91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ is committed to providing a safe working environment for its researchers. 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ achieves this goal through multiple programs, plans and committees, as described below. Any laboratory safety incidents should be promptly reported to the Human Resources (HR), utilizing the appropriate form.
Principal Investigators (PIs) are responsible for ensuring the use of safe practices by all personnel in their labs, as well as training personnel on lab specific practices. See the sections below for more information, or contact the ORSP.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ has established the research laboratory chemical hygiene plan (CHP) in accordance with OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1450. Below are links to 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ's CHP, templates for PIs and external content.
Biological safety is achieved through multiple plans, as described below.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ has procedures in place to address the security of research laboratories. Only authorized personnel are permitted access to research laboratories. The 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Safety and Security Committee reviews safety and security practices on campus and is advisory to the Vice President of Finance and Facilities.For more information, see the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Safety and Security overview webpage.
Biological samples may be potentially hazardous. The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) makes recommendations to the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ administration regarding best practices to ensure that potential biological hazards are identified, contained, and utilized properly. This ensures the safety of 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ employees and students, as well as visitors who may be in areas with potential biological hazards. The IBC makes recommendations on work with Biological hazards, OSHA Bloodborne pathogens, and Infectious medical waste as described below, and makes determinations regarding work with rDNA.
Next IBC meeting: none scheduled
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard () describes safeguards that employers must provide to protect employees against health hazards posed by BBP. Part of the standard is a requirement for an exposure control plan, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, etc. 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ's Exposure control plan is provided below, as well as links to reference guides by OSHA.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ BBP Guidelines & Exposure Control Plan
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ has established an infectious medical waste plan in accordance with the state of West Virginia's rule 64 CSR 56 and OSHA's Exposure to Bloodborne pathogens.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ has established an occupational health and safety program (OHSP) as part of its overall program of animal care and use.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), an Institute of NIH, provides a wealth of training resources for general laboratory safety. Please review the resources here for additional information, training, and responsible conduct of research.