InternalLab Safety RegulationsGenetical Operations

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DO GENETICAL OPERATIONS (SAFETY STANDARD NO. 1)
(according to § 12(2) GenTSV)
 

Ambit

In order to meet safety standard no. 1, genetical operations are only allowed in places that carry the name and can clearly be identified as "Genetic research area" / "Gentechnischer Arbeitsbereich, S1".
 

Risks for people and the environment

§ 7 GenTG: "Genetic research of safety category no. 1 are those, which, according to latest knowledge in the field, do NOT bear a risk for either man or environment."
 Only people with a suitable qualification or those who can be sure to receive a good guidance by the head of the research area should be employeed. The safety-at-work-briefing is to be held at least once a year and its participants must confirm the acceptance of the content discussed with their signature. Moreover, there should be written reports about how work is done in the genetic field.
 

Preventive measures and directives

• Keep doors closed during work!
• Use protective equipment (lab smock, single serving gloves (if needed), safety glasses)!
• No mouth-pipetting!
• Try to avoid the escape of aerosol! If it is inevitable, please work under respective working conditions!
• Use shots and cannulae only if really necessary. Do not try to put it back into its protective cover but throw it away in a garbage bin right after usage!
• Eating, drinking, smoking, putting on make-up or the lab storage of food and natural stimulants is prohibited!
• Keep the labs tidy and clean; only equipment and materials that are really required should be placed in the working environment!
• After finishing your lab work, clean up your work space. Desinfect it with Descosept!
• Sanitize, i.e. wash your hands before starting and after finishing your lab work (see plan for skin protection)!

Transport, storage and removal

What is a genetical operation?
A genetical operation is the transport, storage and removal of genetically modified organisms (GVO = "gentechnisch veränderte Organismen").

• Make sure that GVO is transported only in lockable, unbreakable boxes.
• The storage of GVO is only allowed in the deep freezer (-80°C) in room 310 or in fluid nitrogen in the Biorack room no. 310. The vials should carry labels to signify the content. In addition, the storage is to be documented in a folder created for this purpose.
• Fluid or solid GVO-waste should be autoclaved in room 116 (20 min. at 121 °C). When this has been done the material can be dumped to the ordinary garbage.
• When dealing with hazardous chemical waste, be aware of the strict university-rules regarding how to dispose this kind of waste.

What should I do in case of an event of fault or emergency?

• In case of spillage of biological material mark off the danger area. The hazardous material should be absorbed by a tissue handkerchief and later be autoclaved. After that, the lab must be disinfected with Descosept.
• The project director must be informed immediately!

First Aid

• In all labs there is a first aid box for smaller injuries.
• All other injuries should be medicated by the NOTFALLZENTRUM of the University of Leipzig, phone: (0341) 97-17801.
• Clear your skin or eyes with water if these parts of the body should have gotten into contact with hazardous materials ("Notdusche", eye shower in room 310).