the laboratory have already been trained by their Primary PI Miss. Bhavna Pandya, who has done her masters in microbiology and also with her exposure with molecular biology techniques during her Bioacademy course at MIT institute. Also, as to the students academic course they are well aware and experienced with the Biosafety measurements and protocols.

Experimental Design Safety

The wet lab experiments were conducted using biosafety level 1 precautions. As the chassis used was Escherichia coli BL21, also we used strains like Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli K12, which all come under biosafety level 1. These are non-pathogenic bacteria which were genetically engineered in our project. These were handled with appropriate caution and care while following standard microbiological practices. (Refer Below)

Laboratory Safety

Our lab in KJSSC has all the facilities to operate under biosafety level 1. The facilities consist of burners, laminar air flow, autoclave, sterilizing reagent, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipments required during experimentation. Also, the students doing the wetlab experiments were instructed to wear lab-coat all time round and also to put on gloves during experimentation.

FabLab Safety

The people operating in riidl’s FabLab has all the safety measurements, so if any damage occurs safety precautions takes place in beforehand. The students who operated in the FabLab were experienced with the safety measures, due to their previous exposure with the machines. The FabLab itself has fire-extinguishers, exhaust fans, sprinklers and other requirements necessary for safety precaution.

Rules and Regulations in the Laboratory

  1. Treat all microorganisms as potential pathogens: While the majority of microorganisms are not pathogenic to humans and have never been shown to cause illness, under unusual circumstances a few microorganisms that are not normally pathogenic can act as pathogens. Treat all microorganisms—especially unknown cultures—as if they were pathogenic. A student who has a compromised immune system or has had a recent extended illness should talk with the instructor before working in the microbiology laboratory.
  2. Sterilize equipment and materials: All materials, media, tubes, plates, loops, needles, pipetes, and other items used for culturing microorganisms should be sterilized by autoclaving. Otherwise, use commercially sterilized products. Understand the operation and safe use of all equipment and materials needed for the laboratory.
  3. Disinfect work areas before and after use: Use a disinfectant, such as a 10% bleach or 70% ethanol solution, to wipe down benches and work areas both before and after working with cultures. Also be aware of the possible dangers of the disinfectant, as 70% ethanol can catch fire around open flame or high heat sources. Bleach, if spilled, can ruin your clothing. Either alcohol or bleach can be dangerous if splashed in the eyes. Students should know where the nearest eyewash station and sink are located.
  4. Wash your hands: Use a disinfectant soap to wash your hands before and after working with microorganisms. Non disinfectant soap will remove surface bacteria and can be used if disinfectant soap is not available. Gloves may be worn as extra protection.
  5. Never pipette by mouth: Use pipette bulbs or pipetting devices for the aspiration and dispensing of liquid cultures.
  6. Do not eat or drink in the lab, nor store food in areas where microorganisms are stored: Never eat or drink in the laboratory while working with microorganisms. Keep your fingers out of your mouth, and wash your hands before and after the laboratory activity. Cover any cuts on your hands with a bandage. Gloves may be worn as extra protection.
  7. Label everything clearly: All cultures, chemicals, disinfectant, and the media should be clearly and securely labeled with their names and dates. If they are hazardous, label them with proper warning and hazardous information.
  8. Autoclave or disinfect all waste material: All items to be discarded after a class, such as culture tubes, culture plates, swabs, toothpicks, wipes, disposable transfer needles, and gloves, should be placed in a biohazard autoclave bag and autoclaved 30 to 40 minutes at 121° C at 20 pounds of pressure. If no autoclave is available and you are not working with pathogens, the materials can be covered with a 10% bleach solution and allowed to soak for at least 1 to 2 hours.
  9. Clean up spills with care: Cover any spills or broken culture tubes with a 70% ethanol or 10% bleach solution; then cover with paper towels. After allowing the spill to sit with the disinfectant for a short time, carefully clean up and place the materials in a biohazard autoclave bag to be autoclaved. Wash the area again with disinfectant. Never pick up glass fragments with your fingers or stick your fingers into the culture itself; instead, use a brush and dustpan. If working with animal or plant pathogens, keep the area clear and notify your instructor.
  10. Operating in Aseptic Environment: It’s necessary to conduct an experiment an aseptic environment so that the organism won’ t come into the environment and vice versa. This environment is achieved with the help of laminar air flow and between oxidised flame burner.