BioSafety Plan
The Biosafety Plan has been developed to provide guidance and enforce policies and procedures of the Biosafety Committee to microbiological and biomedical practices at Wake Forest University’s (WFU) laboratories.
These policies and procedures apply to any research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules inserted into cells/organisms and potentially pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, the policies and procedures specify safety practices and the safe handling of biological materials.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have also published Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories 5th Edition, in conjunction with NIH, for working with all potential biohazards in the lab. Laboratories must follow the guidelines as described, and are encouraged to call the EHS Department for guidance and assistance.
Work with Recombinant DNA
Individuals or laboratories planning on using recombinant DNA in research must first file an application with the Wake Forest University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The IBC establishes and maintains a control system for the use and management of biohazards within all campuses of the University. A copy of the approved application must be kept within the laboratory where research is performed.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have published NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, to be followed when using recombinant or synthetic DNA or RNA in research. The IBC uses these guidelines during the application approval to ensure all requirements are met.
Work with Infectious Agents
Work with infectious agents must follow the same IBC approval process as research with recombinant DNA. Risk Group Classification for Infectious Agents.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Prior to working with human blood or bodily fluids, lab personnel must be trained in the WFU Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (BBP ECP). The ECP is designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and other bloodborne pathogens.
Persons working with human blood or bodily fluids and those who are reasonably expected to be potentially exposed must take the Bloodborne Pathogen Training, and complete the Hepatitis B Vaccination documentation and return to EHS.
In addition, researchers working with human blood or bodily fluids should complete the Bloodborne Pathogen Checklist prior to beginning research and review with the EHS Department.
Shipping Biological Material
Prior to shipping any biological material, the PI or designee must be trained in the packaging, labeling, marking and documenting of hazardous goods for shipment. The Department of Transportation regulates the shipment of hazardous materials. This training must be completed and the quiz completed at least once every three years. The shipper must also complete the WFU Hazardous Material Shipping Form and submit to EHS prior to shipment.
Questions?
Need to report an unsafe condition or incident?
Phone: 336.758.EHAS (3427)
Email: wfuehs@wfu.edu
Office Location: The EHS building is in the Facilities Compound on Wingate Road. It is the last building on the left up from Fleet Services, next door to Landscaping.
