Biosafety involves the safe use of biological materials in research, such as infectious or disease containing organisms, recombinant DNA technologies, bloodborne pathogens, human tissues, vectors of disease, and zoonotic agents, among others. The Biosafety Officer at EHS works with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), a group of faculty research experts and community representatives to help insure safe research protocols, labs, and equipment. Guidelines issued by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health are adhered to. Ohio University maintains a Biosafety Program and manual for researchers.
General Biosafety Information
- Ohio University Biosafety Policy
- Ohio University Biosafety Manual [PDF]
- Standard Microbiological Practices & Biosafety Basics Brochures
- Frequently Asked Questions about Research Using Biological Materials
- Including what biological materials are covered and when IBC approval is required.
- IBC Review Form - used to submit biohazardous and rDNA work to the IBC for approval
- Institutional Biosafety Committee
- Including: information, bylaws and schedule
- Related Ohio University program documents and forms
- Information about Cleaning Lab Coats
- Ethidium Bromide Waste Disposal [PDF]
Bloodborne Pathogens Program
- Ohio University Bloodborne Pathogens Written Program & Exposure Control Plan
- Department Specific Customizable Exposure Control Plan
- Customizable Exposure Control Plan [Word] - recommended format
- Customizable Exposure Control Plan [PDF] - fillable
- BBP Program Enrollment Form
- Enrollment Form [Word] - fillable
- Enrollment Form [PDF] - fillable
- Exposure Incident Checklist & Forms
- Information about Cleaning Lab Coats
Infectious Waste Program
Regulations, Guidelines & Web Resources
- Related program documents and forms
- NIH published "Investigator Responsibilities" [Powerpoint]
OSHA Regulations:
- Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030)
- Chemical Hygiene (Lab) 29 CFR 1910.1450
- Personal Protective Equipment 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I
- Formaldehyde 29 CFR 1910.1048
CDC & NIH Guidelines & Regulations:
- CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules
- Agent Transfer (Select Agent Rule) Law
Web Resources:
- CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition
- American Biological Safety Association
- CDC Information on Hepatitis
- USEPA TSCA Biotechnology Program
- NIH Office of Recombinant DNA Activities
- DOT Transporting Infectious Substances Safely [PDF]
- “Biosafety in the Laboratory”
- Infectious Substances MSDSs from the Public Health Agency of Canada