RISK ASSESSMENT OF HAZARD IN GENETIC ENGINEERING LABORATORIES

By
NIK ABDUL HAFIIDZ BIN NIK ABDUL MALEK
2014688106
SAIFUL ANWAR BIN NAZURALLAH
2014626794
AHMAD AHKMAL BIN MASRUDIN
2014631198
MOHAMMAD ARSHAD BIN RASHID
2014683386

This report is prepared for

MADAM RAFEQAH BINTI RASLAN

SEPTEMBER 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - Hazard Identification

1.1
Hazard and Biohazard
1.2
Identify Hazards
1.3
Hazard And Biohazard In Experiment
1.3.1 Laboratory 1 Gene in Bottle
1.3.2 Laboratory 2 Bacterial Transformation
1.3.3 Laboratory 3 Restriction Endonuclease Digestion And Gel Electrophoresis Of
Dna
1.3.4 Laboratory 4 Crime Scene Investigator PCR
1.3.5 Laboratory 5 Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Chapter 2 - The Biological Risk Assessment
Chapter 3 - Biohazard Equipment
3.1
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
3.2
Genes in the bottle
3.3
Crime Scene Investigator PCR
3.4
Bacterial Transformation
3.5
Restriction endonuclease digestion and gel electrophoresis of DNA
Chapter 4 - Emergency Response Procedure/ Report/ Accident
Chapter 5 - Recommendation For Improvement In Fkk Laboratory

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Chapter 1
Hazard Identification
In Malaysia, laboratories can be found in universities, companys research and development
and government institute. The laboratory environment can be a hazardous place to work.
Laboratory workers such as students are exposed to numerous potential hazards including
chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards, as well as musculoskeletal stresses.
Laboratory safety is governed by numerous local, state and federal regulations. The reduction
of hazards improves the safety and quality of life for human and for the environment, these
hazards can be minimized through researches and improve safety procedure (Maaza, 2008).
Therefore performance of risk assessment of hazardous chemical and biohazard is an
important process to organize the management of hazards of these chemicals and biohazard.
This study was conducted to assess the risk from genetic engineering laboratory course in
chemical and bioprocess engineering program.

1.1

Hazard and Biohazard

Hazard is defined anything for example condition, behaviour, situation, practice that has the
potential to cause harm, including disease, death, injury, environmental, property and
equipment damage. A hazard can be a thing or a situation. (Western Sydney University, 2015)

According to Western Sydney University (2015), hazard Identification is the process of

examining each work area and work task for the purpose of identifying all the hazards which
are inherent in the job. Work areas in this report specifically on laboratories however it also
apply to other work area for example office areas, agricultural stores and transport,
maintenance and grounds. This process is about finding what could cause harm in work task
or area specifically on laboratories.

Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, are organic substances that pose a
threat to the health of humans and other living organisms. Generally speaking, biological
hazards include pathogenic micro-organisms, viruses, toxins (from biological sources),
spores, fungi and bio-active substances. Biological hazards can also be considered to include
biological vectors or transmitters of disease. Outside the health arena, biological hazards
include substances that cause social and economic disruption, property damage and
environmental degradation, such as insect plagues or infestations. Worldwide, it is estimated
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that around 320 000 workers die each year from communicable diseases caused by workrelated exposures to biological hazards (Safe Work Australia, 2011).
1.2

Identify Hazards

Identify hazards is the first step in risk management step in the workplace. A hazard is anything
including work practices or work practice or procedures that have the potential to harm the
health and safety of a person. The student is responsible for identifying hazards which may
be present in the workplace. Laboratory safety requires knowledge of laboratory procedures,
equipment, and reagents, as well as constant watchfulness for danger. One careless student
can cause accident to other student. Hazard is classified as below:

Electrical hazard are sources of danger from electrical equipment that can cause
electrical shock Example of Electrical equipment placement of cords, wet areas, hot plates.
Potential impact electrocution and fire;

Chemical hazard are sources of danger from exposure to laboratory chemicals,

including immediate and long-term effects on the health of workers. Chemicals are identified
by using MSDS and summarized or fill in a table. Potential Impact are lung irritant, flammable
and more.

