The safety of students, staff and public are of high importance at UEA. As such, the university has its own health and safety policies and biosafety rules that must be followed. Risk assessments and COSHH forms are completed to cover any laboratory work conducted. Safety training is also compulsory to ensure a high standard throughout the university. All university health and safety documents can be found at https://intranet.uea.ac.uk/uss/intranet. The university has its own biosafety committee with different safety responsibilities divided between different departments and staff. Dr Andrew Hemmings is the BIO Safety Officer at UEA and Dr Mark Coleman is the GM Biological Safety Officer.

Laboratory Safety

Risk assessments and COSHH forms were carried out to cover all work conducted within the laboratory. Safety training was also provided by the School of Biological Sciences and the UK Health and Safety Legislation was followed. At the beginning of the laboratory work, we received safety training from advisors and laboratory technicians as to what to do in emergencies and the disposal of contaminated equipment and specific chemicals. Details on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and their use were also provided. Good laboratory practices were also carried out, these include: washing hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory, no use of mobile phones, no over-carrying of equipment, autoclaving of contaminated waste, correct use of fume-cupboards and no eating or drinking within or near the lab.

Public Safety

We also take into account of the safety of colleagues and the public. For this reason, only authorised personnel are permitted within the laboratory. Precautions were taken to ensure that all contaminated material was disposed of in the correct manner either by disinfectant or placed in bags and autoclaved. Lab coats are removed and hands are washed thoroughly before leaving the lab and entering public spaces.

Environmental Safety

There is a low risk of any bacteria being released into the environment as all organisms are stored securely within the lab. All windows are closed to further reduce risks and everyday equipment is disinfected.