Difference between revisions of "Team:Cardiff Wales/health and safety"

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<center> <h1><br><br><br> Health and Safety <br><br><br></h1> </center>  
 
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Our team has been working in the Molecular Biology Research laboratories in the School of Bioscience at Cardiff University. Research carried out in these laboratories includes plant cell biology, basic microbiology, molecular biology and genetic engineering.
  
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Before beginning our work, we were given a health and safety briefing by our supervisor (Geraint Parry) which allowed us to appreciate any potential risks associated with the lab side of our project.
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At our safety induction, these were the main hazards discussed; <br>
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<b>Procedural risks:</b> </p>
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<li>Use of group 1 microorganisms - <i> Escherichia coli </i> and <i> Agrobacterium tumefaciens </i> </li>
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<li>Handling of hot liquids</li>
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<li>Use of gel electrophoresis equipment </li>
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<li>Storage of samples in the -80 °C freezer</li>
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<li>Use of top loading autoclave </li>
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<li>Hand held UV source </li>
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<li>Use of sharp equipment</li>
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<li>Use of centrifuges</li>
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<p><b> Chemical risks:</b></p>
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<li>Use of strong acids and bases</li>
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<li>Use of chemical mutagens</li>
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<li>Use of phenolics</li>
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<li>Use of flammable chemicals around open flame source</li>
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<li>Use of liquid nitrogen</li>
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<li>Use of toxic chemicals</li>
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<br><br><br>
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<p style="background-color:#ffffff;"> <b>Experimental design to reduce risk </b></p>
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<li>For cloning/movement of genetic material we have used a group 1 microorganism, a non-pathogenic strain of E.coli - DH5α </li>
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<li>Transformation of bacteria was carried out using a heat shock approach rather than the more dangerous electroporation procedure </li>
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<br><br><br>
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<p><b>Unusual experiments/safety issues </b> </p>
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<li>The use of the chemical B-ME during His-tag purification of the TSHantag. B-ME is a highly toxic and corrosive chemical which is capable of damage to internal organs if inhaled. Any work involving B-ME was carried out within a fume cupboard </li>
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<li>Infiltration of plants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens was carried out in an isolated work space to avoid unintended contact between Agrobacterium and other plants within the lab </li>
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<li>The use of liquid nitrogen involved careful handling and disposal within a fume cupboard</li>
  
  
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Revision as of 21:44, 22 October 2017




Health and Safety





Our team has been working in the Molecular Biology Research laboratories in the School of Bioscience at Cardiff University. Research carried out in these laboratories includes plant cell biology, basic microbiology, molecular biology and genetic engineering.





Before beginning our work, we were given a health and safety briefing by our supervisor (Geraint Parry) which allowed us to appreciate any potential risks associated with the lab side of our project. At our safety induction, these were the main hazards discussed;
Procedural risks:

  • Use of group 1 microorganisms - Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens
  • Handling of hot liquids
  • Use of gel electrophoresis equipment
  • Storage of samples in the -80 °C freezer
  • Use of top loading autoclave
  • Hand held UV source
  • Use of sharp equipment
  • Use of centrifuges

    • Chemical risks:

  • Use of strong acids and bases
  • Use of chemical mutagens
  • Use of phenolics
  • Use of flammable chemicals around open flame source
  • Use of liquid nitrogen
  • Use of toxic chemicals



    • Experimental design to reduce risk

  • For cloning/movement of genetic material we have used a group 1 microorganism, a non-pathogenic strain of E.coli - DH5α
  • Transformation of bacteria was carried out using a heat shock approach rather than the more dangerous electroporation procedure



    • Unusual experiments/safety issues

  • The use of the chemical B-ME during His-tag purification of the TSHantag. B-ME is a highly toxic and corrosive chemical which is capable of damage to internal organs if inhaled. Any work involving B-ME was carried out within a fume cupboard
  • Infiltration of plants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens was carried out in an isolated work space to avoid unintended contact between Agrobacterium and other plants within the lab
  • The use of liquid nitrogen involved careful handling and disposal within a fume cupboard