OSU SAF 305: Biological Safety

Purpose

To protect personnel and comply with applicable regulations.

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Policy

The University shall pursue biological safety through every reasonable effort to protect personnel from exposure to infectious agents, prevent environmental contamination, and comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Biological Safety Program
The Biological Safety program applies to all locations and activities under University control in which rDNA and/or infectious agents (including bloodborne pathogens) are used or stored.

The Biological Safety Committee (BSC) must approve all activities involving the use of agents classified Biosafety Level 2 or 3. No research involving Biosafety Levels 4 will be permitted on campus.

All recombinant DNA (rDNA) activities shall meet the requirements of the most recent edition of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Recombinant DNA and Gene Transfer:

1. Projects involving rDNA that are “Exempt” by NIH guidelines need not apply for approval by the BSC, but must be registered with EH&S.
2. Projects that are not exempt must be approved by the BSC.

Biological Safety Committee (BSC)
The BSC, appointed by Vice Provost for Research, is responsible for recommending University policy with respect to biological safety in research activities, establishing standards and regulations needed to implement this policy, reviewing operations and procedures of biological safety, and acting as the review committee required by NIH.

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)
EH&S is responsible for the development and coordination of the Biological Safety Program. This includes reviewing the requests for using infectious materials and/or rDNA and presenting them to the BSC if needed.

EH&S is also responsible for coordinating biological waste disposal, workplace surveillance programs, maintaining the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan, and for providing consultation and advice on matters associated with biological safety.

Biological Safety Manual
The Biological Safety Manual contains University policies, regulations, and procedures pertaining to biological safety and the Biological Safety Program. The current manual is produced by EH&S and issued by the BSC.

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