General Safety

The laboratory work of our project is carried out in ML-1 zone workspaces at the Bionanoscience department of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of our university, Delft University of Technology. ML-1 laboratories, comparable to BSL-1 workspaces, are considered as the lowest level of microbiology laboratory biosecurity where we can only make use of non-pathogenic microorganisms. However, we still have strict rules for ML-1 workspaces. Before we were allowed to enter the lab, all team members had to pass the mandatory safety tests to ensure the knowledge of the safety rules and emergency operation procedures. These safety tests consist of the following:

• General building safety (meeting points, emergency numbers, flight plans, etc.)
• General laboratory safety (chemicals, waste disposal, clothing, safety precautions, etc.)
• Biological safety (ML-1 grade safety, biological waste, safety precautions, etc.)
• Laser safety (general safety precautions)

On top of the tests, we directly received lab training and instructions on how to work safely in the Bionanoscience department, where to discard different types of waste and how to minimize contamination risks within and outside the lab.Furthermore, we had to write a research plan and safety proposal. This document had to be approved by the wet lab and safety coordinators of the Bionanoscience department before we were allowed to start any laboratory work. The safety proposal can be found here (Insert link). All our research adheres to the biotechnology regulations of biosafety of The Netherlands.

• Lab Safety Rules

  General

  • Lab coats are always mandatory in every laboratory and hallway in ML-1 zone.
  • Short pants, skirts or open shoes are not allowed when working in a laboratory .
  • No eating and drinking is allowed in the laboratory.
  • The use of mobile phones is not allowed in the laboratory (except in case of an emergency).
  • No personal items are allowed in the laboratory e.g. bags and jackets.
  • Hands should be washed on entering and leaving the laboratory.
  • Work clean and tidy.
  • The bench should be cleaned with 70% Ethanol before the start and after the end of an experiment.
  • You are aware where to find personal protective equipment e.g. hand gloves, safety glasses, eye shower and know how to use them.
  • You are aware of the use of a fume hood.
  • Store chemicals according to PGS 15. (link)?
  • Dispose your chemical waste according to the different waste categories.
  • Use cryogenic liquids according the procedure.
  • Label your samples (name of experimentalist, substance, date of production, expiration date, permit number if applicable).

  ML-1

  • Before working with organisms and cell lines you are obliged to make a Risk Evaluation in the Biosafety module (LabServant).
  • A researcher is responsible for an up-to-date registration.
  • It is not allowed to work with any biological material without permission of the VM and/or Biological Safety Officer of the Bionanoscience department.
  • The lab must be clean and tidy.
  • Workbench is cleaned with alcohol before and after handling organisms or cells.
  • Take off your lab coat, before washing your hands and when leaving the ML-1 lab.
  • Long hair is in a tail and e.g. scarves are in the lab coat.
  • No jewelry on hands and wrists; these are extreme infection sources.