University of Akron Institutional Biosafety Committee

The University of Akron Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews research with and educational use of biological agents.  Its mission is to ensure appropriate biosafety procedures are in place when use of biological agents occurs. The IBC is also established in accordance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules ("NIH Guidelines").

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION


Coming Soon-Links to application and Policy/Procedure. In the mean time, reach out to Jandy Hanna in the Office of Research Administration for more information.

BIOSAFETY RESOURCES

NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules ("NIH Guidelines")

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th Edition

  • The BMBL is a tool for assessing biosafety risk and containment and mitigation practices. It is a best practice manual
  • The BMBL

ASM Guidelines for Biosafety Training in Teaching Laboratories

  • The American Society For Microbiology provides guidelines for biosafety training in teaching labs.
  • Thsee guidelines provide a consistent approach to safe work with microorganisms in teaching labs. These guidelines are for work with just BSL-1 and BSL-2 organisms.
  • ASM Guidelines for Teaching Labs

The WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual (LBM)

  • The LBM is a another useful tool for assessing biosafety risk and containment and mitigation practices.
  • The LBM

Select Agents and Toxins list

  • This list is maintained by the CDC, USDA, and HHS. Work with these agents or toxins requires review by the full IBC. Further, there are export-control restrictions in working with these agents or toxins, in addition to heightened containment practices.
  • Select Agents and Toxins List
  • Some agents or toxins on this list are excluded from theheightened practices, though not from the export-controls, when small quantities are utilized. Excluded agents and toxins
  • The Federal Select Agent program provides additional guidance on work with these agents and toxins. Guidance on the regulation of select agent and toxin nucleic acids

Research with Dual Use Agents

  • Dual use agents are those that are known to post a significant threat to public health, agricultural crops and plants, animals, the environment, or national security, if used inappropriately. Work with these agents requires full IBC review.
  • Dual Use Research of Concern

Risk Group Database

  • The Risk Group Database is provided by the American Biological Safety Association. It provides a mechanism to access a summary of risk classifications from the resources listed above and from other resources.
  • Risk Group Database

Laboratory-Acquired Infection Database (LAI)

  • The LAI is a searchable database describing the various lab acquired infections, which may occur from work with certain biological agents. It may be useful for understanding how to prevent such infections, and ensuring safe biological containment, PPE, and mitigation practices.
  • LAI Database

Ohio EPA Infectious Waste

  • The Ohio EPA regulates the generation, treatment, transportation, and disposal of infectious waste.
  • The University of Akron EOHS department maintains the appropriate permits for generation, treatment, transportation, and disposal of infectious waste.
  • Ohio EPA Infectious Waste