Team:LA Biohackers/Safety

Safety isn't expensive. It's priceless! (author unknown)

Timeline

Ours is an open community lab, and as such care was taken to choose a project that involved little risk. E. coli, S. thermophilus, and B. subtillus are all bacteria in the lowest risk group; Risk Group 1. Wild type strains of these microorganism are naturally found in humans (E. coli) yogurt (S. thermophilus) and the soil (B. subtillis).

Even though these microbes have benign reputations, standard laboratory precautions were followed. The lab has plenty of gloves, safety glasses and lab coats, and access to running water in a shared bathroom. Media and glassware are sterilized with a pressure cooker (eBay).

Standard microbiological practices regarding eating, hand washing, and disinfecting surfaces were introduced at a lab meeting in July. CDC guidelines were covered at the same meeting, and a self-test was administered after the presentation. The lab scrounged a Biological Safety Cabinent via Craig’s List and spent a considerable amount of time scheming ways to elevate it’s 550lbs from the floor to its stand. Solution: material lift from Home Depot.

Our Lab

We have a fire extinguisher. The lab is on the 6th floor, and can be exited via elevator, stairs, and a fire escape.