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Biological Materials
This page offers a collection of health and safety resources for those performing research on or working with biological materials. This includes materials and areas such as bloodborne pathogens, recombinant DNA, human and animal subject research, and more.
Regulations and Policies
- Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories
This guidebook outlines the standards for safely conducting microbiological research established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). - Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
DEHS offers a brief overview of the standard based on a Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation - Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (PDF)
These guidelines must be followed when performing research with recombinant DNA, and are established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Infectious Waste Control Act
DEHS offers a brief overview of the Infectious Waste Control Act, regulated by Minnesota Statutes and a University Regents' Policy. - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a University committee that assures researchers using animal subjects meet a number of federal and state regulations and University Regents' policies. - Institutional Biosafety Committee
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is charged under federal regulations and a University Regents' policy with oversight of all teaching and research activities that involve: recombinant DNA, infectious agents, artificial gene transfer, and biological agents (including select agents). - Institutional Review Board
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) assures that University researchers using human subjects meet federal compliance with the Office for Human Research Protection, and follow University Regents' policies.
References and Tools
- Biohazard Sign (PDF)
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Health Canada: Microorganisms MSDS
This MSDS is a quick safety reference relating to infectious micro-organisms. -
Infectious Waste Disposal Chart
This chart provides information about appropriate infectious waste pick-up and disposal. - Institutional Biosafety Committee
The Institutional Biosafety Committee's Web site is rich with resources to assist those that work with biological materials, such as forms that must be filled out to meet regulations, inspection tips, and safe laboratory practices. - Needle Sticks and Other Infectious Exposures
A DEHS resource that describes the hazards exposures of needlesticks and the steps to take in the event of one happening. - Select Agents
The University’s Institutional Biosafety Committee maintains a Select Agents section on their Web site that provides the list of select agents, an explanation of the regulation and methods to comply, safety procedures for working with the agents, and more.
Forms
- Bloodborne Pathogen Record of Training Form (PDF)
- Department of Defence Grants: DEHS's Compliance Form (PDF)
- Institutional Biosafety Committee Forms