Laboratory Users

Laboratory Users Working with Biological Materials

Personnel who work with, have access to, or may be exposed to, biological materials are responsible for the following:

  • Following all legislative requirements and contractual agreements as applicable in addition to procedures and requirements in this manual;
  • Following all requirements from the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement on Biosafety (PDF);
  • Reporting immediately to the Principal Investigator (or the lab manager in the absence of the PI, or the Senior Biosafety Officer through Campus Police):
    1. Any reason to believe that a biological material (e.g. toxins, genetically modified organism or microorganism) has been released inadvertently from the facility;
    2. Any inadvertent production of that human, animal, or plant pathogen or toxin in the course of an activity;
    3. Any reason to believe that an incident involving a human pathogen or toxin that is in their possession has, or may have, caused an exposure to an individual;
    4. Any reason to believe that an incident involving a human pathogen or toxin that is in their possession has, or may have, caused disease in an individual;
    5. Any reason to believe that a human, animal, or plant pathogen or toxin that was in their possession has been stolen or is otherwise missing;
  • Following instructions, procedures, and best biosafety practices;
  • Following all safety procedures;
  • Using a biosafety cabinet when required and as applicable;
  • Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses as applicable and as required;
  • Reporting to the lab supervisor any workplace hazard;
  • Refraining from operating equipment or working in a way that may pose a risk to the health and safety of any person;
  • Participating in the University’s medical surveillance programs when appropriate.