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RESEARCH POLICY SERIES
POLICY AND PROCEDURE STATEMENT ON
BIOSAFETY AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Biosafety Officer (BSO) is to ensure protection of workers who generate, process, and dispose of potentially hazardous biological materials at Mississippi State University, as well as others who may become exposed to biological hazards within the university environment. This policy and procedure statement provides for compliance with federal, state, and local government regulations concerning biosafety in research and instructional settings.

REVIEW

This policy and procedure statement will be reviewed as needed by the BSO and IBC with recommendations for revision presented to the Regulatory Compliance Officer for review and transmission to the Vice President for Research.

POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Primary and secondary containment will be accomplished in a manner compliant with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (59 FR 34496). This document has been revised to address pertinent research in whole animals and whole plants, as well as in vitro work.  Containment is provided by adherence to standard microbiological practices and techniques employing appropriate equipment in properly designed facilities. Information concerning such practices, techniques, equipment, and facilities at four biosafety levels is detailed in Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. Proper manipulation of blood and other tissue fluids within the context of "universal precautions" is summarized in Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Final Rule (29 CFR 1910.1030). 

Additionally, registration and management of select agents will be accomplished in accordance with federal law (1996 Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act and the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2002).

A. IBC

The IBC is a standing committee that reports to the Vice President for Research. It has the responsibility under the NIH Guidelines and on behalf of the university for formulating and recommending biosafety policies and establishing procedures, as well as reviewing research involving matters relating to biosafety for compliance and approving projects judged to be compliant. The university has further charged the IBC with responsibility for (a) oversight and establishment of procedures and policies regarding disposal of non- radioactive biohazardous wastes, (b) reviewing and advising with regard to situations which represent potential biological hazards, and (c) reviewing research personnel, facilities, procedures, and proposals in the area of recombinant DNA technology.

B. BSO

The BSO is appointed by the Vice President for Research and is generally responsible for implementing university policies and the procedures set forth by the IBC, monitoring compliance, reporting problems and violations, assisting laboratory directors with training of laboratory personnel, and providing technical advice on matters relating to biosafety.

C. Oversight and Approval

Any individual planning to (a) use microorganisms, biological toxins, or other materials which may pose a biological hazard for which biosafety level 2 or greater practices, techniques, equipment, or facilities are required, or (b) employ recombinant DNA technology must do so with IBC concurrence and approval. The Biosafety Office should be contacted prior to proposal submission or, in the case of non-funded research, prior to study initiation. The BSO will then assist in presenting the appropriate request to the IBC for review prior to signing the Internal Approval Sheet. All laboratories certified to be biosafety level 2 or above are to be inspected by the BSO as needed.

Individuals planning to obtain materials referenced above which may pose biological hazards for which Biosafety level 2 or greater practices, techniques, equipment, or facilities are required must contact the BSO prior to receipt of such materials.

Agricultural field work with transgenic crop species for which USDA-APHIS notification guidelines are applicable does not require IBC approval because it must be performed in a manner compliant with USDA-APHIS guidelines after proposals have been subjected to a permitting process. Researchers should, however, inform the IBC of the proposed research by submitting a copy of the proposal to the Biosafety Office for filing. The BSO will forward a copy to the IBC Chair who will notify pertinent members of the intended work. Agricultural field work with all other transgenic plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, as well as genetically modified microorganisms, must be submitted to the IBC for approval.

D. Training

It is the responsibility of laboratory directors to provide adequate biosafety training for laboratory personnel under their supervision. The NIH Guidelines stipulate that principal investigators (i.e., laboratory directors) must have adequate training with regard to good microbiological technique. Furthermore, the laboratory director is responsible for providing laboratory staff with (a) protocols describing potential biohazards and appropriate precautions, (b) training in the area of methods to ensure biosafety and deal with accidents, and (c) information regarding precautionary medical procedures. The Biosafety Officer is available to assist laboratory directors with all aspects of such training.

E. Disposal

Potentially hazardous biological materials are to be considered "regulated medical wastes" and should be disposed of in a manner consistent with the Mississippi State Department of Health policies detailed in Adopted Standards for the Regulation of Medical Waste in Health Care Facilities Licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health .

F. Packaging and Shipping

All regulated biohazardous materials will be packaged and shipped in a manner compliant with federal guidelines and codes as they are developed and communicated to the IBC and BSO.

G. Consequences of Noncompliance

It is imperative that biosafety policies and procedures be strictly adhered to in order to ensure the good health of workers and compliance with government guidelines in order not to jeopardize the status of the university with respect to the ability to obtain federal funding. According to the NIH Guide, proposed research which involves special hazards may result in the delay of funding or suspension of work. Grantees and contractors must be prepared to demonstrate that proper standards have been put in place or practice.

OP 79.2
08/16/04

For information about this policy, contact the reviewing department.