Purpose:
- Protect researchers, workers, and the environment from accidental exposure to microbes, chemicals, and genetically propagated plant material.
- Ensure safe and sustainable propagation, inoculation, and resin induction practices.
1. Biosafety Levels (BSL) for Agarwood Work
| Level | Typical Activities | Safety Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| BSL-1 | Plant tissue culture, handling non-pathogenic fungi | Standard lab coat, gloves, basic lab hygiene |
| BSL-2 | Handling Fusarium oxysporum, Lasiodiplodia, or dual-action formulations | Biosafety cabinet (Class II), PPE, decontamination protocols |
| BSL-3 | Genetic modification or work with unknown pathogenic microbes | Controlled access, HEPA-filtered airflow, specialized lab rooms (rare in agarwood labs) |
Note: Most agarwood propagation and inoculation work is BSL-1 or BSL-2.
2. Laboratory Containment Practices
A. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses
- Masks or respirators when handling powders, spores, or aerosols
- Closed-toe shoes
B. Work Area
- Use biosafety cabinet for fungal inoculation or tissue culture
- Maintain clean bench and sterilized instruments
- Avoid eating, drinking, or personal items in lab
C. Equipment Sterilization
- Autoclave media, tools, and culture vessels
- Sterilize work surfaces before and after experiments with 70% ethanol or other disinfectants
- Properly dispose of contaminated waste (autoclaving or chemical disinfection)
3. Environmental Containment in Field Work
A. Fungal Inoculation
- Apply dual-action formulations in controlled tree wounds
- Avoid runoff into soil or water bodies
- Use biodegradable plugs or sealants to prevent environmental contamination
B. Waste Management
- Collect excess inoculum, resin residues, and plant material
- Treat with autoclave or chemical sterilants before disposal
- Prevent release of fungal spores into the surrounding ecosystem
C. Field PPE
- Gloves, long sleeves, and masks during inoculation
- Minimize direct contact with inoculated wounds
4. Chemical and Solvent Safety
- Handle solvents (ethanol, hexane, methanol) in fume hoods
- Store chemicals in labeled, fire-resistant cabinets
- Use proper containers for volatile or toxic solvents
- Spill kits and first aid equipment should be readily available
5. Recordkeeping and Traceability
- Maintain logs for fungal strains, inoculum preparation, and application sites
- Label all experimental trees and batches clearly
- Record dates, personnel, and biosafety measures followed
6. Training and Awareness
- Train staff on biosafety levels, PPE, and spill response
- Conduct periodic safety drills and audits
- Ensure staff are familiar with local regulations for microbial and chemical handling
7. Regulatory Compliance
- Follow national biosafety guidelines (e.g., Philippine BMB, DENR, DOH)
- Obtain permits for use of microorganisms in field applications
- Ensure sustainable and safe agarwood production while preventing environmental contamination
8. Summary of Best Practices
- Work under appropriate biosafety level (mostly BSL-1 or BSL-2).
- PPE and hygiene are mandatory in labs and field sites.
- Contain microbial inoculants to avoid environmental release.
- Sterilize tools, media, and waste before disposal.
- Document all procedures and maintain traceability.
- Train personnel on chemical safety, fungal handling, and spill response.