Physical hazard are sources of danger in the environment, including, housekeeping

accidents, and falls. Example of Physical water spills on floor, hot, cold, appropriate storage,
pressure, gas cylinders; Potential Impact are personal injury, falling, slipping.
Biohazard are sources of danger from living (bio) specimens, including blood and
other body fluids, microbiology specimens, and cultures. Example of biohazard is infectious
organisms, samples likely to contain infectious organisms; Potential Impact is health risks;

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Figure 1: The risk assessment procedure (Western Sydney University, 2015)

Lab specimens sometimes contain disease-causing microorganisms, called pathogens.

Exposure of lab personnel to pathogens is likely to vary from one medical practice to another.
A small rural family practice clinic will have a much different patient population with different
health problems than will a specialty practice in a large metropolitan area. Nonetheless,
general principles of hygiene and safety should be followed in all POLs to decrease the risk of
disease transmission. Biohazards potentially infective biospecimens encountered in clinical
laboratories include the following:

1.3

blood

body fluids

body tissue biopsies

urine

exudates (pus, mucus, sputum)

bacterial smears

bacterial cultures

Hazard And Biohazard In Experiment

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During genetic engineering laboratories course in semester 4, 5 experiment was conducted.

Only one experiment involving the use of microorganism and other experiment mostly involves
the use of enzyme and DNA. All the experiments are classified in risk group 1 and biosafety
level 1. All the experiment are low risk of hazard. There are 4 potential hazard during
experiment which is biohazard, chemical hazard, physical hazard and electrical hazard. The
possible hazard and experiment information as follow below.

1.3.1

Laboratory 1 Gene in Bottle

In this experiment there is no biohazard involve. However, the swab use to obtain human
cheek cell should be clean and avoid any bacteria and other hazardous material enter the
mouth. The chemical use in this experiment cool isopropanol and soap which is not hazardous
to heath but are highly Flammability. Electrical equipment use is centrifuge which should be
handle carefully. Physical hazard may occur according to statement above. the aim of this
experiment is to isolate gene.

Figure 2 : gene isolated after centrifuge.

1.3.2

Laboratory 2 Bacterial Transformation

The experiment involve the use of microbacteria E. Coli which is classify under biosafety level
1 and risk group 1. E. Coli is a microorganism that is unlikely to cause human or animal disease
but the high concentration of microorganism that enter the body may cause diarrhea. In this
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experiment, the E.coli cell was transform by adding new foreign gene which is pGlo to observe
its bacterial transformation. The newly transformed bacteria should be keep safe and avoid in
contact with human body. The aim of experiment is to develop an understanding of the
biological process of bacterial transformation by the pGLO plasmid DNA. Physical and
chemical hazard may occur according to statement above.

Figure 3: transformed bacteria (E. Coli) is covered to avoid contaiminantion to sample and
avoid exposure.
1.3.3

Laboratory 3 Restriction Endonuclease Digestion And Gel Electrophoresis Of

Dna
The aim of this experiment is to separate and sort a large group of DNA molecules by size,
determine the size of each molecule separated and develop an understanding of the role of
restriction enzymes and agarose gel electrophoresis to cut and size DNA. The possible
biohazard in this experiment is the enzyme use in this experiment. There are probability that
when enzyme enters into human body it may cause sickness. The major hazard in this
experiment is during gel electrophoresis, the buffer used which contain electric current should
be keep safe and do not touch the buffer liquid . it may cause electrical shock. Physical hazard
may occur according to statement above.

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Figure4: Agarose gel before (left) and after (right) electrophoresis procedure
1.3.4

Laboratory 4 Crime Scene Investigator PCR

In this experiment, the procedure quite familiar to the restriction endonuclease digestion and
gel electrophoresis of dna lab only the sample where change for the electrophoresis. The
major hazard involve in this experiment is during electrophoresis. The dna sample of the
experiment is consider non-biohazard. No microbial use in this experiment. Physical, chemical
and electrical hazard should be avoided.

