DOs and DONTs of Good Lab Citizenship: Difference between revisions

∑ Be CONSIDERATE of others (their stuff, needs, space, etc)  

∑ Always ASK SOMEONE if you’re not sure about something. First ask the iGEM graduate advisors before asking other members of the Endy lab.

∑ THINK before you do.

∑ CLEAN UP after yourself, both on a day-to-day basis, and once the competition is over. If you’ve caused a spill in a centrifuge, clean it up.

∑ Maintain a CLEAN workspace.

∑ Maintain STERILE technique.

∑ ASK someone before you move their stuff.

∑ BALANCE the centrifuges.

∑ ASK SOMEONE how to use a piece of equipment if you haven’t used it before.

∑ If you use the roller drums or shakers in the 30C or 37C rooms, remember to TURN THEM BACK ON.

∑ CLOSE refrigerator doors!!

∑ Use YOUR OWN master stocks of chemicals and supplies; we’ll tell you which other supplies you’re allowed to use.

∑ READ PROTOCOLS before you attempt them.  

∑ Keep any proteins (endonucleases, ligase, Taq supermix) always ON ICE

∑ CHANGE TIPS between aliquots of important stocks.

∑ WEAR GLOVES when working w/ dangerous/sensitive chemicals (phenol, RNA, etc).

∑ Keep a good LAB NOTEBOOK so you know what you did.

∑ LABEL TUBES

∑ Store GLYCEROLS appropriately

∑ If you did something wrong, CONFESS and tell someone. You won’t get in trouble for accidents, but you’ll get in trouble for not letting people know.