We have undergone thorough training and done extensive risk assessments to ensure our work is safe.
Everyone on our team underwent a lab induction to understand the safety regulations required to work in a PC2 lab. After induction, all team members were supervised by our lab supervisor for three weeks to ensure safe practices and familiarity within the lab. During our subsequent long hours in the lab, we ensured our personal safety with protective equipment, sanitisation of ourselves and the spaces, correct waste disposal, and containment of biological parts. We worked with the understanding that our PC2 lab is at biosafety level 2, and requires moderate containment. The nature of our project required the generation of many genetically engineered organisms, which we were careful to dispose of properly.
We worked with various bacterial strains throughout our project, such as BL21 DE3 E. coli, B. subtilis
(DSM5547). We also worked with bacteriophages, such as the B. subtilis phages Φ29 and vB_VsuP-Goe9. Before
working with any bacteria or bacteriophages, we carefully researched their potential risks to understand
the necessary level of caution. Our particular bacteria and bacteriophages were not hazardous in or outside
the context of our project. Even so, we exercised caution when disposing of any biologicals, using bleach
to kill any bacterial waste and disposing contaminated material for autoclaving.
In our project we used several hazardous reagents. We used extra precautions to keep ourselves safe, carrying
out preliminary risk assessments and wearing additional safety equipment for handling.
In order to test the activity our metal-binding proteins, we used aqueous inorganic arsenic (0.05 mol/mL). We
only used this highly toxic substance after carrying out a comprehensive risk assessment. In the lab, our safety
measures included the usage of specialised chemical storage cabinets with a cyotioxic fumehood dedicated to handling
arsenic. We also used robust nitrile gloves and safety goggles on top of standard personal protective equipment to
prevent harmful exposure to arsenic.
While testing for protein expression, we handled sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). From our risk assessment, we
understood SDS is an extreme irritant. To mitigate this risk, we wore masks and goggles while handling SDS,
preventing inhalation and possible eye irritation.
During our lab induction we learnt of the possible dangers of equipment in the laboratory, including sonicators, safety cabinets, and centrifuges. As these equipment were necessary for our experiments, we took extra steps to ensure our safety. When using the sonicator, we wore protective headphones to minimise the risk of ear damage. We made sure to check the content of fumehoods and biosafety cabinets before usage, as hazardous chemicals and biologicals may be present. Our training on centrifuge usage meant we understood how to correctly balance the machines, preventing potential physical injury.