Figure 5: The PCR tube containing DNA sample, mastermix and primers.
1.3.5

Laboratory 5 Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

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The aim of this experiment is study the basic ELISA procedure to measure the concentration
of antibodies or antigens in solutions. In this experiment, the potential biohazard is sample
taken from student which is human saliva. It may contain some bacteria. When exposed to
another student it may cause low risk of infection depends on that type of virus or infection
that student carries.

(A)

(B)

Figure 6: Result of ELISAs test shows patients with antigen (left) and patients without antigen
(right).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 2
The Biological Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is an important responsibility for directors and principal investigators of

microbiological and biomedical laboratories. Institutional biosafety committees (IBC), animal
care and use committees, biological safety professionals, and laboratory animal veterinarians
share in this responsibility. Risk assessment is a process used to identify the hazardous
characteristics of a known infectious or potentially infectious agent or material, the activities
that can result in a persons exposure to an agent, the likelihood that such exposure will cause
an infection. The information identified by risk assessment will provide a guide for the selection
of appropriate biosafety levels and microbiological practices, safety equipment, and facility
safeguards that can prevent harm.

Our laboratory manager and laboratory assistant use risk assessment to alert their
staffs to the hazards of working with infectious agents and to the need for developing
proficiency in the use of selected safe practices and containment equipment. This procedure
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used in our UiTM Bioprocess Laboratory. Successful control of hazards in the laboratory also
protects persons not directly associated with the laboratory, such as other occupants of the
same building, and the public. This follow the Occupational Safety & Health Act 1994,
USECHH 2000 Regulation.

The Lecturer or laboratory assistant must consult with a Laboratory manager to ensure
that the laboratory is in compliance with established guidelines and regulations. When
performing a risk assessment, it is advisable to take a conservative approach if there is
incomplete information available. Factors to consider when evaluating risk include the
following:

Pathogenicity

Route of transmission

Agent stability

Infectious dose

Concentration

Origin

Availability of data from animal studies

Availability of an effective prophylaxis or therapeutic intervention

Medical surveillance

Experience and skill level of at risk personnel

In this assignment I need to categorize the risk group, biosafety level and safety containment
level based on the experiment that we have done in genetic laboratory experiment. We need
to ensure that all the experiment follow the guideline.

1) RISK GROUPS
In many countries, including the United States, biological agents are categorized in Risk
Groups (RG) based on their relative risk. Depending on the country or organization, this
classification system might take the following factors into consideration:

Pathogenicity of the organism

Mode of transmission and host range

Availability of effective preventive measures (e.g., vaccines)

Availability of effective treatment (e.g., antibiotics)

Other factors
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It is important to understand that biological agents are classified in a graded fashion such that
the level of hazard associated with RG1 being the lowest and RG4 being the highest. EHS
Biosafety follows the NIH Guidelines categorization of Risk Groups as follows:

RG1 Are not associated with disease in healthy adult humans or animals

RG2 Are associated with disease which is rarely serious and for which preventative
or therapeutics is often available

RG3 Are associated with serious or lethal human disease for which preventative or
therapeutics may be available

RG4 Are associated with lethal human disease for which preventative or therapeutics
are not readily available

