1. Purpose

   This policy:

   1. standardizes procedures for the safe handling, containment, and disposal of biohazardous agents;

   2. complies with all applicable governmental regulations and required guidelines; and

   3. ensures, as much as possible, a safe and healthful workplace and campus environment.

2. Plan

   All persons intending to conduct research or otherwise use biohazard agents (as defined in the Ohio University Biosafety Manual) on campus or in University-sponsored, -funded, or -sanctioned activities on or off campus will comply with all applicable regulations and guidelines. The Biosafety Program is administered by the Ohio University Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), in conjunction with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The IBC is appointed by the Vice President for Research, in accordance with the Ohio University Biosafety Manual, Appendix E, SOP #98-01; the IBC reports to the Vice President for Research. The Biosafety Officer (BSO) in the Department of Environmental Health and Safety coordinates the Biosafety Program and the activities of the IBC for Ohio University. The Biosafety Program is documented in the online Biosafety Manual, which is available online from http://www.ohio.edu/riskandsafety/ehs/biosafety/. This policy covers all university units and grant-funded or commercial operations conducted on university property or using university services.

3. Policies and Procedures

   All persons intending to use the listed materials (as defined in the Ohio University Biosafety manual) for research, teaching or related purposes on or off campus, must register their material with the Biosafety Officer. They must also receive the approval of the IBC prior to beginning the work, if the proposed work involves materials at or above Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2). A risk assessment will be conducted by the principal investigator, and information submitted to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), in the form prescribed by the committee, dealing with the laboratory facilities, clinical or field protocols and procedures, containment methods, emergency procedures, waste disposal, occupational health and safety, regulatory compliance, and other information as required. Approval of the IBC will be in writing for experiments or uses at or above BSL2.

   All persons engaged in biohazard agent work will comply with applicable guidelines: the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, and the Guidelines of the CDC Office of Safety and Health. They will also comply with applicable guidelines and regulations from:

   1. the National Institutes of Health (NIH),

   2. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

   3. the National Cancer Institute,

   4. the U. S. Department of Agriculture,

   5. the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

   6. the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency,

   7. the U. S. Department of Transportation,

   8. the Ohio EPA,

   9. the Ohio Department of Health (ODH),

   10. the Ohio Division of Industrial Relations/Public Employees Risk Reduction Program, and

   11. the U. S. Postal Service.

   All persons will comply with applicable requirements of the IBC and Ohio University, including policies and standard operating procedures of the Ohio University Biosafety Program. For information, contact the Ohio University Biosafety Officer or the Chair of the IBC.

Reviewers

Proposed revisions of this policy should be reviewed by:

1. President

2. Executive Vice President and Provost

3. Executive Staff

4. Vice President for Finance and Administration

5. Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College

6. Associate Deans for Research Committee

7. Assistant Vice President for Safety and Risk Management

8. Chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

9. Director of Research Compliance

10. Policy and Procedure Review Committee

Forms, References, and History

1. Forms

   The following forms are specific to this policy:

   1. The IBC Proposal Review Form is available online from http://www.ohio.edu/riskandsafety/ehs/general/forms.htm#research.

2. References

   The following items are relevant to this policy:

   1. The Biosafety Manual is available online from http://www.ohio.edu/riskandsafety/ehs/biosafety/.

3. History

   Draft versions of this policy that were circulated for review, their cover memos, their forms, and Reviewers' comments on them are available on the password-protected Review site.

   Prior versions of this policy were approved on:

   1. May 28, 2009 (abbreviated review)

   2. September 12, 2003

   3. January 25, 1995

   4. January 17, 1987