LBL02001

Laboratory Induction

Author: S. Thompson	Approved by:	SOP No. LBL02001
Signed:	Signed:	Effective from:
Date:	Date:	Last edited:

- TODO**: SOP for "storage and recovery of frozen bacterial stocks and procedures" required -- ref from section 6.15

- TODO** SOP for gel visualisation (search 'gel vis')

- TODO**: List of MSDSes (search page)

- TODO**: List of chemicals (search page)

- TODO**: PCR docs link for 6.5 PCR Machine

1. Purpose

This describes the laboratory induction procedure for all new users of the laboratory facility. It is a requirement that this be completed by all new laboratory users and their confirmation of its requirements recorded by signing the appropriate training sheet.

2. Scope

This applies to and is required by all users of the laboratory. If there are any questions please contact the biological safety officer (BSO).

3. Responsibilities

The BSO is responsible for making sure the induction is itself carried out safely and to ensure that by the end of induction the inductees understand:

How to access the lab and who is allowed in the lab.
That work with organisms in risk groups 2 and above is strictly forbidden in the lab.
The requirements for beginning work on a project, especially when working with GMOs.
How to safely work with micro-organisms to minimise contamination risks.
How to safely handle chemicals and reagents and where to seek further information.
How to effectively use the PPE provided in the lab.
How to safely operate the equipment in the lab and where to seek further information about its operation.
That in case of any uncertainty about a procedure the BSO should be sought for further information.
That use of and access to the laboratory is subject to agreeing to follow the London Biohackspace SOPs
That failing to follow the SOPs or acting in a way that endangers others or the environment is grounds from being barred from accessing the laboratory

The current BSO is Samantha Thompson. Contact: bioscisam@gmail.com , tel 07720677678.

4. Related documents

BioLab Induction Handout
BioLab Rules

5. Definitions

BSO – Biological Safety Officer
GM – Genetically Modified
GMO – Genetically Modified Organism
GMSC – Genetic Modification Safety Committee
GMP - Good Microbiological Technique

6. Procedures

6.1 General Safety Briefing

The inductees will all be provided with an information sheet which gives outlines of all the points covered during the induction and gives details of where to find more information about lab procedures.

The inductees will be informed about the need to be mindful of the hazards and risks that are or could potentially be present within a biological laboratory working to containment level one standards.

The inductees will be informed of the requirements that must be fulfilled before work on a project can commence. This includes:

Familiarising themselves with the material safety data sheet (MSDS) of any reagent to be used in the project
Being aware of all the SOPs that address the kind of procedures to be carried out in the project
The need to be aware of the safety requirements and skill level necessary when working with reagents and equipment needed in the project
The need to carry out a written risk assessment for projects involving GMOs

6.4 Chemicals and Storage

The inductees will be informed of need to follow storage requirements for reagents. The inductees will be informed of the need to familiarise themselves with the MSDS of any reagent before working with that reagent and where to find MSDSs.

6.5 Use of PPE

The inductees will be shown the location and the correct use of the PPE provided in the lab. The inductees will be informed that the BSO is to be contacted, before any practical work is commenced if suitable PPE is not available.

The PPE necessary for work with Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) or any other work inside the EtBr contaminated area will be emphasised.

6.6 Working with Micro-organisms

The importance of GMP during all work with micro-organisms will be explained to the inductees: that GMP is essential in order to prevent contamination of the laboratory by the organisms being handled and prevent contamination of the work with organisms from the environment.

A demonstration of the basic techniques for GMP will be given.

6.7 Special GMO considerations

An explanation of what is considered to be a GMO and what sort of projects are classed as GMO CL-1 projects will be given. The additional measures and procedures necessary for working with genetically modified organisms will be explained.

These include:

The need to carry out a written risk assessment before work commences with the GMO(s).
That GMOs may not be taken outside the laboratory unless a risk assessment has been approved to do so.
The need to deactivate all containment level 1 biomaterial in the autoclave before disposal.

6.8 Refrigerator, Freezer and Sample Storage

An explanation will be given of the need to exercise caution when working with the refrigerator and freezer due to the presence of biomaterial.

6.9 Operation of Laboratory Equipment

Explanations of, and where practical short demonstrations of, the SOPs for the following equipment:

Microwave
Spectrophotometer
PCR Machine
Electrophoresis Power Supply
Electrophoresis tank and Ethidium Bromide area
UV illuminator
HEPA flow cabinet/area
Autoclave
Sink area
Incubator
Centrifuges

6.10 Laboratory Access Control

The inductees will be instructed on the operation of the number lock and card sensor which provide access control for the laboratory.

7. Resources

GMO Project Risk Assessment Form

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