The biological safety team partners with researchers to ensure that biological materials are used in ways that reduce risk, as well as in compliance with requirements and regulations.
The biological safety team:
- Coordinates all registration/approval activities for the Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC). Extensive information on what materials require IBC approval is available in this fact sheet but all research involving the following materials in a viable state requires review and approval by the IBC:
- Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids
- Microbiological agents infectious to humans, animals or plants
- Human-derived materials including cells, tissues and body fluids
- Nonhuman primate-derived materials including cells, tissues and body fluids
- Toxins of biological origin
- Assists with risk assessments of proposed biomaterials activities to recommend exposure controls
- Provides guidance regarding shipment of biological materials (including international dangerous goods requirements, permits, and other logistical considerations)
- Provides biological safety training for all individuals working in research or teaching labs with biological materials
- Uses EHS Assist (EHSA) tool to assist researchers in managing hazardous material and equipment user, training, inventory, inspection, and waste disposal data
Our program fosters a progressive safety culture by continuously improving through collaboration with the research community, incorporating feedback, and staying abreast of current standards, practices, and lessons learned.
Contact Us: vubiosafety@vanderbilt.edu