For our project this year, we used NEB 5-Alpha Competent K-12 E. Coli, known to be harmless to healthy adults and the lab environment. Thus, our laboratory at ASIJ is categorized as Biosafety Level 1. We were especially vigilant in autoclaving E.coli plates and tubes before disposal to reduce any risks.
Our lab was conducted in accordance with standard University lab safety for Japan, JNIOSH. Moreover, Mr. Bhupesh Upadhyay monitored and upheld our experiments to make sure we follow the regulations. More information about JNIOSH can be found here.
For the safety of our lab, we have standard fire and earthquake safety measures. For biological safety, we have an Eye Wash Station, Autoclave, Incubator, and PCR workstation with working HEPA filters. We also regulated the safety of the lab by mandating the use of bleach, a glass-only waste container, non-latex gloves, lab coats, and safety goggles that are routinely sanitized in a UV goggle sanitizer unit
All members of the team have been instructed in laboratory safety protocols, including knowledge of the location of fire extinguishers, handling/disposal of biological organisms (E.coli), autoclaving, and decontamination of equipment using bleach. Our principal investigator, Beth Crissy, oversaw our project to ensure our team followed safety protocols in the lab setting. Ms.Crissy has great experience working with E.Coli, and instructing laboratory personnel.
References:
Ministry of the Environment. (2010). Biosafety Regulation in Japan. Tokyo
Consumer Affairs Angency (2018). Geneticallly Modified Food. Retreived from https://www.caa.go.jp/policies/policy/consumer_safety/food_safety/food_safety_portal/genetically_modified_food/
