BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROGRAM

The Biological Safety program is concerned with protecting laboratory personnel and the environment from biohazardous and carcinogenic substances. Some of the services include: providing information to researchers on recommended procedures for handling pathogenic microorganisms and chemical carcinogens, periodic lab inspections, monitoring of biological safety cabinets, and insuring proper use of autoclaves and chemical disinfectants.

A registry of research with agents classified as Biosafety Level 2 & 3 and Human Bloodborne Pathogens is maintained. Laboratory animal facilities and animal care practices are also monitored.

QUICK LINKS

Human Blood, Body Fluids or Tissues

• Research Registration Form 
• Human Body Fluids Precautions Policy
• Fact Sheet
• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biochemical Laboratories
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Fact Sheets [pdf documents]

Pathogenic Microorganisms or Toxins

• Research Registration Form
• Select Agent List
• CDC Select Agent Program FAQ Web Site
• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biochemical Laboratories

Handling and Disposal

• Biohazardous Waste Management
• Storage and Treatment
• Sharps
• Autoclaves
• Biosafety Cabinets

TRAINING

• Bloodborne Pathogen Training
• Biological Safety Training
• Videos

FACT SHEETS:

Guidelines for Autoclave Users - Steam Autoclave Record for Decontamination

Requirements for the Storage and Treatment of Biohazardous Waste

Sharps Fact Sheet

Biosafety Cabinet Fact Sheet

Guidelines for Preventing Transmission of Infections through Human Blood, Body Fluids, and Tissues in Research Laboratories

REGISTRATION FORMS:

• The University of Massachusetts at Amherst - Biological Hazards Committee Registration Form for Research with Human Blood, Body Fluids or Tissues
• The University of Massachusetts at Amherst - Registration of Pathogenic Microorganisms or Toxins Form

LINKS:

• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biochemical Laboratories, HHS Publication No. CDC 84-8395, http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/bmbl4toc.htm
• Select Agent List, appendixa.html, 42 CFR Part 72.6, Appendix A
• CDC Office of Health and Safety Information System, Select Agent Transfer, {http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/lrsat.htm}
• Biosafety Documents from CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm
• Vice Chancellor For Research - Animal Care Office, http://www.umass.edu/research/aco
• Vice Chancellor For Research - Office of Recombinant DNA, http://www.umass.edu/research/comply.html
• Vice Chancellor For Research – Human Subjects, http://www.umass.edu/research/comply.html
• Mass DPH – Fact Sheets, http://www.state.ma.us/dph/pubstats.htm

© 2004 University of Massachusetts Amherst. Site Policies.
This site is maintained Environmental Health and Safety