Safety

Organisms

We chose to work with Eshcherichia coli as the host for our construct and plasmids, despite perillyl alcohol being toxic to both yeast and bacteria we had easier access to certain specialised protein expression E. coli strains BL21 and DH5α.E. coli also confers high growth rates, and has a much wider suite of engineering tools and can accept of a variety of genes. E. coli has low environmental and health risks. It is currently classed as a Risk Group 1 organism (poses none/low individual and community risk), and is on the iGEM Safety Whitelist.

Chemicals

Compound Safety Hazards
Acetone H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Acetonritile H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H302/ H312/ H332: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
Agarose -
Ampicillin H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Chloramphenicol H318: Causes serious eye damage.
H351: Suspected of causing cancer.
H361fd: Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
Kanamycin H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H318: Causes serious eye damage.
H351: Suspected of causing cancer.
H361fd: Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
Ethanol H225:Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
Hexane H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
H315: Causes skin irritation.
H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
H361f: Suspected of damaging fertility.
H373: May cause damage to organs (Nervous system) through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled.
H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
LB broth -
Methanol H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
H301/ H311/ H331: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
H370: Causes damage to organs (Eyes, Central nervous system).
Petroleum ether H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
H340: May cause genetic defects.
H350: May cause cancer.
TE 1x Buffer -


Lab Induction

All team members were required to pass 7 lab safety training modules before being granted lab access. This ensured all members were equipped with knowledge to conduct safe lab practice. These courses were carried out by the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick.

  1. Health and Safety Induction
    Best lab health and safety practices, and fire evacuation procedures.
  2. Fire Safety Training
    Fire safety awareness, fire extinguisher and fire wardens.
  3. Risk Assessment training
    How to carry out a risk assessment for work related activities and how to complete a basic risk assessment form.
  4. Local Exhaust Ventilation system user training
    Importance of the LEV systems, what they do and do not protect against, what basic user checks should be carried out, how to set up, and how to leave the LEV system.
  5. Waste Management and Safety at Gibbet Hill Campus
    Processes, procedures and decision-making in purchasing and using materials for the laboratory as well as good decision choices that will manage, reduce waste and increase the safety of users.
  6. Chemical Assessment and Laboratory Safety Awareness
    Storage and use of chemicals under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR).
  7. Sweep and tag system
    Basic fire information and emergency evacuation process which operates at the University of Warwick’s Gibbet Hill and Wellesbourne campuses.


Equipment

We operated in a Level 1 standard microbiological lab with access to standard safety equipment.

  • Biosafety cabinet
  • Chemical fume hood
  • Emergency showers
  • Eye rinser
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Fire sand
  • Fire blank


Safety and Security Protocols

  • Appropriate lab attire (e.g. long pants and closed shoes) and protective clothing (e.g. lab coat and gloves) were always worn.
  • Personal belongings were stored outside of the lab.
  • Risk assessments were made before purchase of chemicals.
  • Flammable chemicals were stored in ventilated cabinets.
  • Toxic chemicals were handled in fume hoods.
  • Workbench was disinfected regularly.
  • Chemicals and cultures were properly labelled and discarded.
  • Hands were washed before exiting the lab.
  • Training, via lab induction courses, was conducted before access to the lab was granted.