RISK GROUP 1 AGENTS: REQUIRING CONTAINMENT LEVEL 1

Risk Group 1 (low individual and community risk)
This group includes those microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, which are
unlikely to cause disease in healthy workers or animals.
RISK GROUP 2 AGENTS: REQUIRING CONTAINMENT LEVEL 2
Risk Group 2 (moderate individual risk, limited community risk)
A pathogen that can cause human or animal disease but under normal circumstances, is
unlikely to be a serious hazard to healthy laboratory workers, the community, livestock, or the
environment. Laboratory exposures rarely cause infection leading to serious disease; effective
treatment and preventive measures are available and the risk of spread is limited.
RISK GROUP 3 AGENTS: REQUIRING CONTAINMENT LEVEL 3
Risk Group 3 (high individual risk, low community risk)
A pathogen that usually causes serious human or animal disease, or which can result in
serious economic consequences but does not ordinarily spread by casual contact from one
individual to another, or that can be treated by antimicrobial or antiparasitic agents.
RISK GROUP 4 AGENTS: REQUIRING CONTAINMENT LEVEL 4
Risk Group 4 (high individual risk, high community risk)
A pathogen that usually produces very serious human animal disease, often untreatable, and
may be readily transmitted from one individual to another, or from animal to human or viceversa directly or indirectly, or casual contact.

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2) BIOSAFETY LEVELS

In contrast to Risk Groups, Biosafety Levels (BSL) prescribe procedures and levels of
containment for the particular microorganism or material (including Research Involving
Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules). Similar to Risk Groups, BSL are graded
from 1 4. Detailed descriptions of containment practices and biosafety levels can be found
in our laboratory guidelines.
The majority of experiments done at UiTM Bioprocess Laboratory involves Biosafety Level
1 and 2 (BSL-1) & (BSL-2) practices. BSL-2 containment and practice is suitable for work with
agents that are infectious to humans or animals where exposure may result in limited to
moderate disease. The routes of exposure to these agents are typically through cuts and
breaks in the skin, ingestion, and splashes to the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and
mouth). These agents or materials include:

1. Microorganisms (e.g., RG2 or higher)

2. Human blood, blood components, fluids, unfixed organs, tissues and cell lines (primary
and established)
3. Non-Human Primate Derived Materials (including established cell lines)
4. Biotoxins (with and LD 50 of less than 100 micrograms per kilogram of body weight in
vertebrates) requiring BSL-2 containment
5. Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules

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Table 1: The Biosafety Levels

THE RISK CATEGORIZE BY EACH EXPERIMENT.

EXPERIMENT 1 GENES IN A BOTTLE
This is the abstract of the experiment. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, a genetic
material vital to a living thing. They can be collected from any bodily parts, the most common
ones includes blood, hair and saliva in a human. Physically, DNA can only be seen under the
microscope. But if enough DNA is available from lysed cells combines and intertwines with
each other, it becomes visible to the eyes as whitish strands. The aim of this experiment was
to perform DNA extraction and precipitation and to observe a collection of DNA strands. This
was done by collecting cheek cells from inside the mouth to extract the DNA as they divide
very often as new cells replace them. After collecting the cheek cells, it was mixed and
incubated with a series of chemicals and apparatus such as a lysis buffer and protease to
extract the DNA. The experiment was deemed successful as a collection of DNA was
successfully extracted and precipitated. Afterwards, the DNA collection was collected into a
vial for observation and keepsake.
In this experiment, we dont use any harmful microorganism but the harm may come
when we need to remove the protein using high temperature. From the method that we used
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in this experiment, we can conclude that it can be put under risk group 1, containment level 1
and biosafety level 1.
EXPERIMENT 2 BACTERIAL TRANSFORMATION
This is the abstract of the experiment. Transformation is basically the process in which a
bacterium takes up an exogenous DNA and expresses its genes, resulting in changes to its
traits. One of the commonly used genes to demonstrate bacterial transformation is a gene that
codes for Green Flourescent Protein (GFP). When exposed to long ultraviolet (UV) wave light,
it emits bright green light that is visible in bacteria transformed by plasmid that contain the
genes encoding GFP. In this experiment, bacteria were transformed using transformation
solutions and heat shock procedures. The bacteria used in this experiment is a commonly
used bacteria used for genetic transformation is the Escherichia coli, or E. coli. And the
plasmid used to transform the bacteria is the pGLO plasmid, which encodes a gene for GFP
and a gene for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin. These characteristics of the plasmid
provide a viable screening and selection process for transformed bacteria. Adhering to the
objectives of the experiment, an understanding of the biological process of bacterial
transformation by the pGLO plasmid DNA was developed and the acquired phenotypic trait of
GFP exhibited by transformed bacterial was observed.
In this experiment, we deal with Escherichia coli, or E. coli which is the microorganism
that classified under risk group 2. In order to deal with the bacteria, we must follow the
containment level 2, thus this experiment also can be categorize under biosafety level 2

