Biological Safety

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY OFFICER CONTACT

Robin Trundy

Associate Director

phone: 343-8918

Robin.trundy.1@vanderbilt.edu

Reach any member of the Biosafety Team at VUBiosafety@vanderbilt.edu

RESOURCES

Biosafety Training

The Biosafety Program provides several courses to support all individuals who will work with (or around) biological materials such as microbiological agents, animal or human-derived body fluids or tissues, environmental samples, recombinant DNA, toxins of biological origin or any waste items contaminated with such biomaterials.

Orientation Checklists

Biosafety Orientation Checklist & Record for Onboarding New Lab Members – new lab members who will handle biomaterials need to complete lab-specific training in addition to completing applicable courses provided through Vanderbilt biosafety programs. This checklist provides guidance on topics to be covered by lab mentors/supervisors when onboarding a lab member who is joining the lab for a permanent or extended appointment. Completed checklists should be maintained with the lab’s safety manual.
Biosafety Orientation Checklist & Record for Onboarding Temporary Lab Members – this checklist serves the same purpose as the checklist for new lab members but applies to individuals who are joining the lab for a short-term academic program or training experience not to exceed one semester.

Planning Guides for Biomaterial Use

VU Research Cores: Identifying and Minimizing Biomaterials Risk – this guide summarizes categories of biohazardous materials and what policies apply for work with these; the guide also provides key questions core managers should ask before biomaterials are submitted to or worked with in the core facility
What Biomaterials Activities Require IBC Registration – this document answers that question and provides general examples of activities that can be carried out under BSL-1 or BSL-2 conditions
Working with Human-Derived Materials & Bloodborne Pathogens in Basic Research Applications – this document outlines exposure control practices to be followed by those who work with human-derived materials in lab settings (VU IBC Policy)
Institutional Registration & Review of Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Use – this document provides a basic overview of VU’s RDNA registration and review process as well as Principal Investigator responsibilities under the NIH Guidelines
NIH RDNA Guidelines & Standard Microbiological Practices – overview of institutional requirements for those conducting research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules (RDNA)
Insect Biocontainment Practices (ACL-2) Guide – this document outlines the practices to be used for insect manipulations that require for biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) containment as determined by institutional or federal biosafety standards
Biological Risk Assessment Resource – comprehensive review of various risks associated with biomaterials and lab processes and how to minimize risk when planning research
Bloodborne Pathogen Profile and Exposure Control Basics – overview of 3 main bloodborne pathogens, common research materials that may transmit these pathogens, and steps/equipment researchers should use to best limit their exposure
Disinfectant Guide for Human-Derived Materials Work – requirements for disinfectants used in conjunction with human-derived materials-related work as well as comparison of ready-to-use and dilute-to-use products including bleach solutions
Transporting Biomaterials on Campus – outlines biomaterial packaging steps and planning tips to prevent spills in transit
Using a Triple Package System for Shipping Non-hazardous Research Materials – guidance on how to package nonregulated materials in a way that prevents spills or releases in transit
Biomaterials Spill & Exposure Response – comprehensive guidance on spill prevention as well as biomaterials spill and exposure preparedness and response (VU IBC policy)
Cleanup Procedure for a Biomaterials Spill Outside a BSC – first steps for responding to a biological materials spill in the lab environment; includes contacts for EHS, Occupational Health and Risk Management departments for each entity
Biosafety Manual Guide – how to assemble and use a biosafety manual to support biosafety standards of practice when using biomaterials in the research lab
Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT): What Researchers Need to Know – this guide explains regulatory restrictions for use of tetrodotoxin and other common biological toxins and provides a general overview of BSAT requirements
Biomaterials Research Subject to NSABB Policies – definitions, applicability, and basic concepts of NSABB policies are explained
Recognizing and Containing Poliovirus Risk Research Materials – overview of responsibilities of Principal Investigators and institutional stakeholders to recognize, contain and report the presence of poliovirus risk materials
Poliovirus Potentially Infectious Materials List – this guide provides a comprehensive list of research materials and samples that may harbor poliovirus and actions to take if you have these materials

Lab Setup & Equipment

Lab Set-Up Pointers for New Researchers Working with Biological Materials – this guidance document is intended to help new researchers set up their labs in a manner that supports meeting biosafety standard requirements that will apply to their work
Biosafety Cabinet Maintenance Guide – guidance on selection, maintenance and disposal of Class II BSCs
Biosafety Cabinet Practice Reminders– a helpful “Do’s and Don’ts” graphic that highlights the importance of operational practices when using a biological safety cabinet (BSC)
Autoclave Safety Checklist – an easy-to-use introduction and safety checklist for using autoclaves
Using Sharps Safely – provides the 10 best practices that should be applied to prevent sharps injuries in the lab
Broken Glass Boxes Guide – instructions for appropriate use and disposal of broken glassware in research labs
Cryogens Safety Practices – This document explains the multiple hazards associated with the use of cryogens and how to work with them safely for biomaterials cold storage purposes
Biological Lab Equipment Release – form for declaring biohazard-marked lab equipment (not including Biosafety Cabinets) as decontaminated for maintenance or transfer to a new owner

Biological Waste Management

Biohazardous Waste Guide – summarizes the main categories of biohazardous waste, how these are segregated, collected, treated and disposed
Regulated Medical Waste in VU Buildings – essential information regarding requirements for labs using a vendor for biowaste treatment and disposal
Biowaste LLC Container Checklist – this checklist is a reference for labs who ship their biohazardous waste using Biowaste LLC
Pointers for Using Biohazardous Sharps Containers Safely and Effectively– key practices for appropriate selection, safe use and proper disposal of biohazardous sharps containers
Insects Used in Research Waste Collection – this document outlines institutional practices for disposal of both transgenic and wild-type insects use in research
Biological Liquid Containment – overview of proper vacuum collection and containment of liquid biological materials for disposal

Additional Resource Links

INSTITUTIONAL BIOSAFETY COMMITTEE

Committee Charge:

The Vanderbilt Institutional Biosafety Committee (VU IBC) provides review and oversight of research involving the use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules as required by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The composition and operations of the VU IBC are intended to satisfy the requirements of the NIH Guidelines first and foremost. However, the VU IBC also reviews research activities involving the use of human-derived materials, nonhuman primate-derived materials, agents infectious to humans, animals and plants, and acutely hazardous biological toxins to ensure compliance with other federal regulations and support environmental and worker safety.

Learn more about the committee.

Need help with an IBC registration matter? Contact the Biosafety Team at VUBiosafety@vanderbilt.edu