Biosafety
What is Biosafety?
Biosafety is the application of knowledge, techniques and equipment to prevent personal, laboratory and environmental exposure to potentially infectious agents or biohazards. Biosafety defines the containment conditions under which infectious agents can be safely manipulated. We specify the responsibilities, practices, procedures, facility construction, and operational standards required for safe handling and use of biohazardous materials for research and teaching activities.
Training |
Forms |
Guides |
| Biosafety Bloodborne Pathogens For more information, refer to the Training Schedule of Classes |
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) |
Biological Safety Cabinets Handwashing Institutional Biosafety Committee Medical Waste Management Plan Responsibilities of PIs Spill Cleanup |
Our program provides regulatory oversight via the following:
- Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
- Biohazard Use Authorization (BUA)
- Biological Safety Cabinet Certification
- Exposure Control Plan
- Medical Waste Management Plan
Regulations are set forth by the federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Center for Disase Control (CDC), National Institute of Health (NIH), and the university. Learn more about our services and areas of expertise.
How do I keep myself safe and healthy?
Principal Investigators should review their responsibilities regarding biohazard materials. Learn more about the proper use of equipment, such as autoclaves and Biological Safety Cabinets. Follow proper spill cleanup procedures. Familiarize yourself with our Biosafety Glossary of Terms. Review quick one-page Biosafety Fast Facts.
For more information
- American Biological Safety Association
- Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 5th Edition (CDC)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (Cal OSHA)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (Federal OSHA)
- Certification of Biological Safety Cabinets policy (hosted by the Office of Research)
- MSDS for Infectious Substances / Agents (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Medical Waste Management Program in the State of California (CDPH)
- Recombinant DNA Guidelines (NIH)
- Comprehensive Biosafety Information from AIHA