Biological & Laboratory Safety (B&LS) supports the research goals of the University by promoting research safety and assuring sound laboratory management. This is accomplished by providing professional services and oversight in the following areas.
Biological Safety Services
The Institutional Biosafety Officer (BSO) provides professional oversight and consultation for biohazardous research operations. Infectious disease research and associated hazards are overseen as a regulatory effort under the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations. Recombinant DNA (genetic engineering and gene therapy) are overseen for compliance with the National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines under the Vice President for Research.
More than 100 Biosafety Level 2 recombinant & infectious agent labs are inspected and reviewed under this program.
Biocontainment Facility Certification: Under the purview of the BSO are all Bio-Safety Level 3 “containment” labs, designed specifically for high hazard work with infectious agents. Management and performance of these containment facilities are held to higher standards and are closely monitored for compliance with the Biosafety Manual and other applicable guidelines.
Laboratory Safety Services
Federal and State regulations apply to research laboratory operations. Lab Safety Standard, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, research lasers, research machine shops, solid-state electronics production, and other risks all carry regulatory requirements of safety and sound management. Research units are expected to adhere to safety standards established in these areas. B&LS provides consultation to units on efficient ways to maintain safe workplaces and methods, and reduce injury risks.
Certification Services
B&LS provides certification and maintenance services for 1,800 chemical fume hoods and 700 biosafety cabinets to assure they contain the hazards as designed. Safety performance of these units depends on airflow rates that must fall between fairly narrow boundaries.
Hazardous Procedures Manual & Safety Training Development
Supervisors of University research employees are required to provide specific training on the occupational risks associated with their research materials and methods. B&LS provides base-line safety training in all areas of research risk, increasing awareness, and reducing the regulatory burden on research operations. Template manuals and Standard Operating Procedures are provided that are easy for researchers to understand and to customize to meet their needs.
Research Facility Planning & Design
B&LS assists facilities and renovation engineers in planning high-quality laboratory space to support successful research projects. Application of local exhaust ventilation equipment, specialty containment equipment, emergency eyewash stations, chemical storage features, and other design features are considered to reduce workplace risks.
Environment of Care
B&LS serves the industrial hygiene and safety needs of the UM Hospitals and Health Centers (UMHHC) to protect the environmental health of patients and caregivers. These services, toward Joint Commission (JCAHO) requirements for safety and health management, are provided through UMHHC Safety Management Services and the UMHHC Safety Officer.
Safety Coordinators
Safety Coordinators, appointed by their Director or Department Chair, assist B&LS by receiving and distributing safety-related materials from OSEH, and by functioning as a safety information resource to their constituents.
Annual Bloodborne Pathogens Refresher Training (Online)
Biohazardous Material Handling
Biohazardous Waste Handling
Biosafety Cabinets
Centers for Disease Control Guidance
Recombinant DNA Requirements
Summary of Practical Disinfectants
Hazards Information
Laboratory Safety Standards
Don't Wear Protective Gloves Outside the Research Laboratory Poster
Door Signs and Bottle Labels for Hazardous Chemicals (Online Ordering Available)
Employee Specific Chemical Hygiene Training Form
Glove Compatibility Charts
Hazardous Gases Purchasing Program & Procedures
Laboratory Fume Hoods Helpful Hints on Effective Use
Laboratory Safety Checklist
Planning Safe Research
Required New Hire Training Schedule for Laboratory Personnel
Biosafety Manual
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
Exposure Control Plan (ECP) for Bloodborne Pathogens
Compendium for Laboratory Facilities
Laboratory Safety Standard Operating Procedure Template
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