University of Rhode Island
| IBC Meeting Schedule |
|---|
|
The University of Rhode Island Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews and approves research protocols involving biological materials to ensure that investigators adequately address safety issues and regulatory compliance. The IBC also oversees proposals involving any aspect of rDNA (recombinant DNA) technology. The Biosafety Committee is charged with determining that a Principal Investigator (PI) who administers, handles or uses biohazardous/carcinogenic materials, uses these materials safely. This includes the demonstration of an occupational safety and health program (for the agent used) to protect workers as well as implementation of safeguards to protect the environment. The Committee also determines that the facilities in which the work is being undertaken are appropriate and fulfill federal guidelines. The IBC works in conjunction with the University Animal Care Committee and the Office of Safety and Risk management.Biohazards are biological agents or substances present in or arising from the work environment. They present or may present a hazard to the health or well-being of the worker or the community. Biological agents and substances include infectious and parasitic agents, noninfectious microorganisms, such as some fungi, yeast, algae, plants and plant products, and animals and animal products that cause occupational disease. Generally, biohazards are either: Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) and the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA) are partners in promoting the safe conduct of recombinant DNA research through compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines). An IBC provides local oversight in assessing the appropriate containment for recombinant DNA research; reviewing the adequacy of facilities, procedures, practices and investigator training; and ensuring adherence to Appendix M of the NIH Guidelines, which outlines the requirements associated with human gene transfer protocols. You may review these responsibilities by accessing the NIH Guidelines on-line at: http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba.html It is the responsibility of a Principal Investigator to submit a Biosafety Infectious Agent Protocol Review Form , a Biosafety Recombinant DNA Protocol Review Form to the Research Office, Division of Compliance, 70 Lower College Road, before commencing with the use of any biohazardous/pathogenic material or Recombinant DNA. The Chair of the IBC or a designated committee member will complete a preliminary review of the proposal to determine if there is a need for full committee review. An Action Report will be issued to the PI following initial review. In response to the growing concern about the possible use of biological, chemical, and radioactive materials as agents for terrorism, guidelines were developed by the CDC which address laboratory security issues (e.g., preventing unauthorized entry to laboratory areas and preventing unauthorized removal of dangerous biological agents from the laboratory). These guidelines should be reviewed by all individuals using biological agents or toxins capable of causing serious or fatal illness to humans or animals. www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/b4af.htm University of Rhode Island Select Agent Policy and Procedures National concerns in regarding the security and possession of select agents prompted the passage of the Public Health Security and Bio-terrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, signed into law on 12 June 2002. Regulations implementing this act became effective on February 7, 2003. The regulations include many new provisions such as: CDC Select Agent Program: Includes links to Select Agent regulations (42 CFR 73) as required by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, Public Law 107-188, and the USA Patriot Act, Public Law 107-56. LINKS Agricultural Biotechnology/USDA Anti-terrorism Act of 1996 and new law of October 26, 2001 A Practical Guide to Containment-Greenhouse Research with Transgenic Plants and Microbes Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Biosafety in Microbiological & Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 4th edition Information Systems for Biotechnology (ISB)-A National Resource in Agribiotech Information National Institutes of Health (NIH) Risk Group Classification for Infectious Agents University of Rhode Island Safety and Risk Management University of Rhode Island Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
For more information: Doreen Lawson |
|---|