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Biosafety is a two way path – to be ‘biosafe’ implies creating a safe working environment for all personnel and ensuring that the work being done does not impact the environment. Biohazardous materials include all infectious organisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites, prions, rickettsias, viruses, etc.) that can cause disease in humans, or cause significant environmental or agricultural impact. In addition to organisms, work with human or primate tissues, fluids, cells or cell culture will be addressed here.

Along with the above, recombinant DNA, transgenic plants or animals, and human gene therapy will be discussed here, as will work with animals known to be reservoirs of zoonotic diseases.

This site is divided up into four sections:

Practical - information you will need to do research at Stanford

Stanford University Biosafety Manual (2007)

List of Biohazardous Agents

Biological Agents and Toxins Database

Administrative Panel on Biosafety (APB)

Select Agents

Personnel Protective Equipment

Training

Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

Shipping of Dangerous Biological Goods

Shipping of Biohazardous Goods
Shipping of Biological Goods
Shipping with Dry Ice

Export Controls Related to Biologicals and Toxins

Hepatitis B Vaccination

Sharps Injuries

Request for Biosafety Approval Letter

Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program

Chemical Use in Animal Research Protocols

Biosafety Cabinets

Biosafety Cabinets and proper use (from the CDC/NIH Primary Containment for Biohazards, Section V)

Autoclaves

Medical and Biohazardous Waste

Useful - supporting information for the practical issues

Infectious Disease Fact Sheets

Biological Agents MSDS

NIH Guidelines

Working with Viral Vectors

Viral Vectors - BSL Levels

Lab biosafety levels

How To Choose The Correct Disinfectant

Interesting - assorted biology related sites

Common Questions... and common answers

Biosafety Manager:

Ellyn Segal, Ph.D.
Dept. EH&S
480 Oak Rd.
Stanford University
650.725.1473
esegal@stanford.edu

Common Questions…and common answers:

1. Do I need APB approval to work with (my favorite bug)?

Check the list of Biosafety Levels at http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/bmbl4toc.htm. If your organism is under BL-1, you do not need approval. If the level is 2 or 3, you must submit an application (APB form). If it is level 4 or 5, you are at the wrong institution.

2. I’m just doing some cloning. Why do I need to get APB approval?

You might not, but them again you might. First check the exempt categories. If your experiments do not fall within that class, go to the NIH rDNA guidelines at http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/rac/guidelines/guidelines.html And yes, the guidelines are written with typical government clarity, so be patient – and submit an APB application.

3. Are all viral vectors the same? Why does the gene insert make a difference?

All vectors are not the same. More importantly, the class of gene insert can change the Biosafety level of the construct. Go to Gene Vector Biosafety Levels for many; common vectors and insert classifications.

4. How can I get a Biosafety Approval letter for a fellowship Grant?

Go to Biosafety Approval Letter Request

5. How do I get a Hepatitis B vaccination?

If you are an employee, call the Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC) at 725-5308. Schedule an appointment for the vaccination series - Stanford University will cover all the costs. If you are a student, go through Vaden (yes, Stanford University will cover your costs too).

6. Who do I call to get my Biosafety cabinet serviced?

Call TSS, Inc. at 510.845.5591. Stanford University has a service contract set up with them.

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