"Why the Buzzing?" Freezer-Off Cleaner... Ruined 20 Years of US Cell Research

University Janitor Turns Off Freezer Power, Destroys Research Data
-80℃ Temperature Essential for Cell Cultures and Sample Management
University Files 1.3 Billion Won Damage Lawsuit Against Cleaning Company

A janitor at a university turned off the power to a laboratory freezer after hearing a loud noise, resulting in the disposal of research data accumulated over more than 20 years.

The photo is unrelated to the article content. [Photo source=Pixabay]

On the 28th (local time), CNN in the United States reported that a university in Troy, USA, has filed a lawsuit seeking over 1 million dollars (approximately 1.3 billion KRW) in damages against the cleaning company.

A janitor employed by the company accidentally turned off the power to a freezer in the laboratory during cleaning, and the university claimed that this caused damage to cell cultures and samples that had been studied for over 20 years.

To manage cell cultures and samples, the freezer temperature must be maintained at -80℃. Even a small change of about 3℃ can cause problems, and an alarm sounds if the freezer temperature rises to -78℃ or falls to -82℃.

Around September 14, 2020, the research team discovered that the freezer temperature had risen to -78℃, triggering the alarm, and they entrusted the freezer manufacturer with repairs.

While waiting for repairs, safety locks were installed around the freezer’s power outlet and socket, and warning signs were posted stating, "This freezer will sound an alarm during repairs; do not move or unplug it," and "There is no need to clean this area, and pressing the button for 5-10 seconds will mute the alarm."

However, on September 17, the janitor, hearing the loud alarm sound, turned off the power supply device to the freezer without reading the warning signs. As a result, the freezer temperature rose to -32℃.

The next day, the research students discovered the freezer was off and said, "Despite efforts to preserve the cell cultures and samples, most were destroyed, ruining 20 years of research."

The university stated that the cleaning company lacked proper training and management of the janitor, adding, "Due to the defendant’s negligence, carelessness, and reckless supervision and control, damage was caused to the cell cultures and sample research."