Safety in the Lab
Our team took many measures to ensure that we were working safely in the lab. The labs we worked in were classified as Containment Level 1 and we only worked with Risk Group 1 Biological Material. Several of the specific safety measures our team took are listed below.
Elimination:
We decided to not work with agrobacterium which would have posed potential risks when working alongside plants.
Substitution:
Strains - We used a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli, strain DH5α. Choosing this model organism over others reduces risk of infection or disease in lab members because it lacks the mechanism to be pathogenic[1].
Engineering Controls:
Biosafety Cabinet - To prevent contamination of our work as well as protect lab members we used a Class II BioSafety Cabinet when working with bacterial cultures and when isolating protoplasts.
Administrative Controls:
Training - All wet-lab members were provided training on the lab facilities, equipment, protocols, and safety policies by wet-lab leads and advisors. In addition to that, all wet-lab members were required to take UBC’s Biosafety and Chemical Safety courses.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Lab coats, goggles, masks, and gloves were available for members to protect themselves when working in the laboratories.
