BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

The mission of the EHS/RM Biological Safety Program is to reduce workplace injury due to biological hazards. To accomplish this, we provide the UD community with the latest information and advice concerning the safe handling, containment, and disposal of biological agents. EHS/RM monitors compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines that affect agricultural, biological, and biomedical research at the University of Dayton.

Infectious Agents

Selection of an appropriate biosafety level for work with a particular agent or animal study depends upon a number of factors. Some of the most important factors are: the virulence, pathogenicity, biological stability, route of spread, and communicability of the agent; the nature or function of the laboratory; the procedures and manipulations involving the agent; the endemicity of the agent; and the availability of effective vaccines or therapeutic measures.

The University of Dayton Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews operations involving bioagents and biohazards.  The IBC recommends policies and procedures for biological and infectious materials.  Regulatory compliance and protection of our personnel, facilities and other resources are integral to the committee’s work. 

Centers for Disease Control Biosafety program

(http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm)

To review the infectious waste management guide, please contact EHS/RM at 937-229-4503.

Select Agents and Toxins

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulates the possession, use, and transfer of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. The CDC Select Agent Program oversees these activities and registers all laboratories and other entities in the United States of America that possess, use, or transfer a select agent or toxin.

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) published final rules for the possession, use, and transfer of select agents and toxins (42 C.F.R. Part 73, 7 C.F.R. Part 331, and 9 C.F.R. Part 121) in the Federal Register on March 18, 2005.

Centers for Disease Control Select Agent Program (http://www.cdc.gov/od/sap/)

Centers for Disease Control List of Select Agents (http://www.cdc.gov/od/sap/docs/salist.pdf)

Shipping Infectious materials

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulate shipment of human and animal pathogens. They require that researchers who prepare infectious materials for shipment receive periodic training (every 2 or 3 years, depending on the regulation). In addition, packages must be marked and labeled exactly as the regulations specify, and packaging materials must have been tested and certified to withstand certain durability and pressure tests. Cardboard boxes in which supplies have been received cannot be used to ship infectious materials. Recent events have led to greater scrutiny for compliance with these regulations.

For assistance with the shipment of infectious materials, please contact EHS/RM at 937-229-4503.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Workers in many different occupations are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. First aid team members, housekeeping personnel in some settings, nurses and other healthcare providers are examples of workers who may be at risk of exposure.

In 1991, OSHA issued the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) to protect workers from this risk. In 2001, in response to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, OSHA revised the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The revised standard clarifies the need for employers to select safer needle devices and to involve employees in identifying and choosing these devices.

To review the University of Dayton Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan, please contact EHS/RM at 937-229-4503.