Team:Queens Canada/Safety
By ensuring all of our QGEM team members have undergone the necessary laboratory safety training, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and Biosafety Level 1 and 2 training, we are creating a safe and informed workplace.
Prior to any experiments, the required SDS are read to ensure all relevant safety information, personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn and all necessary precautions are taken to avoid any harm to lab workers and the environment.
Lab safety training includes the following:
- Location and use of fire alarms, exits, and extinguishers
- Location and use of eyewash stations, safety showers, first aid kits, chemical spill kits and response cards, laboratory gas shut off valves
- Standard laboratory safety rules, including proper lab wear, protective gear, use of hazardous equipment
- Proper method of disposal and spill response for biohazardous materials, sharps, chemicals, radioactive material, ethidium bromide gels
- Proper use and handling of autoclaves (undergone with the department's designated trainer)
The organisms used:
The BL21, Top10, and Rosetta-gami2 strains of E. coli are debilitated strains which do not colonize the human intestine. These strains have also been shown to survive poorly outside of laboratories, have a history of safe commercial use, and are not known to have adverse effects on microorganisms or plants. All strains can be handled in Biological Safety Level One containment, are considerably attenuated, are classified as non-hazardous, and pose no environmental concern. The use of these bacteria is compliant with the Canadian Biosafety Standards. Standard lab biosafety regulations will be followed to ensure that any modified strains are not introduced to people or the environment outside of the lab.
All of our work is done under the direct supervision of Dr. John Allingham, Dr.Jia, PhD candidate Byron Hunter or PhD candidate Nolan Neville to ensure lab equipment and materials are being utilized in a safe and effective manner.