EXPERIMENT

RESTRICTION

ENDONUCLEASE

DIGESTION

AND

GEL

ELECTROPHORESIS OF DNA
This is the abstract of the experiment. Restriction enzymes are like scissors for DNA. They
are biomolecules that restrict (cut), DNA at specific sites. Agarose gel electrophoresis is a
powerful separation method frequently used to analyse DNA fragments generated by
restriction enzymes. Electrophoresis refers to the migration of a charged molecule through a
restrictive matrix, or gel, drawn by an electrical force. This experiment aimed to separate and
sort a large group of DNA molecules by size and determine it, as well as to develop an
understanding of the role of restriction enzymes and agarose gel electrophoresis to cut and
size DNA. Agarose gel electrophoresis was successfully used to separate and sort a large
group of DNA molecules by size. This is apparent through the different bands showed by the
agarose gel after the electrophoresis. The size of each molecule separated was determined
using two methods: direct gel examination and standard curve of the semi-log graph.

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In this experiment, we use restriction enzyme as the main microorganism. The restriction
enzyme not harmful if only at our skin but it may be harmful if it is inserted inside the human
body. This experiment also deal with high voltage and high temperature equipment. From what
we have done in this experiment, it can be categorize under risk group 2 that lead to
containment level 2 and also can be put under biosafety level 2.
EXPERIMENT 4 THE ISOLATION OF GENETIC MATERIAL BY PCR
This is the abstract of the experiment. This experiment aims to demonstrate and understand
the techniques of PCR, analyze and evaluate its results and also to determine its sensitivity.
This was done in the need of DNA fingerprinting or DNA profiling for a crime scene
investigation. The sample from the crime scene as well as the DNA for a group of suspects
was put under the procedures of PCR. Following the procedure, the amplifying process was
easily achieved.
In this experiment, there are no biological harmful effect because all the sample was already
prepared by lab assistant. The risk that may involve is when we want to transfer the genetic
from a tube to another and also we need to deal with high temperature and high voltage
equipment. Therefore we can categorize them under risk group 2 that lead to containment
level 2 and also can be put under biosafety level 2.
EXPERIMENT 5 ELISA
This is the abstract of the experiment. The Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
uses antibody to detect the presence of a disease agent such as viruses, bacteria and
parasites in the blood or other body fluid. This experiment demonstrates the application of
ELISA in real situation. The enzyme, HRP is essential to present the positive result of the
assay where it oxidizes the colorless substrates into a blue solution. The blue color indicates
that there are antigens present in the serum and the antibodies have successfully bound onto
them. This experiment was fairly successful since all the wells gave out different result for
different samples, but accordingly to the theory. Moreover, the results that was taken into
consideration was only the color changes that occurred within 5 minutes. Therefore, the results
are deemed acceptable.
In this experiment, the sample used is unknown but it is under risk group 2 microorganism.
These experiment also can detect the harmful microorganism such as virus SARS or even
HIV. That virus can be categorize under risk group 4. In our level although the sample are
unknown or maybe in form of GMO, the risk group involve is in group 2. In order to handle it,
we must follow the biosafety level 2 or 3 and the containment level 2.

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Chapter 3
Biohazard Equipment
While handling experiment in the laboratory, many safety precaution needs to follow by person
to make sure each experiment finish with success. Before uses every equipment in the
laboratory, each person needs to read the sign on that particular equipment. These show how
to handling without any problem happens.

