Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
Safety Guidelines and Instructions
for Laboratory Work in Genetic Engineering
According to section 2 Paragraph 12 GenTSV
CONTAINMENT LEVEL 2
Effective in Area
insert Address and Room numbers
Rooms are labeled with a sign indicating an installation to conduct genetic engineering and
the Biohazard sign.
Project Supervisor:
BSO:
Technical control room:
Facility doctor:
insert name and
Dr. Siller
phone number
phone: 542340
phone: 567272
phone: 568970
Dangers for Laboratory workers, Population and Environment
Containment Level 2 is relating to laboratory work in genetic engineering which, according to
the current knowledge of science, constitutes a low risk for human health and environment.
Handled genetically modified Organisms (GMO):
Insert some information on the GMO (name, infection route, symptoms
in case of an infection)
Biohazard
Precautions and Safety Instructions
Lab Coats
mandatory
Eye protection
mandatory
Gloves mandatory
Trespassing
prohibited
Eating and Drinking
prohibited
Smoking prohibited
Access only for personnel authorized by the project supervisor. Changes of physical
conditions (e.g. treatment with immuncompromising therapeutica, pregnancy) have to be
reported to the project supervisor.
Personnel performing genetic engineering procedures must be qualified and adequately
instructed by the project supervisor. Personnel must be lectured on possible hazards of the
respective work place on an annual basis and in the case of safety relevant changes of the
working methods. The project supervisor has to instruct about special dangers for expectant
and nursing mothers. Participation in such instruction sessions is mandatory and requires
written confirmation.
There must be a medical check-up from the facility doctor for personnel performing genetic
engineering procedures of Biosafety level 2 before starting and afterwards on an annual
basis.
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When work is in progress, laboratory doors and windows must be closed.
Use personal protective equipment! Wear laboratory coats or gowns, disposable gloves
where required, and always protective goggles at the remotest risk for the eyes.
Eating, drinking, smoking, snuffing, applying of cosmetics and storing of food, drinks and
tobacco are absolutely prohibited in the laboratory!
Mouth pipetting is prohibited! Mechanical pipetting instruments should be used instead.
Minimize the generation of aerosols.
All work with GMO of low risk has to be done in a laminar flow hood.
Use syringes,cannulas and sharps only if absolutely necessary.
Keep laboratory tidy and clean; only instruments and material actually required in the work
process are to be placed on work benches. Keep stocks of regulated material in separate
storage rooms or cabinets, if possible.
All desinfection measurements layed down in the hygiene instructions have to be followed
strictly:
 Personal Hygiene
 Desinfection of working surface (bench) and implements
 Inactivation of the waste
Laboratory work in genetic engineering is subject to the keeping of appropriate records.
Transport and Waste Disposal
Genetically modified organisms have to be transported between genetic engineering
installations in break- and leakproof containers only. This concerns also contaminated waste.
All microbiological waste must be autoclaved in room insert room-number or properly
inactivated before disposal. Observe autoclave operating instructions!
Incident Regulations
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In the case of a spillage warn your collaborators and report to the project supervisor.
Remove spills with cellulose or similar material prior to disinfecting, and autoclave wiping
material subsequently. Disinfect contaminated work surfaces according to the hygiene
instructions.
Disinfect contaminated clothing or skin with alcoholic disinfectant.
Rinse eyes and mucous membranes profusely under running water.
Treat injuries immediately under first aid conditions, if possible (if required, apply
disinfectant). See a physician and inform him on the handled GMOs.
Report all injuries to the project supervisor and to the BSO without delay.
Observe fire protection rules and evacuation plans; familiarize with these manuals to
prevent unnecessary delays in incidents of emergency.
First-Aid Box in Room
insert number
Emergency call
112