The functions of the ISU Biosafety Committee are listed below:
On behalf of the institution, the Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for:
- Reviewing recombinant DNA research conducted at or sponsored by ISU for compliance with the NIH Guidelines as specified in Section III, Experiments Covered by the NIH Guidelines, and approving those research projects that are found to conform with the NIH Guidelines. This review shall include: (i) independent assessment of the containment levels required by the NIH Guidelines for the proposed research, and (ii) assessment of the facilities, procedures, practices, and training and expertise of personnel involved in recombinant DNA research.
- Notifying the Principal Investigator of the results of the Institutional Biosafety Committee's review and approval.
- Lowering containment levels for certain experiments as specified in Section III- C- 2-a, Experiments in which DNA from Human or Animal Pathogens (Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, or Class 5 Agents) is Cloned into Nonpathogenic Prokaryotic or Lower Eukaryotic Host- Vector Systems.
- Setting containment levels as specified in Sections III- C- 4-b, Experiments Involving Whole Animals, and III- C- 5, Experiments Involving Whole Plants.
- Periodically reviewing recombinant DNA research conducted at ISU to ensure compliance with the NIH Guidelines.
- Adopting emergency plans covering accidental spills and personnel contamination resulting from recombinant DNA research.
Laboratory Safety Monograph (copies are available from the Office of Recombinant DNA Activities, National Institutes of Health/MSC 7010, 6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 302, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7010 (301) 496-9838 describes basic elements for developing specific procedures dealing with major spills of potentially hazardous materials in the laboratory, including information and references about decontamination and emergency plans. The NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are available to provide consultation and direct assistance, if necessary, as posted in the Laboratory Safety Monograph. The institution shall cooperate with the state and local public health departments by reporting any significant research- related illness or accident that may be hazardous to the public health.
- Reporting any significant problems with or violations of the NIH Guidelines and any significant research- related accidents or illnesses to the appropriate institutional official and NIH/ORDA within 30 days. Reports to NIH/ORDA shall be sent to the Office of Recombinant DNA Activities, National Institutes of Health/MSC 7010, 6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 302, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7010, (301) 496-9838.
- The ISU's Biosafety Committee may not authorize initiation of experiments which are not explicitly covered by the NIH Guidelines until NIH (with the advice of the RAC when required) establishes the containment requirement.
- Performing such other functions as may be delegated to the Institutional Biosafety Committee under Section IV- B- 2, Institutional Biosafety Committee.
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