Figure 7: Sign on Laminar Flow Hood

General rules need by everyone that enter the laboratory is everyone in the lab is
responsible for their own safety. Before starting any work, personnel should be familiar with
procedures and equipment used to handle any experiments. Basic needs by personal safety
are lab coats, gloves, goggles, shoes and masks need apply during in the laboratory.

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Figure 8: Sign for personnel safety

Besides personnel responsibilities, housekeeping and decontamination needs after
each experiment finish. Work areas must be kept clean and free from any chemicals. Throw
all the chemical that already uses into chemical waste tank. Clean up equipment to avoid any
possibility of exposing of chemical into next personnel. Furthermore, do not block any
emergency equipment to make sure during any accident happen all the emergency equipment
can be use and this will reduce personnel exposure to chemical.

Figure 9: Chemical waste

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Figure 10: Fire extinguisher

Figure 11: Fire extinguisher sign

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Figure 12: Eyewashes

Figure 13: Regular check card

Every laboratory also need smoke alarm to detect fire before huge fire happen and
damage chemical. Explosion in laboratory will damage the entire chemical in the storage and
this will increase exposure of poison smoke into person. Exposures of chemical are very
dangerous because it will widely expose through the air and move about 2km and more around
the accident place.

Figure 14: Smoke detector

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When any accidents happen in the laboratory, every person must take immediately
precautions to help themselves. Emergency maps must shown at every building to make sure
each person move out from that building in safety condition to the assembly point. Follow the
exit sign that shown on the laboratory door to the assembly point.

Figure 15: Sign of fire procedure

Figure 16: Emergency sign

Figure 17: Exit sign

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Table 2: Biohazard equipment

NAME OF
EXPERIMENT

CHEMICAL USES/
MICROORGANISM
USES
Elisa
Phosphate
buffer
Genes in the
Lysis buffer
bottle
Isopropanol
The isolation of
Orange G
genetic
loading dye
material by
TAE buffer
PCR
Bacterial
Escherichia
transformation
coli
Calcium
Chloride
Restriction
Buffer
endonuclease
solution
digestion and
EcoRI
gel
Pstl
electrophoresis
HindIII
of DNA
3.1

LAMINAR
FLOW
HOOD

MASK

LAB
COAT

GOGGLES

GLOVES

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

ELISA uses antibody to detect the presence of a disease agent such as viruses, bacteria and
parasites in the blood or other body fluid. ELISA have been used in pregnancy test, disease
detection in people, plant and animals, detecting illegal drug use, test for indoor air quality and
test to determine whether the food is labelled accurately. In general, an antigen is any
molecule that can provoke the immune system to respond. This immune response is specific
to a type of antigen (Panigrahi, B. K., Abraham, A., & Das, S., 2010). There are two options of
ELISA detection which are direct detection and indirect detection.

Goggles

Lab Coat

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Gloves

Masks
Figure 18: Safety Equipment use in lab

3.2

Genes in the bottle

Protein synthesis involves two main steps: transcription and translation. The DNA plays an
important role as the first molecule that is needed in the process. The letters of the nucleotides
encoded in the DNA is copied by enzymes, basically forming 3 types of RNA; the messenger
RNA (mRNA) the transfer RNA (tRNA) and the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) (Brown, 2010). These
experiment shows DNA extraction and precipitation and to observe a collection of DNA
strands. DNA that been collecting from human body was check cells to use in these
experiment. To break open the cells to release the DNA, lysis buffer contains detergent, will
been used. Then, to make the DNA visible cold alcohol is used. Using isopropanol, the DNA
is able to get out of the solution in which it is in, and form clumps to differentiate itself. To
handle both of these chemicals, mask, goggle, gloves and lab coat must been used while
handling during the experiment.

