by Shawn Coleman
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are becoming more popular because of benefits like higher crop yield. There are three main issues of concern for GMOs according to the World Health Organization (WHO): Allergenicity, gene transfer, and outcrossing. Protecting personnel in research and production laboratories from these issues is important. These table GMO handling do’s and don’ts will help.
DO: Perform a comprehensive risk assessment for each genetically modified organism (GMO) that will be used.
This task will generate information that will delineate the dangers of working with GMOs. Then, risk-reducing resources can be gathered and implemented.
DON’T: Handle GMOs outside of the areas designated for such tasks.
Strict segregation of the areas where GMOs are used helps to limit associated activities to a specific footprint. The smaller this footprint, the easier it will be to achieve and maintain tighter risk control.
DO: Don the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to handling any GMO.
Gloves, goggles, lab coats, and respirators are front-line items that have become the universal standards for basic protection in most lab settings. Your risk assessment will address specific levels of PPE.
DON’T: Allow untrained personnel access to the designated areas for handling GMOs.
Access control will be an important tool for managing risk. Properly trained personnel will have a better understanding of GMOs and their associated risks. They will take the proper steps to mitigate that risk.
DO: Use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) as an engineering control to minimize exposure to GMOs.
LEV equipment includes BSCs, ATSs, fume hoods, snorkels, and other smaller devices as well as the entire laboratory airflow system. Positioning your body properly allows for maximum utilization of LEV.
DON’T: Procure low quality GMOs.
Lower quality organisms are less pure and contain more contaminants. Each contaminant must also be evaluated for risk. Impure GMOs could result in a higher level of risk.
DO: Develop detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) that govern all aspects of handling GMOs.
The “cradle to grave” approach is important here. All aspects of the process, including procurement, quantity ordered, receiving, transporting, storing, use, cleanup, and disposal must be considered.
DON’T: Revise GMO handling SOPs without a cohesive organizational effort.
If the SOPs governing all related tasks have been developed properly, they will be bullet-proof. As personnel gain more experience, opportunities to improve GMO SOPs will present themselves. Use your document control program to ensure that all stakeholders have a chance to provide input and oversee all revisions.
DO: Conduct periodic training using SOPs and the best practices that come from mature processes.
The best procedures are only as good as the organization’s ability to disseminate the material. You must ensure that all affected personnel understand and properly execute what is in these documents.
DON’T: Take any shortcuts.
Over time, there is a natural inclination for individuals to expedite tasks and complete more work in a given period of time. An organization must always strike a balance between speed and safety. Extra weight should always be given to safety.