Our lab is classified as a BSL-1 laboratory. This is the lowest biosafety level. Our lab works with reagents and organisms that pose a minimal threat to our members. Research in our lab is performed on open lab benches. Lab members have received individual training in:

* General Lab Safety
* Sterile Technique
* Proper Chemical Handling
* Proper PPE
* Waste Management
* Autoclave Training

All biological organisms used are classified as biosafety level 1 organisms and are non-pathogenic, meaning they will not cause disease in healthy adults. Organisms were used under well-established protocols.

Strains used:

* Escherichia coli K-12
* Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4742

Safety at Denver Biolabs

All experiments and operations in our lab were in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines at the University of Colorado-Denver.  The PI provided training to each individual lab member and access to the lab is limited to those who have successfully completed training. Training required lab members to complete this form.

1.    Personal Safety: Each lab member wore gloves, safety glasses (if needed), closed toed shoes, and long pants when working in the lab to avoid chemical exposure. Each lab member was trained in determining the appropriate PPE needed to safely perform an experiment. No food or beverage consumption was allowed inside the lab. 

2.    Sterilizing workspace: Lab benches were cleaned with 70% EtOH before and after each experiment. All waste generated was disposed of in appropriate containers. Biological waste was autoclaved before disposal. All glassware, pipette tips, and many reagents were autoclaved prior to use.

3.     Recombinant DNA: Proper precaution must be taken when working with recombinant DNA. Our lab adheres to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.

  A link to our final safety form can be found here.