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Team:Leicester/Safety
From 2012.igem.org
Saftey
1) The bacteria we are using (along with their WHO classifications) are:
E. coli DH5α - biosafety level 1
P. aeruginosa (various strains) - biosafety level 2
P. putida F1 - biosafety level 1
Little-no risk of infection of team members of the bacteria used if good microbiological techniques are practised and protective clothing worn. The bacteria, if it does get into the environment, should be self-containing - it should not stray from polystyrene as a carbon source and therefore should not be an environmental hazard. Will not be infectious to animals.
Members were given a safety talk on the use of flammable chemicals (toluene and acetone) in the lab by members of the chemistry department, and a COSHH form was completed for the use of toluene (and acetone?). They should never be used near an open flame, and toluene should be kept and used within a fume cupboard.
Safe laboratory practise training was given to all members in the laboratory induction sessions, prior to the start of any lab work.
Currently there is no way the team can see of malicious misuse of the organisms the team are engineering that will ensue a public danger - a few stereos packed in polystyrene may get damaged, but that is all.
2) We have currently not made any BioBrick parts or devices.
3) The project is undertaken under the guidelines set out by the Genetic Modification Sub-Committee. As the modified protein-making genes are not currently being expressed, no rules are being broken, and thus we have approval.
4) Adding in kill switches to all organisms in case anything goes awry.
