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INTRODUCTION TO THE BIOLOGICAL SAFETY MANUAL

 

This Biological Safety Manual is a repository of information offered as a representation of the purposes and services of the UT Biosafety Program.  To take advantage of the Internet, this document is formatted to be a “front door” to other resources, including useful web links.  Where appropriate, web links are provided that can be clicked to view the webpage.  This Biological Safety Manual should be considered a living document and will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed.

This manual focuses on Biosafety Levels 1 and 2 as most UTK-A research laboratories fall within these designations.  A separate manual is available for researches working in the BSL-3 laboratory.  No work with Biosafety Level 4 agents may be conducted at the University of Tennessee.

The Biosafety Program and the requirements for researchers are outlined in this manual.  Registration and training information is provided along with details on work practices, safety equipment and facility design.  It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator or Supervisor to ensure that his/her laboratory is in compliance.  That responsibility includes identification of the risk or hazards associated with their research and the application of the appropriate safety procedures.  Please read the section on responsibilities for additional information.

The Biosafety Office is available for consultation if you have any question or concern with any aspect of the Biosafety Program at the University.  If you are unsure of a requirement or biosafety practice, please contact the Biosafety Office at 974-1938 for assistance.  Any feedback or comments that will improve this document or fortify the service provided by the Biosafety Office are welcomed.

 

Table of Contents

1. Responsibilities
2. Principles of Biosafety
3. Biosafety Practices and Procedures
4. Controlling Biological Hazards
5. Transporting Biological Hazards
6. Use of Viral Vectors
7. Acute Biological Toxins
8. Training
9. Occupational Health
10. Bloodborne Pathogens
11. Lab Closeout Procedures
12. Equipment Decontamination