3.3

The isolation of genetic material by PCR

It is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique that determines the alleles present at
different short tandem repeats (STR) loci within a genome in order to use DNA information to
identify individuals (Andreas, Nicole and Dimitri, 2004). From this experiments, the objective
to demonstrate and understand the techniques of PCR, to evaluate the results of PCR and to
determine the sensitivity of PCR.
3.4

Bacterial transformation

Genetic transformation has given rise to many successful findings in terms of medicinal,
agricultural and bioremediation aspects. For example, agriculture sector have been modified
to have better resistance towards pests and other damaging factors, as well as to improve its

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growth. Bacteria have also been transformed to assist in bioremediation processes, in terms
of pollutant absorption and elimination. E.coli will be used for genetic transformation. Like all
bacteria, E. coli does not have any nuclear membrane or a nucleus, thus indicating that all of
the genes required for its survival are only found in a single chromosome (Karp and Pruitt,
1996). To handle E.coli, mask, gloves, goggles, lab coat and laminar flow hood was been used
to prevent E.coli from death and affect human body from get diarrhea.

Figure 19: Laminar Flow Hood used to avoid exposure to the microorganism

3.5

Restriction endonuclease digestion and gel electrophoresis of DNA

Restriction enzymes are like scissors for DNA. They are biomolecules that restrict (cut) DNA
parts. Agarose gel electrophoresis is a powerful separation method frequently used to analyze
DNA fragments generated by restriction enzymes (Mozayani, 2011). This experiment aimed
to separate and sort a large group of DNA molecules by size and determine it, as well as to
develop an understanding of the role of restriction enzymes and agarose gel electrophoresis
to cut and size DNA. All the restriction enzyme uses was transferred into tubes. Then, DNA
that through process of cutting fragment by restriction enzyme will move to electrophoresis
process.

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Chapter 4
Emergency Response Procedure/ Report/ Accident
From our interview with the secretary of safety and health committee of FKK, Miss Hajatun
Rabani binti Ahmad Razif. Till today, there are only one major accident which are the
laboratory ceiling dropped but it did not cause any injuries. Most common accident occurs in
the laboratory are broken beakers which mostly caused by mishandling. There are no serious
injury due to accidents in the laboratory that are reported until today.
Provided below is the form used to report any accident occurs in the laboratory, the
first person that need to be informed first are the lab assistant to measure the severity of the
accident for further action needs to be taken. From the form, we can see that any accident are
treated very seriously in spite of their severity. This is to comply with the FKK safety and policy
which is to continually improved compliance with OSH legislations and effective
implementation of FKK UiTM OSHMS by achieving and maintaining certification to OHSAS
18001:2007 and MS1722:2011.
Also provided below is the standard emergency procedure when fire occurs in the
laboratory, this procedure must be shown and followed by all personnel that works in the
laboratory to prevent chaos and reduce risk of injury in case of fire occurs.

Chapter 5
Recommendation For Improvement In Fkk Laboratory
Up till today, there are no accident that have caused serious injuries or illness in FKK
laboratories. This proves that the preventive and proactive action taken by the management
is successful. However, there is always room for improvement. There are few suggestion that
can be taken into consideration by the management in order to increase the safety of the
laboratory.

Place a printed policy of statement of environment, health and safety from the faculty

Organize a talk on safety which involves management, employees, faculty, staff and
students.

Make it a requirement for new employees and students to go through safety orientation
to expose them to the equipment they will use and explain the hazard of the chemical
that will be use in the future.

Involve students in Safety and Health committee.

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Give incentives to employees and students whom exhibit excellent performance in

safety.

Ensure students to read safety manual of the equipment that they will be using along
with the lab manual.

Conduct announced lab inspection to ensure all equipment are in the best condition at
all time.

Students must not be allowed to work alone in the lab without approval from the staff.

Every experiment must be monitored until finish unless they have failsafe.

Lecturer must explain the hazard of the chemical that will be used and PPE that are
required before conducting experiments.

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Brown, T. (2010). Gene cloning and DNA analysis: an introduction: Wiley-Blackwell.
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2015, from

http://fkk.uitm.edu.my/v1/Ohsasform/Accident

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from

http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/12917/12917_Hazard_Identificati
on,_Risk_Assessment_and_control_Procedure.pdf

26 | P a g e

Appendix

27 | P a g e