RESEARCH POLICY
SERIES
POLICY AND PROCEDURE STATEMENT
ON COMPLIANCE REGARDING CRISIS PLANNING
FOR BIOSAFETY AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
PURPOSE
The purpose of this plan is to inform workers who generate, process, and dispose
of potentially biohazardous materials at Mississippi State University of the
institutional policy and procedure regarding compliance with regard to federal
regulations pertaining to emergency/crisis situations.
POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Individuals who handle potentially biohazardous materials should be aware of
University policies and procedures, as well as pertinent federal, state, and
local guidelines regulating such activities. This information is contained in
the Research Policy Series Policy and Procedure Statement on Biosafety at
Mississippi State University and the University Biological Safety Manual,
both of which are available through the MSU Biosafety Office.
A. Response
The Mississippi State University policy and procedure with regard to any biosafety related emergency or crisis (e.g., accidental exposure incidents, noncompliance with regulations, etc.) have been formulated in accordance with those described in NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (59 FR 34496) and OSHA Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Final Rule (29 CFR 1910.1030). While impossible to formulate one comprehensive response plan which would be appropriate for all biohazardous situations, several fundamental principles should always be adhered to (Laboratory Safety Monograph. A Supplement to the NIH Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research. NIH. 1979. pp. 194-195):
a. Remove all personnel from the affected area.
b. Do not reenter until the extent of the hazard is determined.
c. Determine the necessity for treating persons exposed to potentially hazardous materials.
d. Decontaminate the affected area.
The IBC emergency plan for responding to accidental spills and personnel contamination is taken directly from the NIH Laboratory Safety Monograph. Pertinent information regarding appropriate responses to specific biosafety related emergencies can be found in the OSHA Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Final, Rule (29 CFR 1910.1030), Biosafety in the Laboratory. Prudent Practices for the Handling and Disposal of Infectious Materials (National Academy of Sciences. 1989), and Laboratory Safety Principles and Practices (American Society for Microbiology Press. 1995. 2nd ed.). These resources are available through the MSU Biosafety Office.
B. Roles
According to the NIH Guidelines, Mississippi State University is responsible for providing appropriate training for the IBC Chair and members, the BSO, principal investigators, and laboratory personnel. Members may be trained through the IBC Chair, while laboratory staff may be trained through the principal investigator. The IBC is responsible for adopting emergency plans as developed in consultation with the BSO for responding to accidental spills and personnel contamination.
C. Reporting
According to the NIH Guidelines, MSU must report all "significant problems with and violations of the Guidelines and all significant research-related accidents and illnesses" to the NIH Office of Recombinant DNA Activities within 30 days unless it can establish that the principal investigator or IBC has previously done so. All such reports shall be filed with the BSO and reviewed by the IBC. Reports shall consist of an expository description of the accident and its contributing factors, medical care rendered, and personnel involved.
REVIEW
This policy and procedure statement will be reviewed every four years or as needed by the Biosafety Officer (BSO) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) with recommendations for revision presented to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Vice President of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine.
OP 79.07
12/11/07
For information about this policy, contact the responsible/reviewing department hyperlinked above.
