Biosafety

The Institutional Biosafety Committee, or IBC, is the ISU committee with oversight of the use of rDNA and regulated or other potentially biohazardous or infectious materials. The IBC reviews protocols for experiments using these biomaterials.

All research conducted at Idaho State University involving rDNA molecules must meet with current NIH Guidelines as a condition of institutional eligibility for NIH funds.

Research and activities requiring review and approval from the ISU IBC are described in detail in the IBC Handbook.

For assistance, please contact IBC Interim Chair Deb Easterly at (208) 282-2618 or the IBC Committee Coordinator, Robin Wilson, at (208) 282-1336 or via biosafe@isu.edu.

CITI Training module completion may be required for principal investigators and laboratory personnel.

Biosafety Resources

A different look.  All provided MSWord files are formatted to use accessible tables for data-entry.  When completing these forms, text boxes will expand as needed to accommodate content, regardless of how small they look initially. Click between tables to move to different boxes - if you tab, you will create unnecessary rows.  If you have issues with these forms, please contact Robin Wilson, IBC Committee Coordinator at biosafe@isu.edu.  She will work with you as needed, per Web Accessibility policy.

1. Primary resource for PI, Laboratory Supervisors and Laboratory Staff: 
           The Institutional Biosafety Committee Handbook for Oversight of the Use of rDNA and Potentially Biohazardous or Infectious Materials (IBC Handbook*). This is your primary resource for ISU biosafety procedures. It outlines the process of protocol preparation and submission. *Updated August 2020.

2. Getting Protocols Reviewed

1. Biosafety Level 1 (BSL1) projects complete the
   1. Biosafety Research Registration Form
   2. BSL1 Biosafety Laboratory Manual
      Submit these files to biosafe@isu.edu with the subject line, "IBC Research Activity Form".
      BSL1 projects may not require the full IBC review, but may be approved by the IBC Chair.
      Once reviewed by the IBC Chair and/or IBC Committee Coordinator, guidance will be provided to you via biosafe@isu.edu
      
      
2. Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) projects, regardless of biomaterial, complete the
   1. Biosafety Research Registration Form;
   2. The protocol form(s) [listed below] associated with the biomaterial(s) intended for use during your project.
      More than one protocol form may be required;
   3. A BSL2 Biosafety Laboratory Manual for each lab space to be used for the project. If some project equipment is located in separate rooms, that portion of the Lab Manual should be copied to that location upon approval. If using a "core lab" with an existing manual, provide a copy of that core lab manual with an explanation.
   4. Perform a Laboratory Biosafety Physical Self-Inspection for BSL2 form to document lab readiness.  Provide a copy of the completed form. A formal inspection is part of the IBC approval process.

BSL2 protocols require a full IBC review during a scheduled meeting.

c. Renewal of Previously Approved Protocols   

1.  marked for renewal;

2. Protocol form(s) based on the biological materials in use

3. A revised/updated  for each lab space to be used for the project. (especially training information and personnel) 

4.  to document lab readiness.  

If you are uncertain which form applies contact biosafe@isu.edu with questions.

 3. Forms

Biosafety Research Registration Form
Includes a Registration section, Protocol Background section and the Principal Investigator/Laboratory Director or Instructor Assurance (acceptance of responsibilities).

Protocol Form A Use of Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules in Research 

Protocol Form B. Use of Infectious Agents, Toxins and Select Agents in Research

Protocol Form C Human and Non-Human Primate Blood, Cell Lines, or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM)

Protocol Form D Use of Biological Materials in Teaching Laboratories

Protocol Form E Modification of Approved Protocols

FORM F – Accident/Exposure/ Noncompliance Incident Report

4. Laboratory Manual Forms
These two Biosafety Laboratory Manuals contain required references and guidance that every lab manual must contain.  In addition, they are forms providing spaces for a PI/Instructor/Lab Director to list the laboratory directions required for their specific project.

• Biosafety Laboratory Manual for BSL1
  Preparation of a BSL1 laboratory manual is required for work at this level.

• BSL2 Biosafety Laboratory Manual
  Preparation of a BSL2 laboratory manual is required in order for the IBC to approve a BSL2 protocol. The lab manual file has portions that must be completed using MS Word and signed for submission.

For questions about the IBC Handbook or forms, contact IBC Interim Chair Deb Easterly at biosafe@isu.edu.

Protocol document sets (Registration form with protocol form with laboratory manual) must be submitted to biosafe@isu.edu before the submission deadlines listed in the table below to be considered during an IBC meeting.

Institutional Biosafety Committee Members

Spring 2020 Meeting Dates and Proposal Submission Deadlines

Fall 2020 Meeting Dates and Proposal Submission Deadlines

Protocols are due tobiosafe@isu.eduby close of business on 
  each deadline date to be considered at the next Meeting.

Biosafety Contacts:

Research Outreach & Compliance
Business and Technology Center
Bldg 86, Rm 107, Stop 8286