The University of Oregon's Biological Safety Program is designed to facilitate safe research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules (rsNA) and biohazardous materials. The program provides support to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), manages the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (ECP), and consults on exposure assessments for the Occupational Health Program.
This program applies to all clinical, laboratory, research, teaching, service, and support activities the university sponsors or participates in that may involve exposure to biohazards.
Key Responsibilities
- Register and get approval of proposed research with the UO IBC prior to beginning work. Renewal required every 3 years.
- Generate Lab Specific Biosafety Manual.
- Review trainings covering NIH Guidelines and Summary Guide.
- Provide appropriate training for lab staff.
- Ensure annual certification of biological safety cabinet.
- Complete Bloodborne Pathogen training annually.
- Optional Biosafety Level 2 training.
- Review safe use of biosafety cabinets.
- Review UO Biological Safety Manual.
- Review lab specific Biosafety Manual.
- Complete shipping training if needed.
Required Training
Before starting work or activities that may involve exposure to biohazards:
- Complete online Bloodborne Pathogen training.
- Complete lab-specific in-person training.
- Document all training.
- Review safety manuals.
Before shipping biospecimens and biospecimens on dry ice:
- Complete EHS shipping training.
- Contact EHS for shipping consultation.
Online Trainings
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training is available through on MyTrack, Community Canvas, and LinkedIn Learning.
- Biosafety Level 2 training is optional and available through MyTrack, Community Canvas, and LinkedIn Learning.
Anyone unable to access MyTrack should email Research and Lab Safety for Community Canvas access or other alternatives.
Emergency Procedures
In case of incident:
- In case of fire, without placing yourself in danger, put biological materials in secure location and evacuate.
- Get medical help immediately for injury or exposure to human blood.
- Report the incident to your PI or supervisor and submit an injury report within 24 hours.
More information for spills, injuries, and fire are outlined in the Biological Safety Manual. Additional lab emergency procedures, safety equipment, and planning information are available in the Lab Safety Manual.
Waste Disposal Guide
Lab staff must request pickup of hazardous wastes through EHS. If there is a question as to if a material is biohazardous, recombinant, or pathological and how to properly dispose or decontaminate, please contact EHS for clarification.
- Pathological waste must be separated from non-pathological biohazardous waste at point of generation.
- Solid biological waste materials must be directly disposed of into red-bagged lined Biohazard waste boxes obtained from EHS.
- When biohazard containers are almost full or have reached 45-pound weight limit, submit an online waste pickup request.
- Autoclaves are to be used at UO only for destroying non-pathogenic recombinant materials (recombinant E. coli, yeast, fruit flies and nematodes), NOT biohazardous materials.
For more information: Biohazard, rsNA & Pathological Waste Disposal Guidelines
Permits/Shipping
Biological Safety Program Manual
The Biological Safety Manual is your guide to responsibilities, requirements, procedures, and templates.
Questions?
Contact Laurie Graham, Laboratory Safety Manager, Biosafety Officer