Safety
Our saftey guidelines & activities
Laboratory safety training certificate
We completed safety education required by each university and conducted experiments.
After being educated on laboratory accident cases and protective equipment, we became aware of the dangers of substances used in the laboratory.
Before experiment
Chemical substances used
We organized the synthetic biologically used materials and classified the risks before the experiment. All materials used in the experiment were organized so that they could be used legally and safely.
Laboratory Equipments
The list of equipments used in the laboratory for safe and sterile conditions are the following:
• autoclave • clean bench • fume hood
We considered to actively utilize the following laboratory equipments during experimental procedures to manage safe and sterile conditions. Fume hoods were used during management of toxic materials that has the potential to effect the respiratory tract. Most materials and chemicals undergone through the autoclave to provide sterile condition, and clean bench was utilized to manage samples that require sterile environment.
We considered to actively utilize the following laboratory equipments during experimental procedures to manage safe and sterile conditions. Fume hoods were used during management of toxic materials that has the potential to effect the respiratory tract. Most materials and chemicals undergone through the autoclave to provide sterile condition, and clean bench was utilized to manage samples that require sterile environment.
Other list of equipments used in the laboratory for experimental procedure are the following:
• centrifuge • shaking incubator.
Safety practices for other equipments were also practiced. Unbalanced centrifuge rotors can be dangerous, as it may result into breakage of sample container. Therefore, we took extra precautions to manage balanced settings of the rotors. Moreover, noticing that lose settings of fragile apparatus within the incubator may result into breakage, we took precautionary measures by fastening the apparatus(test tubes and erlenmeyer flasks).
Check safety signs in the laboratory.
Checked the safety precautions posted in the laboratory. Verified the area for handling genetically modified organisms and took precautions. Inspected the fire extinguisher and simulated how to handle a fire. Discovered three safety notices. Also, kept in mind the importance of wearing protective gear when using liquid nitrogen. Learned about the date of the laboratory safety inspection day, the requirement to wear protective gear, and the need to ensure access to emergency exits while conducting experiments.
Laboratory coat
We were careful not to take the laboratory coat outside. Using a rental project conducted by the student council of the school’s College of Life Sciences, team KUAS borrowed experimental clothes for outdoor filming. Separating the laboratory coat for photos from the laboratory coat, synthetic biological and chemical substances used during the experiments could not be taken out.
During experiment
Before starting the experiment, we read the safety-related brochures in the laboratory. The precautions of each equipment used in the experiment were also informed.
The following are the precautions during NMR.
First, rather than a general solvent, the deuterium-based solvent is used (D2O, DMSO, CDCl3, etc.) in NMR. Be careful with skin contact. DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) can be absorbed into the skin, and CDCl3 is likely to be absorbed through the respiratory tract, so special attention is required.
Next, before putting the sample tube into the equipment, make sure that the NMR equipment generates air pressure that can float the tube. If this is overlooked, it can be dangerous to damage the machine as well as break the tube.
For the safety of the experimenter, the experiment was conducted thoroughly following the precautions.
We conscientiously adhered to the apparatus safety guidelines and protocols. Wet lab members exercised caution in handling substances, ensuring a secure and responsible approach. All experiments were conducted under the supervision of graduate-level mentors, maintaining a commitment to academic rigor and safety standards.
The materials used during the experiment were never taken out of the laboratory. We followed the disposal rules and thoroughly carried out the disposal inside the laboratory.
Social contribution
We provided safety education in our activities. School visit programs, campus tours, debate competitions, and card news.
First, we had time to discuss the attitudes that synthetic biologists should have in the school visit program. We talked about the meaning and importance of synthetic biology and gave students time to freely imagine and discuss the possibility of the new drug with synthetic biology. We emphasized that the first attitude that should be given to scientists studying synthetic biology is the ethical attitude of following social safety policies, as endless studies have emerged that can affect society.
Campus tours
The next activity was the campus tour. At this time, the school campus and facilities were directly shown. It was a time to experience how the experimental spaces at school and the spaces used by students are separated and operated, and the safety rules observed at the school level.
Debate competitions
Third, we held a synthesis biology debate. There were 4 topics we selected, ecosystem, food, copyright, and DIY biology. We recommended discussing and talking about the safety of synthetic biology in all topics. We discussed the possible effects of genetically modified crops on the environment and human health in food. It also led them to imagine and discuss what to watch out for if human individual genetic information is collected in customized food manufacturing. If the expansion of DIY biology is encouraged, the issue of safety and safety measures in case non-majors deal with it will be discussed.
Card news
Last, we translated iGEM safety policies and uploaded them to our Instagram. Translated paragraph 9 of the safety of iGEM. It summarized and posted the contents in a dialogue, including questions such as ‘I want to experiment with my cells, can I?’; ‘Then, is it possible to use animals?’, so even those who are not familiar with synthetic biology can read them easily.