Team:SJTU-BioX-Shanghai/Safety
Safety Summary
Experimental safety is an important part of the iGEM competition. It is also the cornerstone of all experiments. In order to ensure experimental safety, individual safety and societal safety, we have taken the following measures below.
To see our safety form, Click HERE.
General Wetlab Safety
Before starting the experiment, members of 2019 SJTU-BioX-Shanghai visited the laboratory under the guidance of previous team members. After the visit, we were familiar with the placement of various reagents, the position of equipment, the location of the safety exit and the escape route. In the following weeks, the experimental group members conducted careful and meticulous training.
Below are some rules that we keep in mind:(Click to view details)
Before you enter a biology lab, you should be prepared for and knowledgeable about any lab exercises that are to be performed. That means you should read your lab manual to know exactly what you will be doing.
Review your biology notes and relevant sections in your biology textbook before your lab begins. Make sure you understand all procedures and purposes, as this will help you understand the lab activities you will perform. It will also help you get your thoughts organized for when you have to write your lab report.
When working in a biology lab, make sure you keep your area neat and organized. If you happen to spill something, ask for assistance when cleaning it up. Also, remember to clean your work area and wash your hands when you are finished.
An important biology lab safety rule is to be careful. You may be working with glass or sharp objects, so you don't want to handle them carelessly.
Accidents do happen in a biology lab. Some chemicals have the potential to damage clothing. With that in mind, you want to make sure that the clothing you wear is something you could do without if it becomes damaged. As a precaution, wearing an apron or lab coat is a good idea.
You will also want to wear proper shoes that can protect your feet in case something gets broken. Sandals or any type of open-toed shoes are not recommended.
The best way to remain safe when dealing with chemicals is to assume that any chemical you handle is dangerous. Be sure you understand what type of chemicals you are using and how they should be properly handled.
If any chemical comes in contact with your skin, wash immediately with water and inform your lab instructor. Wear protective eyewear when handling chemicals, which brings us to the next rule.
Safety goggles may not be the most fashion-forward accessory and can fit awkwardly on your face, but they should always be worn when you are working with chemicals or any type of heating apparatus.
Be sure you know where to find all safety equipment in the biology lab. This includes such items as the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, broken glass receptacles, and chemical waste containers. Also be sure you know where all the emergency exits are located and which exit route to take in case of an emergency.
Do Not:
eat or drink in the lab
taste any chemicals or substances you are working with
use your mouth for pipetting substances
handle broken glass with bare hands
pour chemicals down the drain without permission
operate lab equipment without permission
perform your own experiments unless given permission
leave any heated materials unattended
place flammable substances near heat
engage in childish antics such as horseplay or pranks
Biology lab is an important aspect of any general biology or AP biology course. In order to have a good lab experience, make sure that you follow these biology lab safety rules and any instructions given to you by your lab instructor.
Project Specific Laboratory Safety
This year we use E. coli as chassis. E. coli is classified as risk 1, so the harm it can bring to people is minimal. Specifically, we use BL21(DE3). Later, we engineered this type of E. coli to express N-luciferase fused with dCas9, C-luciferase fused with zinc finger, AHL, RFP, Cas1/2. Although CRISPR in our experiment cannot be avoided, we carried out experiment on the hydrogel and non-toxic E. coli to minimize the risk.
Future Application Risks
Mulan’s project has been designed to be a tool to detect off-target and store information. When applied to gene editing, only the corresponding plasmid needs to be transferred. Our engineered E. coli does not enter human body or spread into the environment, so the harm to human body and the environment is almost negligible.
SJTU-BioX-Shanghai
Contact us: sjtuigem@gmail.com
Bio-X Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Rd. 800